This book was a bit hit-and-miss for me. I enjoyed the world-building, in the sense that this was after the war with the galactic empire and we got to see how the fallout of that war affected a particular planet; I like that perspective. I also liked the main character, Kel, and I thought her characterization was well done and believable.

However, I found the plot to be a bit repetitive and lacking. Much of the book's "run time" is taken up by a trip through difficult terrain, and so a lot of the plot "twists" are just difficulties that the characters encounter on this trip, right up until the halfway point. After that point, the plot grows more complex and interesting with additional elements of conflict added to the mix.

Overall, I think this is an interesting take on the galactic empire sci-fi trope, and it's well thought-out, but the plot is a touch slow for my taste.