Great concept, terrible execution. Half the time I didn't understand what was happening. The various aliens were not described at all other than brief bits long after they were introduced. The syntax of the Chanur people was inconsistent. The various political storylines were confusing. It had so much potential but, for me, missed the mark. I only finished it (the 1st story) to see what happened to the human refugee. Glad it wasn't a cliffhanger.