Reviews

The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks

jdoherty's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

laurapf's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

thijs_geluiden's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

mwplante's review against another edition

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5.0

Here it is: my favorite Banks novel. The Algebraist will always stay with me as a vision of what science fiction should be. The Kudos-based economy and general culture and outlook of the Dwellers is fascinating. I think they may be the single most interesting species I've ever encountered in science fiction.

radbear76's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

rowanpendragon's review against another edition

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3.0

Heavy duty sifi. It's long and I found some parts pretty heavy slogging. On the other hand there were some parts I really liked. Banks has some things to say and some facinating ideas. If you're looking for a quick, easy read with a lot of plot this isn't for you. The plot develops at a slow pace and there isn't a lot of action. That said, the characters are excellently developed, and if you're patient you may find that your patience will be rewarded.

jurgenappelo's review against another edition

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2.0

Stopped reading Iain M. Banks after yet another sentence of (I counted them) 158 words. Does he aim to be a writer or an Olympic athlete?

ellodees's review against another edition

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5.0

Good stuff, would recommend.

lovelycass's review against another edition

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So boring and too much repetitive exposition 

rainberry's review against another edition

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2.0

eughhhhhhh