I generally enjoyed this, but it just took too long for the actual scifi elements to show up. I also had no interest in most of the characters other than Ye Wenjie. I did like the scientific parts and the parts that were actually about the aliens, though. I also didn't mind the parts about the cultural revolution.

The writing style felt a little stilted at first, but it was engaging and natural by the end. I also struggled some with just understanding how the tech works and visualizing the colony and God's City. However, the characters are really well developed and I found myself relating to the main character in ways I kind of wish I didn't. The book did have some emotional l impact on me and I think I'll remember it, but it's not quite a new favorite. I'll definitely continue in the series, though and see if it gets any better.

4.5 stars
This could have been a little longer, but I really enjoyed listening to this. I didn't want to stop once I got out of the car. The author fit so much in so few pages, it's just impressive. I'm finding that I really like any story that involves enemies (personal or cultural) coming to understand each other despite their differences or discovering they aren't as different as they thought they were.