Story and character is more important for me than prose. I need to care about what is happening to want to read on and I found the book of the new sun wanting in that regard. I found it a struggle to read - similar to the storm light series (which I found even worse with paper thin characters and terrible plotting).
Just my personal opinion.
I also found the book of the new sun dull. I don't agree it's a good book at all.
Hyperion written in 1989 is a much better book and arguably more sophisticated. But hey it's just an opinion.
I've heard Gene wolf is a good writer but after trying the book of the new sun I'm not tempted further. It probably comes down to personal taste.