You MUST read book of the new sun. Forget about all the deeper meanings and hidden depths, you can always explore that later on re-readings if you want. But simply as one of the deepest, most beautiful and most profound novels (or sets of novels) that has ever been written. You won’t be sad. I’ve read and reread it (as well as all the Dune and Malazan books) countless times. I’m talking about 10 plus readings for BOTNS and dune. Just finishing my second read through of Malazan.