2.5 really. Enjoyed the world building, but the story was pretty meh and I had a lot of trouble taking the antagonists seriously as threats in this book. The series starts introducing some rather heavy philosophies in this volume regarding the the creation of artificial intelligence and free will that are actually kinda intriguing.

Example: Is it moral for man to create such an intelligence and is it emotionally healthy for us to become attached to those creations when their purpose is ultimately to be used as slaves and disposed of like trash?

The book doesn't explore those philosophies quiet as much as I'd have liked it to in this volume (it kinda just dumps them there to be explored later), but based on this series' reputation I know I'll get that exploration later on in the series.

Bottom line: if you've enjoyed the series thus far, pick it up. Otherwise, I'd give it a pass. I don't think this volume on its own will change you're mind.