I finished this quite recently, read it in three days due to being at home without any distractions (bloody internet
), and I was very pleasantly surprised (I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what I got). I thought his writing was excellent, at times he seemed to capture unusually complex moods through use of tone, and found his descriptions effective in creating some quite bizarre images in my head (I didn't have the same problems as J.D).
This is also one of the more imaginative works I've read, I agree with whoever said that at times it makes you think "what the hell inspired him to come up with that?!" I thought the garuda story was fascinating from start to finish, and very unusual. The initial evolution and escape of the moth was a big surprise for me, I wasn't expecting the story to take a turn like that. I was certainly caught up in it though, and the moths really struck a chord with me because I have somewhat of a phobia myself.
Criticism-wise... a few of the ideas seemed less imaginative and a bit gimmicky, I can't say I enjoyed reading about the constructs too much and it almost seemed a bit silly. Certain sections were a little bit slow going for me, especially in the latter half - the part where they're setting up for the last climax springs to mind. I can appreciate those people who say "strong writer, but not for me", 'cause it's definitely inaccessible in places.
Still, 'twas a grand read, and I'll be hunting down more of his stuff in the near future.