9/2012 Yup. Solid 4 stars but maybe more next reading. I loved coming back to this after the whole series was under my belt. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.6/2012 I suspect that this book is going to become a 4 star book as I re-read & inhabit this series. I think I'm reading for plot now, and after another 3 or 5 books, I'm going to have to come back and read for character.I like Bujold's voice, and I'm deeply interested in the society she lays out. There are a LOT of characters here, and a lot of backstory to absorb. Every time I think I've got it figured out, there's suddenly a new character with a huge and fascinating history. Onward to the Miles books!