I love reading fantasy. But there was something about this setting that seemed a little too far out of the scope of what my magical brain thinks is possible. I think that prevented me from getting invested in the tower and the characters. It was as if everything was being exaggerated and there is no magic to hold up the impossibilities. 

I didn't like how a good amount of the characters from lower levels pop up again later as he's moving up the tower. I understand for story progression why this would happen but it terms of the tower it makes climbing it seem too easy. The main character is struggling and suffering each floor he climbs so everytime he sees someone he's met on a lower level it diminishes his progress. Then there are the challenges themselves... act out a play in the parlor, don't get too lazy in the baths, don't do too many drugs and ladies in the bedroom. It just seemed a little too much like British white guy problems to triumph over. I wish his guide book had more cool world building info. Instead its just a book written by someone who probably hasnt ever been in the tower. So why do i want to read quotes out of it for most of the book.

The ignorant yet educated British man is probably one of my least favorite types of characters so that might be where it missed the mark for me. I'm not sure if I will try the next book or not.