Erikson has always aimed at a more literary fantasy novel, and nearly always pulled it off. However, this book sees him experimenting with his writing style and technique, and his reach exceeds his grasp. We get page after page of overwrought, pompous dialog - extended soliloquies, really - on subjects that could have been covered with less drama.

The book works really well if you have a deep knowledge and passion for the Tiste universe. It will irritate the more casual reader. Here, the literary portion of the literary fantasy has become completely dominant.