When I picked this book up I read through the blurb on the back of the book, informing me that the story was based on the planet Imakulata, colonised seven millenia before from Earth and involved the female ruler of the planet and a fight against a native creature of the planet.

From this I was expecting a Science Fiction novel. This however is written much more like a fantasy novel, which though surprising I found very satisfying. In place of Elves and Dwarves we get Dwelfs, Geblings and Gaunts, humanoid races who co-exist on Imakulata with humans.

I thought the only downside with this novel was the introduction of religion into the story which I felt did nothing but harm to the book. It may just be me, but as the religion introduced here was a futuristic form of Christianity and we have a Christ myth in the story it just didn't fit. That said, Orson Scott Card has such a natural and engaging writing style this book was a very pleasant and relaxing read. The lower score than it probably deserves I am afraid reflects my feeling on the religion plot. I don't think the book needed it.