I got this one (as an audiobook) because it was rated so highly on Audible. Everyone gave it five stars out of five, which I find bizarre. I didn't like it much. I guess it's a taste thing.

The writing is superb, the characters are very well done, but not much happens. It's all a bunch of odd characters in a bar swapping stories. There is a lot of humor but mainly in the form of puns, which is how all of the stories start. Then we get introduced to another strange character and learn his/her life story, then there is some kind of resolution to his/her problem. Then it's on to the next batch of puns and the next character.

If you are looking for an example of great characterization and flawless prose, it's here. However, I was looking for more in terms of plot. There is basically none.

I had a really hard time finishing it. Nothing really compelled me to keep reading, except the fact that I paid for it and I kept hoping it would get better.

Oh, there is almost no sf in it. The forewords by the author even admitted that. There is a lot of buildup and even a wind-down by the author, which seemed self-indulgent. I didn't mind it though, because it was quite interesting for me to hear a published author's experiences. In fact, I would say that was the most interesting part of the book.
:shock: