This book is similar to a spider's web. There are so many different portions to the web - if one piece is destroyed, the entire web is ruined. Clarke has spun a story that deserved contemplation. It's frustrating, confusing, glorious, and gorgeous. As much as I appreciate receiving a digital ARC, I can't wait to have this book in my hands in physical form. This is the type of book that deserves to have its pages flipped back and forth as the reader explores the story's mystery.

Edit: There are parts of these book that reminded me of Lev Grossman's The Magicians Series, which I'm sure he'd be please as punch to hear as he's a big fan of Clarke's previous works.

Second edit: Reread but with the audio edition. Chiwetel Ejiofor's narration should be given all the awards.