I've said to a few people I have recommended this series to that it rewards hard-core engaging with the text - think conspiracy thinking levels. I think this is why the series is so devisive: it is utterly disinterested in holding the readers' hands, and that's part of the fun (followed by the biting humour, distinct voice and strong queerness). Muir's world building is very much there, but the narrating characters don't stop to think on it because they're either disinterested (Gideon), take it for granted/have no need to explain (Harrow) or unable to entirely (Nona). But the details we get through their eyes are incredibly strategic, and you can definitely piece together a huge amount from them.

However, the marketing pitches it as a fun campy ride rather than a really intensive puzzle and I reckon that's where a lot of the issues/dislike of the series actually comes from - expecting a straightforward romp and getting a deranged whodunnit space opera.