Spinneret

Timothy Zahn's novels have consistently been my go-to for action and adventure sci-fi. Zahn often takes intriguing concepts–in this case Spinneret cables and alien societies–then introduces political manoeuvring and gambits for conflict. Much of Zahn's work is optimistic, pro-humanist, and morally admirable, and Spinneret is well on the idealistic side of sci-fi.
The characters are both unremarkable and dated. They are all developed characters, many of whom progress with the novel, and I had no trouble relating to them. Even then, they were not compelling by themselves. The datedness is unavoidable considering when the novel was published, and is easy to excuse.
I ended up reading this novel many times over the years, it's a neatly wrapped up story with enough action and fantastic concepts to carry you through.