Wonderfully perceptive conceptualization of invented societies and cultures, with remarkably Le Guin like precision and authenticity.An excellently realized narrative, with constant, organically occurring points of suspense; not only in its most urgent events, but with an overarching lingering tension from various underlying moral uncertaintiesWhile my personal tastes had me more captivated by Cherryh's Cyteen for its more intimate approach on inner conflicts and explorations on individual's psyche, this still struck as an undeniably accomplished work for its own specialist theme on wider societal examination.Also a noteworthy reason for awe is, indeed, that Cherryh is so able to skillfully write narrations with such distinctly different focuses; closely personal or communally resonant. The tone always just as effortlessly concise; both effective as well as affecting.This was a worthy read. Both, on its own and/or as a supporting work to the wider Alliance-Union universe. Encouraging, too, for what all else kind of flavors there still might be to discover from Cherryh's extensive library._______Reading updates.