It took me 20 years to get from Intervention to the end of Magnificat. I suppose that is a risk you take when you get involved in a series while it is still being written.

The main surprise in this book (I won't give a spoiler here, though it was introduced at the very end of Diamond Mask) was a great shock. I've known the character involved for all of those 20 years and his/her ending was very sad. And knowing why it had to happen was even worse. I'm pleased to say that I didn't feel the need to cry, but it was probably a close call.

I don't think this series is necessarily for everyone, but I loved it. It was exciting and interesting and internally coherent.

Now I'd best read the Exiles.