4.1 AVERAGE


The setup of ‘The Hydrogen Sonata’ is fantastic; the canvas is huge. The philosophical concerns stretch over multiple civilizations, and bitingly poke fun at the place of religion in a suitably advanced society. The action is taut and exciting, the funny bits are laugh-out-loud funny, and the horrific bits are gut wrenching. There are some typically Banksian ruminations that really stood out for me - particularly a section which discusses the ramifications of having multiple iterations of oneself deployed across the galaxy from backed up mind-states, accruing different experiences, and not necessarily having a chance to reintegrate.

Unfortunately, it is far too long, and for no good reason. If I was feeling really mean, I’d say it plays out like a very well written role playing scenario which features disappointingly forgettable loot at the end of the dungeon.

The whole idea of virtual immortality in a post-privation universe is nothing new to fans of the Culture books. Personally, perhaps subjectively, I feel as if the balance is off in ‘The Hydrogen Sonata’. The stakes feel nonexistent. With some notable exceptions, characters and ship minds who are 99% invulnerable can be instantly resurrected from backed up mind-states. This allows some fascinating rumination on the nature of the self, but ultimately sucks the energy out of a book that also wants to include pacey action sequences and machiavellian political machinations.

The parts I found most frustrating, though, were the endless transcripts of what amount to the gmail inbox chains of numerous ship minds, endlessly chewing over the not very complex plot points, and worse still, seeding ideas that sound like they might resolve into something awesome, and then don’t. We are reminded at every opportunity that they are vastly superior to biological life, though at worst, I felt like I was listening to Tony Stark and Captain America arguing with each other in the Avengers Assemble movie.

There are some fantastic, highly memorable sequences in this book. I enjoyed reading much of it, but ultimately, I was disappointed.
adventurous reflective tense fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Not my favorite Culture novel, but even a mediocre Culture novel is still awesome sci fi.
adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Loveable characters: Yes

I enjoyed this book a lot! I'm glad to get back into Culture novels. Hard to compare against the gaming one tho. 

You will never find a better rationale for four hearts.

Banks' Culture novels are always fun, which is a nice trick for a series that's mostly trying to drive home just how horrible warfare is. In this particular case, it's a fun romp of a book about the necessity and futility of individual, honorable actions against unprincipled malice. Come to think of it, I'll bet these would fit right into GenZ's nihilistic tastes.


Another great Culture novel from Iain *M* Banks!

Another great novel from the master. Loved every second of it.

Not my favorite Banks book, but very satisfying
adventurous challenging reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Death of a civilization and all the preparations and upheavals that pop up in its anticipation. My favorite part? The main characters of this book - a gang of ship minds putting on their superhero capes out of mix of pure curiosity and wanting to do the right thing. Loved it. Honorable mention to the man with 53 penises and four hearts and the man (not the same one) who had his eyes replaced by a second pair of ears.