This book took me a while to get into, and it's the rare case where I think that the audiobook outshines the print version and adds a lot to the experience of reading. I thought the way the facts about the US prison industrial complex were blended in with the story was powerful and showcased just how thin the line is between the reality of the story and our own. I also really liked the way all of the different characters and story lines wove together by the end. That said though, I found myself feeling strangely detached from the characters themselves. During a lot of the more private/emotional moments between Thurwar and members of her chain, I found myself a little disengaged and wanting to hear more about the various subplots and minor characters. It was a weird experience because I don't think I was supposed to feel that way? In any case, this book feels incredibly important and does a good job of showing the brutality of our actual society.