The first thing to note is that, despite being released after Project: Lazerus, it is set before. I think they can be experienced in either order, but going in release order is probably better. You loose out on some tension here (as you know who survives), but your experience with the audio will probably be better.

I think that this book starts off strong, if a little confusing due to shifting locations and time periods which, although clearly marked, are similar enough to be easily mixed up. However, I think that it quickly becomes rather generic, something that could be done by any sci-fi novel, and the writing is not strong enough to make up for it. I then felt that the ending was rather rushed and contrived.

I don't really like the book's cover, but, otherwise, I think it's presented nicely. The afterword gives an increadibly interesting, if brief, insight into the behind the scenes of the The Forge arc.