Strongest impact was the neat twist to the plotline at the end. Good representation of the faction leaders (but not all mentioned), but captured well the perceived strengths/weaknesses of those that were integral to the story.
Had just a little problem with the concept of bullets - didn't quite resonate with me. If airpower has been discovered then the weapons would be more advanced than simple projectile handguns, even for guards' personal weapons - maybe not.
Good pace and action, though, in a conventional interpretation of smac. A good read.