The Prologue establishes the scientific foundations of Talent: the psychic powers of telekinesis, telepathy, precognition, and others are real, and are great sources of social and economic power which has enabled the human population to expand to other planets.

The Rowan's plot is staged in four acts, like a series of short stories: each section complete with its own setting and its own contribution to the novel.

The first two sections particularly are very character-driven; the Rowan's personal development holds the novel together. Generally well-paced, the novel has a rich mixture of dialogue and narrative, sprinkled with italicized passages that denote telepathic communication. These sections, particularly, along with the dialogue contribute to a sense of voice among the characters.

Each chapter is named after the principal planet where the Rowan is stationed. Her life begins on "Altair," which covers the most chronological ground; vignettes cover her extensive training...