Wow wow wow. Best sci-fi book I've ever read, maybe best fiction book too. Absolutely off the wall.
Mysterious, weird, varied, smart and very funny.
The familiar structure of several, seemingly independent, back stories told by the participants of a pilgrimage aids a stunning universe-building epic. Several of the stories would independently qualify as short form classics.
Great 'science' giving us mind bending time problems, alt-humans, awesome future tech, and even new drugs.
Fabulous writing, deep and complex characters. Touching.
Super interesting history. As vividly brilliant during a visit to the battle of Agincourt as to future space battles.
Philosophical and wise on religion, war, humanity, technology, AI, environmental destruction, poetry and politics.
Exciting and pulsating moments of tension and action. All of that without even mentioning THE SHRIKE!!!