While each of the Borne books may be read as a stand-alone, this novella is best read after Borne to avoid spoilers. Otherwise, it, like the others, is a complete, independent story. Interestingly enough in light of the protagonist being an amalgamated creature, this story is a blending of the more poetic tone of Dead Astronauts while contain the more concrete story elements of the first of the series. It's a sad and sweet yet hopeful story set in the midst of absolute disaster.