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simotomaton's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gearyofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Another Audible book and a revisit to a book I read so many years ago. I am delighted I did as I had clean forgotten so many details in this story.
The Minds take centre stage and the book is all the more brilliant for it.
We have more alien cultures ( pardon the pun) more tiny details and payoffs.
I loved this book at the time and love it all the more now. I may prefer it narrated in a way. It breathes extra life into the characters.
I've always recommended this and that has not changed.
The Minds take centre stage and the book is all the more brilliant for it.
We have more alien cultures ( pardon the pun) more tiny details and payoffs.
I loved this book at the time and love it all the more now. I may prefer it narrated in a way. It breathes extra life into the characters.
I've always recommended this and that has not changed.
decapode's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
squaternutbosch's review against another edition
5.0
Quite a tough start, but a fantastic book once you get going. Highly recommend.
aaronmiken's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
pan23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I think a second read would improve my rating - confusion and disinterest really slowed me down until somewhere 2-300 pages in I felt committed to understanding what was going on. I enjoyed it, a challenge worth a second read at a later time.
quiss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
beroid's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hakimbriki's review against another edition
5.0
If Use of Weapons is the most emotional Culture book, Excession is the most entertaining and, by a country mile, the funniest.
What stands out the most in this book, for me at least, is Banks' seamless ability to shift tones effortlessly.. He goes from talking minds to sadistic aliens to characters living in a simulation to and a bunch of other fun subplots, and I for one never felt like the story lost any coherence. The... let's call it "object" at the center of this story imbues it with a touch of cosmic horror ambiance, even.
Every aspect of this novel is spot on: the pace is exhilirating, the structure is flawless, the plot grips you to the edge of your seat, and the humor, oh my goodness, the humor is delightful. The ship names are hysterical (two favorite ship names are "I Blame My Mother" and "I Blame Your Mother"), and so is some of the dialogue. The minds shine in Excession - it is their book. I adore how the author portrays them, and I'm certain it will foster a greater sense of compassion for them as continue to revisit the series.
I know... a lot of people were disappointed with the ending, but I didn't mind it. To me, the heart of it was in the adventure, not the destination (pun intended).
What stands out the most in this book, for me at least, is Banks' seamless ability to shift tones effortlessly.. He goes from talking minds to sadistic aliens to characters living in a simulation to and a bunch of other fun subplots, and I for one never felt like the story lost any coherence. The... let's call it "object" at the center of this story imbues it with a touch of cosmic horror ambiance, even.
Every aspect of this novel is spot on: the pace is exhilirating, the structure is flawless, the plot grips you to the edge of your seat, and the humor, oh my goodness, the humor is delightful. The ship names are hysterical (two favorite ship names are "I Blame My Mother" and "I Blame Your Mother"), and so is some of the dialogue. The minds shine in Excession - it is their book. I adore how the author portrays them, and I'm certain it will foster a greater sense of compassion for them as continue to revisit the series.
I know... a lot of people were disappointed with the ending, but I didn't mind it. To me, the heart of it was in the adventure, not the destination (pun intended).
taylort1997's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0