This is a story about two empires in microcosm, seen through the eyes of Lieutenant Dominic Flandry as the empire of Man wanes and that of Merseia waxes. Flandry is on a routine survey mission (with a bit of “unofficial” work on the side for a local crime boss) when he is captured by a Merseian vessel.
The book had an odd feel to it. None of the characters were hugely sympathetic and the dry tone of the writing didn’t help make me warm to any of them. I was slightly disappointed by this, since I’ve really enjoyed Anderson’s other work.