Something about the details in this really made it work. Right from the first few pages I was captivated by the world created. I want to say it’s very human but since plenty of the characters aren’t humans that seems like the wrong word, and saying it’s very alien is definitely the wrong one, though by the time you’ve finished the book you’ll think it’s the right one too.

It’s very much an ongoing story kind of a book, not one with a big overarching plot line. Or at least the big plot line - the one that the title refers to - is pretty much eclipsed, in my view, by the smaller plot lines running through the book. And that’s all fine, though there were a few times I wanted more about some of the stories. I’m pleased to find it’s the first in a series so I can go back and find out what everyone gets up to next.

I expected to like this but was really pleased that I actually did.