The Algebraist by Iain Banks

[hawkeyye]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

On Topic:

If you want to try Banks, I would recommend "The Player of Games" and "Use of Weapons", book 2 and 3 of the Culture novels respectively. The stories of the books stand on their own, but unfortunately, most of what you need to know about the Culture is explained in "Consider Phlebas".

Now Consider Phlebas is not a horrible book. It is actually quite a nice adventure tale with some pretty good ideas here and there. Yet it is also pointless action and nothing much is at stake. I would read it anyway. Approach it like a movie that you know hasn't much plot but has cool action. And afterwards you know what everybody is talking about in this thread.

Im not sure why all the hate about CP. Phlebus was my first Banks and Culture novel. I absolutely loved it! The action was outstanding, the ideas I found stimulating, the characters were interesting. There are three scenes that have stuck with me for years from that book. idk. It just struck a chord with me. I then went on and read weapons and player of games and I was not nearly as pleased. I found both books to be average. CP remains my favorite banks/culture book. I'm not sure what that says about me, but oh well. Love that damn book.