I'd say it's vintage Duane, with all that it implies. There's nothing surprising about this book -- it recycles a lot of themes she likes to talk about -- and, like I said, it's got sloppiness that she can get away with in the Wizard books but that does not sit well with me in near-future SF. But, again like the Wizard books, I found it a great comfort read where you can comfortably cheer for the good guys. :)