Cyteen

Cover blurb reads "Cherryh's talent for intense, literate storytelling maintains interest throughout this long, complex novel." - well, it isn't maintaining mine, and this isn't the only one of hers in this category.

I read Downbelow Station in 2021 and Rusalka in 2024, and both rated 2 stars for similar reasons. A lot of characters, and a focus on dialog over action. Dialog in this case about political machinations, a lot of "you wouldn't dare" because of this or that. I longed for a character who would dare and do, just to get things moving.

Cyteen won a Hugo, and I tackled it to be able to say I've read all the Locus SF winners. I've enjoyed many, perhaps most, of those award winning titles - but not this one. What is it that I don't get about fellow Spokanite Cherryh?