Reviews - Consider Phlebas

1.62k reviews for:

Consider Phlebas

Iain M. Banks

3.55 AVERAGE

icanforliketoread's review against another edition

1.0

I don't read science fiction very often, and this book reminded me why!

martincastroc's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

bradenj's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

thekingofmars's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

hgbush's review against another edition

3.75

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

damong's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous fast-paced

danw13's review against another edition

3.0

One of Banks' weaker novels, without a doubt. It's notable for introducing the Culture, and the last third or so is fairly suspenseful. Unfortunately the first half of the book contains a few Odyssey-like adventures as the main character is diverted from his goal. While these stories are presumably included to showcase more of the universe and expand Banks' world, they're ultimately pretty tedious and left me, like the main character, just wondering when the real plot would start unfolding.

I enjoyed reading it but I don't think I would recommend it unless you've already read Banks' better, more notable works like The Algebraist or Use of Weapons.