This is the second book by Adrian that I’ve read, the first being Walking to Aldebaran. Both are well written, with strong plotting, but this one would be my least favourite. The Doors of Eden took a long time to not go very far. The cat & mouse chasing, well, rats & trolls, could’ve been slimmed down, extra chapters didn’t add to the story.
The biggest issue for me was the characterisations. With such a large PoV cast, half a dozen or so, it’s hard to get attached to any of the characters. The story begins with Mal, who could’ve led the story, but by the time weaker characters diluted her presence, that emotional involvement in their plights dissipated.
A solid 4*, an interesting story, but the execution could’ve been better.