It follows the main characters, whom through the miracles of relativity and near light-speed travel, have seen three thousand years go by. It also deals with the humans race discover of the first sentient race since the dealings of Ender's Game.

Most of the time, I don't like author's portrayal of a single event and how it shapes history. This works well, however. Some of the outcomes and consequences are a bit simplistic, however. For instance, in three thousand years, Valentine is still alone in all of the hundred worlds voicing criticism against the ruling government. A bit simplistic, but it does help move the story along quicker.

In the end, I thought it was a good story, but perhaps over simplifying some of the key elements of the first book.