Have been reading science fiction for over 20yrs now (wow, how they fly). This book was one of the best and most human stories I have come across. I recommend it to any real sci fi fan. If you find that it's abundance bothers you, simply skim over the political expressiveness of the book, and enjoy everything else it has to offer.My test for the quality of a book - can I start another one straight away? The longer the period, within which I cannot pick up a new book, the better the one just read. After Cyteen, I will have to wait for quite a while!And last - is there a sequel?