An excellent science fiction novel about an alien world and attempts to understand and adapt to it. I would have sort of hoped a more high tech take on the matter, but the raw, almost primitive approach certainly works too. The alien beings are quite brilliant as well. (I dislike the American common law approach to law and society, but that's a personal thing and will probably not be a problem for most people). A generational tale, but one where you never feel removed from the original characters and their intentions; Semiosis is highly recommended for fans of smart science fiction.