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Loading... Use of Weapons (1990)by Iain M. Banks
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Fasciating read. Too clever for its own good, in terms of plot twists. Still, I couldn't put it down and look forward to reading other Culture books. ( ) For the most part, I dislike narratives that jump up and down the story's timeframe. It usually strikes me as the author just trying to prove how clever he/she is. Banks managed to avoid irritating me in that regard (mostly) in Use of Weapons. This was an enjoyable read, but now that it is over I am somewhat surprised to reflect on how little actually happened in the book. I guess that speaks well of Banks' narrative skill. I will definitely be reading more of his stuff, but not back-to-back like I did with this and Matter Vaguely interesting but I didn't really relate to any of the characters -- it never pulled me in. I really enjoyed Player of Games but haven't liked the other Culture books nearly as much so far (just Consider Phlebas and this one). They seem to be big on trying to shock the reader, but the characters aren't real enough to make it land; plus that's not something I'm really interested in seeing in a book anyway, especially not repeatedly and to the same end each time. Hmmm, this might be a book to reread rather than to read. Certainly its parallel structure and complicated chronology make it feel like a bit of an effort at some points. I do worry that the plot is a bit convoluted in service of the reveals; perhaps I will reread it. After the rarefied platonic Culture on display in Player of Games, this is back to some full-blooded action and derring-do. On the other hand, most of this feels like very soft sci-fi — the aliens feel very contemporary and Western. A mixed bag overall, but very interesting. no reviews | add a review
Fiction.
Science Fiction.
HTML: The man known as Cheradenine Zakalwe was one of Special Circumstances' foremost agents, changing the destiny of planets to suit the Culture through intrigue, dirty tricks and military action. The woman known as Diziet Sma had plucked him from obscurity and pushed him towards his present eminence, but despite all their dealings she did not know him as well as she thought. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.914Literature English & Old English literatures English fiction Modern Period 1901-1999 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. Orbit Books2 editions of this book were published by Orbit Books. Editions: 185723135X, 0316030570 Hachette Book GroupAn edition of this book was published by Hachette Book Group. |