I think I see what Stephenson is trying to do here, but I just can't.

Like not even.

It's slow, plodding, and introduces new characters so often that it feels like a G.R.R Martin spin off.

The central idea is somewhat interesting, but, look Neal, if you want to write a fantasy book, write a fucking fantasy book, don't tack on some weird contrivance that just confuses everything!

Anyway, I gave up about the 700 page mark, because I realised that having this monstrosity hanging over me was hurting my desire to read anything at all.