I've only just started reading it — finished the first chapter on the bus home from work this evening.

It's too soon to say, of course, but the early indications are that I'm going to owe you a huge dept of pleasure. Already I feel I am being drawn into another world in the same (but o! so different!) way that Tolkien and Peake managed for me. And that's rare praise; I hope to hell I still think it's true when I get to the end!