Nice. Another step towards a pure SF story (with a strong romantic subplot), rather than a romance with an SF setting. This is Brander and Eirlys' story (yes, I'm contradicting myself), with the next steps in the rebellion. Now that Drake has been revealed as the Raider, things get both harder and easier. And we learn a lot more about Paledan - both from what he says to various people, and from a few scenes with his own POV. He's almost as bad a fit with the Coalition as Shaylah, though he hasn't had the jolt she gets...yet. Another connection to the Triotian rebellion - this one even less likely than the last. It really kind of damages my suspension of disbelief - how would it have gotten to the planet? Why should it be found, just then? The "code" is either way too simple (no one in the Coalition keeps language records?) or basically impossible. Those impossibilities disposed of, I can see Brander being able to handle it, but it takes a hard swallow to manage the initial point.
As usual, the relationships are beautifully covered - the four siblings' separate reactions to the Spirit, Brander and Eirlys finally figuring out/admitting to each other their connection, various of the Sentinels being more fleshed out than previously. It's a great story, and I'm very much looking forward to the next. ( )