This is the book where we finally find out the great secret of who Shepherd Book really is. Finally an end to the wondering, why did the men on the alliance cruiser shut up and treat him when they saw his ident card? Who is he to the alliance? Where did he come from? How did he become a shepherd? Finally! Answers!
The story is told in a brilliant way, backwards through time. The opening scene is just before his death in the Serenity movie. And then the next scene is a skip back in time several years. Each scene then stepping back in time to reveal another mystery about who he was before. I found it fascinating to see each revelation about him, but I cannot say anything more for fear of HUGE spoilers! Just to say that some things I might have guessed from the series, but some things I was completely suprised by.
And the ending, or should I say beginning.. hmmm.. was great.
Loved the whole thing.
Highly recommended for any serenity or firefly fan.