A thoughtful and reserved fantasy set in a complex world shaped by subtle politics and social standing. Orphaned Elin's life has always revolved, in various ways, around the handling of dangerous creatures kept and controlled by society's rulers. Tradition dictates the beasts be dominated by humans, but she is developing her own, more harmonious methods. There are ancient secrets behind both approaches, though, dangerous ones guarded closely, and none of it is as simple as she would like. No matter her preferences and choices, she will find herself bound up in plots and machinations that could determine the fate of her country and everyone she loves. Characterized by a deep appreciation for nature and a philosophical consideration of human nature--even the dangerous, violent, and cruel aspects of both.

A meditative moment of despair--not a conclusion (the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, with a sequel to follow):

Esalu had probably been right--the one emotion all living creatures shared was not love, but fear. This, most likely, was the hard truth. Men, beasts, all sentient beings that inhabited the planet, were incapable of trust. Somewhere in their hearts, they would always harbor the fear of others. To ensure their own survival, they would continue to devise ways to dominate and control.

Only by binding each other with force, with laws, with religious precepts . . . and with the Silent Whistle, do we finally feel safe . . .

No matter how hard I study the nature of living things, in the end, that's all I will find--just this empty futility.

Even if she returned to Kazalumu safely, how could she ever stand in front of a class to teach? What could she possibly say to her students if the nature of living creatures only made her feel hopeless?

Humans, beasts, bugs--all are but tiny pricks of gleaming in the night--a herd of countless points of light, bound in the darkness of distrust.

She gazed up at the star-spangled sky as she listened to Leelan purr contentedly behind her.