This novel describes the social structure of a human colony on a distant world, and the journey of a young man through this world where he discovers the truth behind his society is not quite as he had thought.I have read both the Dragons of Heorot and Beowulfs legacy - two 'sister' novels to this one, and found both of them to be gripping. This novel although it stands alone - seems to run out of steam half-way through.I found that by the end I really did'ne care too much about the fate of the primary character.I enjoy Larry Nivens work - this novel just did not grip me in the way that the others have.