Scan barcode
hakimbriki's review against another edition
5.0
Revisiting the Culture series has proven to be one of the best reading decisions I've ever made. The first time I read Matter, I thought it had too many things going on... it overwhelmed me. I don't think I was in the right mood, because, upon rereading it, I loved it.
Funnily enough, I think the abundance of plotlines and multitude of characters is what makes the novel so entrancing. It's very enveloping, and it doesn't hinge on just one central character to make it work. The setting, as is customary with Banks, is exceptionally innovative - the shellworlds, how they work, the dynamics between the dwellers, the mystery surrounding their construction, all of it is brilliantly delivered. The characters are captivating, though Ferbin did get on my nerves. The political intrigue is both complex and novel, as other civilizations (and not just the Culture) are now meddling in the affairs of the more primitive one. The story is somewhat evocative of Inversions, in that it immerses the reader in a strange world with a medieval-like society. I dig this stuff.
Matter has one of the best climaxes in the series, and a worthy epilogue. You know a book is good when both the trip and the destination have you on the edge of your seat.
Funnily enough, I think the abundance of plotlines and multitude of characters is what makes the novel so entrancing. It's very enveloping, and it doesn't hinge on just one central character to make it work. The setting, as is customary with Banks, is exceptionally innovative - the shellworlds, how they work, the dynamics between the dwellers, the mystery surrounding their construction, all of it is brilliantly delivered. The characters are captivating, though Ferbin did get on my nerves. The political intrigue is both complex and novel, as other civilizations (and not just the Culture) are now meddling in the affairs of the more primitive one. The story is somewhat evocative of Inversions, in that it immerses the reader in a strange world with a medieval-like society. I dig this stuff.
Matter has one of the best climaxes in the series, and a worthy epilogue. You know a book is good when both the trip and the destination have you on the edge of your seat.
johnayliff's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
whippycleric's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.0
I always enjoy culture novels and this one is no exception. The shellworld concept is new and interesting as are the relations between a medieval civilization and several space faring civs. The way this is done feels quite different to other Sci Fi books along a similar theme. The plot itself is solid, it's not my favorite culture novel but it's a fun read. Personally I would prefer a little more of the stones and minds in the story, a touch more culture maybe. Every culture novel is different though, not just in plot but in which lens it uses to display the culture,and this is a good one.
mwplante's review against another edition
3.0
A good yarn with an awesome setting that kind of falls apart at the end. Still, I love the Shell world and associated politics enough that I'm willing to forgive a rushed climax.
xeno2318's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
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? Yes
3.75
tommi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
julcoh's review against another edition
3.0
I can't dislike a Culture novel, simply because of Ian M Banks' amazing writing. As always, the prose is magnificent, the world-building is intricate, and the story spans the galaxy.
My problem with this novel is that it took 70% of the length to read the first 30% of the story. It's as if Banks went too deep into the beginning of this tale, and pulled back halfway through to realize he only had 100 pages left for a normal length book.
My problem with this novel is that it took 70% of the length to read the first 30% of the story. It's as if Banks went too deep into the beginning of this tale, and pulled back halfway through to realize he only had 100 pages left for a normal length book.
800slim's review against another edition
4.0
another wonderful Culture novel by Iain M. Banks.
The plot is quite complex (though I never felt overwhelmed) and is not easily summarized.
The world-building is excellent, the idea of a Shellworld brilliant.
Not only do we get another look at the Culture but we get introduced to several other civilizations of varying technological levels.
Banks examines (besides other ideas) in "Matter" the concept of meddling with/mentoring less advanced civilizations, a theme more superficially explored before in novels like "Use of Weapons" and "The Player of Games".
The plot starts deceptively simple in a "Inversions"-kind of way but expands rapidly to encompass characters from several species on different development levels and their interactions make for a complex and twisted plot.
Minor gripes: the start of the Novel felt a bit like "Inversions" (though that feeling was short-lived) and the end reminded me of "Consider Phlebas".
My advice:
If you are new to Iain M. Banks and the "Culture"-universe you may feel overwhelmed by the complexity in this novel. I suggest reading the "Culture"-novels in order of publishing (though I think the first three novels can be read in any order) and keeping this one for later.
If you are familiar with the other "Culture"-novels: read it, you won't be disappointed.
The plot is quite complex (though I never felt overwhelmed) and is not easily summarized.
The world-building is excellent, the idea of a Shellworld brilliant.
Not only do we get another look at the Culture but we get introduced to several other civilizations of varying technological levels.
Banks examines (besides other ideas) in "Matter" the concept of meddling with/mentoring less advanced civilizations, a theme more superficially explored before in novels like "Use of Weapons" and "The Player of Games".
The plot starts deceptively simple in a "Inversions"-kind of way but expands rapidly to encompass characters from several species on different development levels and their interactions make for a complex and twisted plot.
Minor gripes: the start of the Novel felt a bit like "Inversions" (though that feeling was short-lived) and the end reminded me of "Consider Phlebas".
My advice:
If you are new to Iain M. Banks and the "Culture"-universe you may feel overwhelmed by the complexity in this novel. I suggest reading the "Culture"-novels in order of publishing (though I think the first three novels can be read in any order) and keeping this one for later.
If you are familiar with the other "Culture"-novels: read it, you won't be disappointed.
owook's review against another edition
3.0
Worst in the series thus far. Slow throughout until the end where he dumps it in your lap and walks away.