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lvl52_grant's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Having read a few other Culture books, I picked this one up on a whim from my library, but it has now become my favorite of the series so far. Less focused on the high tech future of the anarchic utopia of the Culture, and more on a character at the edges of society, it felt more grounded than the others I have read. Deeply focused on the character of the protagonist, this book has two separate narratives moving in opposite directions: one forward in time, and the other backwards. It's jarring at first, but settles in once you understand. It still has most of the hallmarks of the Culture: sentient drones, hyper intelligent AI, and the ever-present Contact, but it still all comes down to Zakalwe Cheradenine and how he's running from centuries of mistakes. If one wants to begin the Culture series, it might not be a good entry point, but it should definitely be the second one you read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, and War
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Body horror
nekoshka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Suicide attempt, Death, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Vomit, Suicide, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, and Gun violence
Minor: Torture and Drug use
ericlawton's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My least favourite of Banks' "The Culture" novel, but I’m reading them all again for lighter reading when I’m too tired for anything heavier.
There is probably as much social commentary as character development.
There is probably as much social commentary as character development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
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