I found Transubstantiate to be a fascinating book - Like many of the modern sci-fi stories, Richard has opted for a multi scene beginning - or multi thread story.

By titling the chapters or sections with the name of the character being written about in the first person, this makes what might be a very difficult read a lot more manageable.

I also offer kudos for the attempt to give windows into snippits of the character's lives without the kind of extraneous exposure that many books use to give the reader an understanding of the why's of the character's actions.

However, the downside of this - is that understanding and empathising with the character is a practical implausability. Leading to the lack of pathos with the main characters. And a more important lack of understanding of some of the basic pillars of the story ark.

While I do believe that is the point of the story to some extent. I found that the effect it created was more that the only reason the reader keeps going, is because of that nagging, almost viral, thought that keeps yelling "Just tell me what is happening allready!"

Technology or mysticism is dropped into the story without any real context or history. Leaving the reader wondering if it's a very carefully crafted story arc, or a desparate means to escape having painted one's self into a corner.

Based on the complexity of the storyline, I am inclined to think that it is more of the former, A highly detailed story arc that simply lacks in exposit.

When I compare the writing style to that of some others who have utilised similar tools, William Gibson for instance, do I think Richard is on a par?
No - but more importantly not YET.

With more experience and practice, I feel that Richard could become a master of the style. ( )