This was my second time reading and i'm glad i reread it because I don't think I really appreciated scifi enough the first time around. I saw someone say this has less plot and is more a bunch of vignettes with all of the characters. I somewhat agree, there's definitely a plot, but it's a much more character focused book. It seems more like it's establishing characters and world building and setting up a bigger plot for future books. Personally, not a problem for me, I actually kind of enjoyed it. 

The characters are all fun. Certain species are way more interesting than others. Kizzy got a little grating but it was 2014, peak of the quirky girl character craze. She's definitely be more tolerable in a visual medium. 

The way Chambers writes about the Toremi is a bit concerning. Implying that a giant species of aliens with multiple subdivisions are all inherently violent and some of the phrasing she uses are very reminiscent of the way people (at least Americans. I cant really say I'm familiar with how other countries talk about it) talk about Arab and Muslim people. I would like to have faith in this series though and will continue reading them because the anti-Toremi sentiment feels very intentional and pointed and like it will be addressed or at least subverted down the line.