Review by sqbr (2003-07-05)
Rather silly, really, but enjoyable if you can suspend your disbelief. Suffers from the typical OSC unnecesarily angsty tragedy in parts too.

Review by bkedryna (2003-03-07)
A bunch of separate families/clans are put on a planet as a punishment. Over many years, they fine tune their specific talents/professions and come up with some extraordinary inventions.
This book is a little leaning towards fantasy, but I would still call it science fiction. It's a very good read.