Once again the strongest thing about this fiction is the philosophy being explored and applied to the world. This was set to be more compelling than Messiah, which I think is the strongest book of the trilogy now, but the ending was a let down for me.

The whole becoming a god narrative is less interesting when actualized. And while it plays with the masculine and feminine, it continually proves its gender essentialism misunderstanding and characterizing the feminine. Ironic but perhaps understandable for the time period, yet still a put off, as with the absolute caricature of the gay evil Baron and the ultimate fate of Alia.

I’ll probably continue with the series but with some trepidation. I was very interested in the outcome until it flopped, so we’ll see.