Can anyone tell me if this book gives instructions for making any of the cakes? I have a good deal of knowledge, but have never actually done any cakes like these, but would love to "attempt" one to two. If there are instructions are they written strictly for the highly skilled professional, or can semi-novice decorators follow along? TIA.
Yes, she gives instructions and tells you what supplies are needed (even has some templates). Are they easy to follow? Depends on the user I guess. For me, I need explicit, detailed instructions and I'm more of a visual/hands-on learner. Reading about it frustrates me. 
But they are there and if you have a good working knowledge of decorating, you could surely pull some of them off.
I found the instructions to be just what I needed. I also have a friend here locally who took her class when this book was released and can help me if I don't 'quite' get it.
Instructions are kind of vague, I agree. I also thought I could find simpler ways to do some of the things she described.
I love the book for the photos, which is really all I found I need. If you need help constructing a certain shape and stacking, CC is the best place for info. Once I get the consruction of a cake down, I use photos for ideas.
I prefer Lindy Smith's method for topsy-turvy, though. Colette uses a styrofoam wedge and CC's tutorial has you cut out a hole for a flat spot. Lindy simply stacks the tiers atop one another as you would for a regular stacked cake and then hammers a dowel or two all the way through all tiers (cardboard or foam core circles). Much easier than the other two methods - I did it with my pink DJ cake.
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