I loved Goblin Emperor - and first "read" it in audiobook format, while on the rowing machine, so the names were even more confusing and there was no glossary to check. I liked it enough to read book (well, ebook) immediately after.
In fact, not being a part of the con community myself, that's the biggest reason I'm upset about the whole Hugo thing: because this book deserves to win, and deserves to win cleanly. (Ironic, too, because what is Maia if not a social justice warrior?)