danw13 's review for:

Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks
3.0

One of Banks' weaker novels, without a doubt. It's notable for introducing the Culture, and the last third or so is fairly suspenseful. Unfortunately the first half of the book contains a few Odyssey-like adventures as the main character is diverted from his goal. While these stories are presumably included to showcase more of the universe and expand Banks' world, they're ultimately pretty tedious and left me, like the main character, just wondering when the real plot would start unfolding.

I enjoyed reading it but I don't think I would recommend it unless you've already read Banks' better, more notable works like The Algebraist or Use of Weapons.