I'm not even sure where to begin because so many things about this book delight me.

Let's start with Whelan's use of imaginary words and creative turns of phrase. Every English major in the country could have a heydey analyzing the hilarious similes and nonces used to paint the picture of various worlds. There were so many times when I just stopped and grinned, thinking, "I wish I'd thought to describe it that way!" It's like Dr. Seuss meets Hitchhiker's Guide, and the only thing it needs are some good illustrations.

But in addition to it being charming linguistically and funny with witty dialog and slapstick humor, Whelan packs a punch. More than once, he gave me pause to think about how I perceive certain types of situations or aspects of the world in which I live. He manages to be frothy and deep at the same time, which is something I would really love to be able to do.

I don't want to have to print "spoiler alert", so I won't give too many details, but one premise of the book really intrigued me. The universe has layers, and in one of these layers--Narvosis--is the world of dreams. In theory, we all--all sentient life throughout all the galaxies--visit Narvosis when we sleep. We can only travel there in our subconscious. BUT WHAT IF SOMEONE COULD OVERTHROW NARVOSIS?!

Cool, huh? Seriously, go read this book.