ALL 9 Iain M Banks CULTURE novels - RANKED! Which is your favourite?

there's a lot to like in this book. it's maybe a little bit less refined than some of the later books and it's comparatively unadventurous in the plot department. it's definitely not one of the best in my humble opinion but I didn't find it off-putting

it is difficult to get into. but on rereading it last year I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it

I really love both of the plot threads and I was particularly fond of both the women Vil and parand both strong in their different ways

I really enjoyed this plot thread. I enjoyed the details of the Chelan conspiracy the preparation of major quillin for his mission and I like the banter between major quillin and the deceased Admiral in his head

I really enjoy this mashup of low Tech and Space Opera and I think June and perhaps the first book in the sunity series pushed some of the same buttons for me. Jan Siri is great fun too probably my favorite character with her special circumstances training and modifications

in last place bringing up the rear is 2010 surface detail and the main reason that I think this one is in last place is there were just too many protagonists or rather there were too many parallel plot threads. whilst it's not my favorite surface detail is fantastically and imaginatively plotted and complex to boot and has a most satisfying payoff

the hydrogen Sonata I found is a bit patchy but I really lik cassant as the protagonist and the closing scenes in a giant Airship filled with water are a lot of fun

I enjoyed the gradual reveal of the true nature of the Azad Society outwardly very respectable but with a very unsavory underbelly. I like the layered deceptions that got GG to the games in the first place and there's a nice reveal at the end of the book concerning a certain drone of GG's acquaintance

there are a couple of massive gut punches in this book shocking and grotesque in one case and utterly unexpected in the other a Twist to end all twists. I found it absolutely jaw-dropping