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A review by sashkello
Matter by Iain M. Banks
4.0
Another solid Culture series novel from Iain M Banks. Just as most other Culture series books, it can certainly be read separately, and I'd say it relies on the understanding of Culture less than most others in the series.
What is so good about Banks' books is that each has their own character and setting, markedly different from other novels in the series. This one is focused on a society of humans living on a verge of industrial revolution, but mostly in medieval-like setting, with some familiar fantasy elements like flying beasts and the like. So, most of the novel takes place among castles, kings, local wars and most of all intrigues. Along the way, several levels of developed civilizations (including Culture) get into the mix as well, to bring us back into sci-fi world from pure medieval fantasy.
Overall, it's an engaging read and one of the better books in the series. I'd say it's probably my favourite after the first two or three novels which I found to be really strong. So, saying that, it's rather average for Banks, but considering how amazing (and diverse) the whole series is, it is rather hard to compare. In any case, if you would like to skip half of the Culture books, then this one shouldn't be among them.
What is so good about Banks' books is that each has their own character and setting, markedly different from other novels in the series. This one is focused on a society of humans living on a verge of industrial revolution, but mostly in medieval-like setting, with some familiar fantasy elements like flying beasts and the like. So, most of the novel takes place among castles, kings, local wars and most of all intrigues. Along the way, several levels of developed civilizations (including Culture) get into the mix as well, to bring us back into sci-fi world from pure medieval fantasy.
Overall, it's an engaging read and one of the better books in the series. I'd say it's probably my favourite after the first two or three novels which I found to be really strong. So, saying that, it's rather average for Banks, but considering how amazing (and diverse) the whole series is, it is rather hard to compare. In any case, if you would like to skip half of the Culture books, then this one shouldn't be among them.