And therein lies one of the most significant differences between this book and A Thousand Words for Stranger. Throughout most of this book, Morgan is not a very likeable character. With his mind altered by Sira's anger, he can barely control himself. Sira, once she realizes what she has done, is so overwhelmed with guilt that she is not terribly sympathetic either. Since Sira and Morgan are the heroine and hero of the book, this makes Ties of Power a darker, more conflicted novel.

Many of the settings and characters are the same ones introduced in the first book. The most notable new addition is the Drapsk, a race of creatures who recognize Sira's power. Fleeing from her enemies, Sira agrees to go with the Drapsk to their homeworld. Through her interactions with the Drapsk, she learns some startling facts about the M'hir, the firmament from which the Clan derives its power. As Morgan goes off in search of vengeance, Sira starts to understand how deeply mistaken the Clan is about its own nature and its place in the universe.

In her first two novels, Czerneda has quickly established herself as a master of characterization and of creating alien species. She continues this tradition of talent in her third book, with its vivid interactions and narrative. For anyone who enjoyed Czerneda's first book, Ties of Power is well worth reading.