It is a strange thing to read a book again you first read when you were 15, over 35 years ago. Especially when your rating for the book remains exactly the same as it was then. One, of course, values different things today as you did back then so it is no mean feat that the overall view of quality has not dipped.
This is, of course, continuing the re-read of the Company Wars. Coming in at the starting point from a published date perspective. What strikes me on reflection after the read is the sheer scope that was delivered in this first novel that has allowed the author to write so many more novels in this setting. That's no mean achievement and I am struck again by the thought that this is some of the strongest world building I have ever seen.
This is a gripping tale of a war, waged over decades, circling down to a conclusion. Although a mordant and often brutal tale the resolution is surprisingly upbeat. Everything in this story is balanced against the basic fragility of habitats in space so to get to an upbeat conclusion will seem surprising. It is also a story about political economy, how societies may choose to structure themselves etc. Basically, there is a lot to chew on here.
Another strong thread in these novels is how people who have spent their whole lives in space or on alien worlds will be, different. A difference that the Earth of these stories is only just coming to see.
I bought this on paper just to have it (again) and I am a little surprised there is not a SF Masterworks edition of this. It is clearly a masterwork, won the Hugo in it's year of publication and has not aged badly at all.
Highly recommended from me.