Any fan will have a general idea of what to expect from this novel - taking place in space on an alien craft, so I wont drop a star because of it. What John Shirley (the author) does do is throw in some unexpected bonuses for the reader. These "bonuses" are what I enjoyed the most about the novel. Not only does the reader get more of an explanation about the history of the Alien and its background, s/he also is given a glimpse into just how dark, expansive, and powerful "The Company" really is. Novels could easily be written about "The Company" and the current state of the world and its politics as given in this book, and it would be an interesting read.
Mr. Shirley also gives enough information on other intelligent civilizations in the universe to make me suspect that he has purposively opened the doors to write about it in more detail in later novels - so don't be surprised. If done write (excuse the pun), this aforementioned yet-to-be-written series could be his proverbial "Dune", "Rendezvous with Rama", or even, "The Mote in God's Eye", to name a few.
Amazon reviewers give it 4 Stars, as of 11-14-2011.
My Rating: A solid 3.5 Stars.
