I'm still processing and I think it will turn out that I have some serious qualms with the book, but I have to give lots of extra points for the philosophical interludes and the willingness to develop characters in ways that make them less likeable but ultimately more realistic and more interesting, especially in terms of how they interact with each other. I also have to give points for the ambiguity about the morality of the institutions introduced, or even their purpose. That may end up being exactly what complicates my view of the book, and I doubt I'll be able to fully reconcile my reaction until the sequel comes, but I have to admit I enjoyed the reading experience and that's what really matters.