I enjoyed this book. At first I was turned off by the Aztec-inspired words, but I got over it. I really liked the characters and would like to read more of them. I would not describe this book as typical sci fi. There’s much more focus on diplomatic interactions and politics than there is on hard science. Imperialism and cultural assimilation are strong themes. 

I did feel like the main character was not very much in control of her situation and was kind of being taken along for the ride. I suppose that’s more real though.