A review by andrewspink
The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This was classic space opera. A huge canvas, great imagination, big themes. It has the classic plot of a loner on a quest, helped and hindered by various aliens. The aliens, as usual, different morphology but human personalities. Large time scales are invoked. 
It also felt rather dated. The women were minor, flatter, characters. War is something to be trivialised. 
Nevertheless it was fun to read and i was through its nearly 700 pages in no time.