Since some people here have mentioned Michael Shea, I'd just like to add that Nifft's first meeting with Dalissem might be the finest piece of speculative fiction I've ever read.
The rest of the story, not so much. I think I found the tone to be all over the place, at least when compared to my expectations.
But that second chapter... Chef's kiss, really.
Quote:
“Dear mortal, it is deadly, unendingly hard to rise. It is a long way up and a long way back through the paths of decay. Merely to stand and speak in the living air is a titan’s work. The moonlight scorches me.”