Romeo and Juliet *died*. I always liked that in a teen romance story. - James Nicoll

A common issue with SF settings is that causally disconnected civilizations nevertheless are close enough in technological development that conflict is possible, rather than it being a matter of laser cannons against a thin film of single celled organisms.

Most of my scars are not fire-related and I no longer say "I know what I am doing" at critical moments.

I have hated every Kress I read, especially this one, but the Bear is a standard Bear and if you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you'll like.