Consider Phlebas
by Iain M. Banks
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Book Summary Information
Author: Iain M. BanksEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-03-26
ISBN: 031600538X
Number of pages: 544
Publisher: Orbit
Book Reviews of Consider Phlebas
Book Review: A Better Starting Point
Summary: 4 Stars
My first read of Iain M. Banks was The Algebraist, which I quite enjoyed and thought worth 4 stars. That was until I read "Consider Phlebas", the first of the Culture novels, and found myself far more impressed and interested.
The main character, an interesting Changer with some nasty surprises for those who irritate him, is on the hunt for a Culture mind that decided to hide itself on a Planet of the Dead. Horza is commissioned by a race at war with the Culture to find it and get it. The commission goes to the dogs pretty much right from the first minute, and the book's plot is made of Horza's attempts to get at the Mind. Sadly, the Culture are also aware of it, and his mission, so that adds something extra.
The scope of the story is massively huge, and the universe Banks has created is simply boggling in its immense size and variety. The range and sheer detail of the universe is wildly cool, and this alone kept me hooked until the end.
Sometimes, Bank's turn of phrase stretched the mind as he said things in a strange or unusual way. However, for the most part, this added to the "other-worldliness" of the story. Only occassionally did it distract from the business of enjoying the adventure.
Although I gave this the same rating as "The Algebraist" in my ignorance, I do consider this to be a much better book and story. Having read this, I am no longer wondering what people see in Iain M. Banks.
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