I also liked this book, but I have to agree that Terry over-exercised his theme. It seemed to me that Jackrum's female identity was telegraphed way early in the story, and seemed to be such a sure thing by the end. During the first reading, I found myself hoping that Jackrum would turn out to be male, just as a twist of expectations. "He" could have been used to working with female troopers and keeping everybody's (including the generals') secrets.

But... I liked what turned out, anyway.