The finest space opera available. Lots of clans and class and caste related stuff, but in space, with a great deal of relationship-y fluff that ties in well to saving the universe. I really enjoy the way Lee and Miller use language, too, which gets you over the bits where it's a little too fluffy or whatnot. This is sci-fi/fantasy in the Star Trek tradition: relationships make the universe go 'round, and there's a fair amount of socially progressive ideology at play as well. Bit like a cross between Naomi Novik and Star Trek, I think? rymenhild has my copy of the first three stories, so if you poke her she should be able to tell you what she thinks of them.