I personally loved this story. Granted, I am a biased when it comes to A) older stories, B) giant episodes, and C) science fantasy, so I was pretty much doomed to like it. I agree, I got a definite Conan feel from this one, but I love me some sword and sorcery, so that was by no means a bad thing. Actually, I felt like this was a nice mix of Hyperion, Conan, and Lovecraft; masterfully crafted, a tad wordy (this is from the era of paid by the word prose, I believe) and steeped in legend and mythology.
Getting all the comparisons out of the way, I think this was a great choice to launch us into the month of science fantasy. I feel like with pieces like this, it is necessary to really let go of modern cynicism and just get lost in the world that's being described. Is it a bit overly flowery by today's standards? Sure. For my part, I think it's actually a bit refreshing to have a place completely described, from the way the blade of grass bends to the sound tiny men make when fearing for the life of a stranger. I wouldn't want it all the time, by any means, but sometimes it's nice to just have everything out on the table in full detail. Purple prose doesn't have to be a dirty phrase.
I was also a fan of the ending. He's been through this terrible near death experience, but you have no idea if he's even clear of the initial danger that made him literally jump feet first into that experience in the first place. Smart choice for the author, especially since she ended up making him a serial character. Leaves me wanting more, that's for sure. What happens next? Only the next adventure can tell!