On the surface this is no more than a satisfying coming of age story, full of strong characters struggling to make a life in a hostile universe. But underneath this is a very sophisticated piece of science fiction, emphasis on the science. A lot of genetics-based science fiction garbles the science pretty badly, but Cherryh nailed the complexity of the relationship between genes and the environments in which they are expressed at a time when this was still confusing to many professionals. Most amazing is that she made these ideas the heart of the story, so the unfolding lives of her characters actually embody the idea that genes and environment evolve together, neither of them possible without the other. Who we are may be explainable at some abstract level, but that doesn't make us predictable, even to ourselves. This is a very gratifying read both as fiction and as science. The unresolved nature of some key issues at the end was a bit disappointing, but only because I wanted more. That's the only reason I didn't give the story five stars.

This is not my first audiobook with Gabra Zackman. Nor is it the first time I have said that one of the main male characters sounds like a whiney adolescent.

I have read several C. J. Cherryh books and enjoyed them. Her mix of hard science and identifiable characters are perfect. In this series however, great buildup, great characters but a disappointing ending. Can't win 'em all.

VERY FAR FETCHED, SCI/FI I THINK,GOOD LISTEN ,KEEPS YOU INTRESTED, MANY TWISTS TO THE STORY ,GOOD LISTEN, YES.

I love C.J. Cherryh, but this was a bit to much. But I would try another book yes

Narration was the kind where you forgot that it was narrated and the history made pictures in the head, so you forgot you were listening.

I gave up on this book. I totaly lost intrest, and did not care what happened next. Actually don't want to know either. I'm looking for something else to amuse me. This book did not.

The story idea was good, but it was just too tedious. I was often bored and didn't like the ending.

I was disappointed by the book.

Look for "code words & phrases" in other comments.
"any reference to length"= The book was too long.
"left me wanting more"= The ending sucks.
"slow start or I wasn't sure at first"= Well I got this far, I might as well go ahead & finish.
"I didn't like the book"= You probably won't like it either.

Had the plot made sense, had the characters not been neurotic and one-dimensional, had the author told us what was going on rather than dancing around the edge of the toilet bowl.

Terry Pratchett—I need to cleanse my brain.

Been less breathless. Every single syllable was uttered in a hushed, breathless whisper.

The universe in which it is set seems interesting. Too bad the author does little with it; we're shoved, instead, into the neurotic mental thumb-twiddling of the shallow, one-dimensional characters.

I am so disappointed in this book. I love huge, sweeping space-opera style books, and this missed the mark on all points: plot, characters, and narration.

It's hard to say what I like best about this wonderful book. I had already read it, but was as swept up in the incredible tension of the psychological drama as I was when I read it. Cherryh is my absolute favorite SciFi author and I've read about 3/4 of her books. This one is one of my all time favorites. It blends bioengineering and psych management with wonderful characters, drama, political intrigue into an un-put-downable story.

Now all Audible needs to do is add Regenesis and all of the Foreigner series and I will be in seventh heaven.

I loved Arianne Emory and Justin Warrick best. Their complex relationship makes for great drama. The politics and ethical issues of bioengineering are fascinating and the behind the scenes power struggles are superbly wrought.

I've listened to Gabra Zackman before and it was when I did a search for books she's narrated that I found Cyteen. She's a superb narrator. I'm sure I've also listened to Jonathan Davis' narrations, but I don't remember. He played a minor role in this one, only reading the introductions to each chapter.

Yes! It made my heart pound and touched me both.

Please, please, Audible: give us more Cherryh!

Future worlds, political intrigue, ambition and most of all psychological genetic manipulation. If you can fit all of these things under your hat, then you will need to strap-in for this entertaining listen. I was willing to accept the transfer of personality traits from donor to next iteration host (we are still talking Sci-Fi right.....). All you need is a master plan and the time to make it happen, oh yeah, a bio-mass recycler and no one else smarter than you to get into your way.

Never waste your money on this impossible to follow trash

waste of money times two, I gave a copy to a son before I listened.

I thought the book was one of the best SF books I've listen to. Deep character development, and an involved story. Great reading performances.