I like science fiction that has both good characterization and believable science; Ms. Downing (who also wrote under the name of Paula King) is very talented at character development and her science seems pretty solid (I'm not a physics expert though).Ingram's editorial review omits the fact that the book isn't just about Jason Roarke, but also about how young Magda copes with senseless tragedy. Both characters grow up a little in this story, and it's very enjoyable suspense. The other characters in the book are pretty realistic, too -- not stereotypes, so you get some exposure to group dynamics, too.My two favorites of Ms. Downing's are "A Whisper of Time" and "Fallway".