Alternate Realities: A Scifi Book Club discussion

I really like the way the shrike is handled in this book. The tales of him are vague enough that there is an air of mystery, but detailed enough that you realize how bad he is. Then the reveal absolutely doesn't let you down.

I loved this book up until the ending. I didn't like the consul's story and I hated the way the book ended just as they reach their destination. I hate when books end in mid-story without a warning to the reader. I find it disingenuous. I read this book a couple of years ago and was so put off by the ending that I still haven't read the sequel and may never do so.