This book was somewhat confusing to me at times. ("Wait, she's a ship, not a human in a ship?" "Wait, what happens before the Forged become Forged?" "Wait, so the stuff does what?") Despite my occasional stumble, I did end up enjoying the book. The "choice" at the end to become part of the stuff settled a little uncomfortably with me. It's not that I thought that it was poor writing on Robson's part. It was actually very interesting. It's just that it didn't feel much of a real choice for me. The decision often seemed like it was between death and losing yourself in the stuff, which in a way is also death. I could see why Isol did not want to have to make that choice, as I'm a rather independent person myself. I often found myself wondering what was preferable. As you mentioned above, the enslaved life that the Forged experience is something they have no choice on. They were made for form and function, and nothing else. On the other hand, there is some hope of rebellion and getting out of the system, while the "stuff" is permanent without escape. Pretty scary to me.
Robson explores the Stuff in greater detail in LIVING NEXT DOOR TO THE GOD OF LOVE, but that book, while there's some gorgeous writing, is a lot more crazy than this, and a lot looser too. I only recommend it if you're FASCINATED by this book and are dying to follow up on the concepts. Otherwise, check out some of Robson's other, more accessible work. :)
Right now I'm pretty limited to what my library carries, and they do not have the sequel to this, so I suspect I'll be checking out her more accessible work anyway :)
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