This book was basically everything I ever wanted out of a science fiction novel. Interesting premise, good world-building, an appreciation for the scientific aspects without too much meaningless jargon and, more importantly, an appreciation of the characters who populate the world. Nothing bothers me more than interesting science with flat characterization, but Lord's characters are all well-rounded and feel like real people. It's exactly the book I was hoping it would be and more.
Now I need to track down Lord's debut novel and read that.