I began this book with the expectation that it would be largely a case of a writing gimmick via the gender vocabulary. I only had a minimal understanding of the plot premise. At first, it was slow going, but I was very quickly sucked in. The story is great. I'd compare this book to the sci-fi writing of Anne McCaffrey, combined with a little Ursula K. le Guin, and a pinch of the flavor of Asimov. If you enjoyed these three authors, then you should definitely read this book.