This one was strange for me. Up until about a third through it had a YA vibe in a supposedly adult book, seemed slow and plodding and just was not grabbing me. I felt that it was probably going to end up a three star book. Then, the world and cast of characters expanded. The writing got tighter and the plot started to zip along.
It ended up as a pretty decent piece of sci-fi. Not quite space opera but something else that defies hanging an easy label on.
I was entertained thus it ends up as recommended and I may continue with the series.
Note, there is no UK ebook edition (frown).