I found this read interesting, but it is not the type of standalone science fiction book that would work for every reader. It has the characteristically stiff narration of hard sci-fi. Plus, if you are an audiobook listener, the format and narrator introduce ambiguity regarding character differentiation, occasionally obscuring shifts in perspective. However, this limitation unexpectedly enhances a specific plot element, making it more palatable, in my opinion. 

I would say this story is unique, even though it explores familiar sci-fi concepts like machine sentience, cloning, and virtual reality. I particularly liked the focus on how life might try to work around the limitations of long-distance space travel. Unveiling the mysteries of the Shatterlings was one of my high points of the book. I also enjoyed Hesperus as a character. In retrospect, if it were not for the abrupt ending, I might have rated this reading experience higher.