I liked this book overall. The author's exploration of the "Culture" goals of utopia and the hubris of imperial ideology when encountering other civilizations was fascinating. The author is really good at handling dialogue, making it feel natural and not overly forceful. I felt like I was experiencing diverse opinions from different characters on the themes. I'm looking forward to reading the whole series since I enjoyed the first two, but unfortunately, this one didn't quite meet my expectations.

The novel's structure, with alternating chapters in different timelines of the main character's life, one progressing forward and the other backward from the start, didn't work for me. It constantly pulled me out of the story as I had to figure out where the plot was headed. Even with the chapter titles clearly labeled, I still felt confused too often. When a book splits like this, I usually prefer one plotline over the other. I was more comfortable reading the forward-moving plot, but I was more engaged with the character in the regressing plotline.

I didn't really care for the ending, but it didn't ruin the rest of the book for me. If you like military sci-fi with less emphasis on glorifying war, this book is a good choice. The author explains battle tactics and strategy with just the right amount of detail for easy visualization.

Even though this is only the third book I've read in the series, I would recommend reading at least the first two before this one, and perhaps even skipping this one until you've read more.

This is my fourth review of Use of Weapons. I haven't looked back on any of my previous reviews, so there's every possibility I'll repeat myself. I apologize if you've read some part of this before, but this book is a fucking wonder.

Cheradenine Zakalwe.

I don't think there's a more fascinating character in the history of science fiction than Cheradenine Zakalwe, nor is there a more challenging one. He's a man we slowly discover we should hate, yet he's a man I can't help loving. Has there ever been a rounder character than Zakalwe - and I'm talking in all literature now, not just in Sci-Fi - with all his growth and folly and guilt and penance and ugliness and beauty? For me, the answer is no. He's Macbeth and Caesar; he's Holden Caulfield and Jake Barnes; he's Ed Gein and Genghis Khan; he's Hawkeye Pierce and Jack Burton. He's God... or, at least, a Messiah. He's everything at once, and I can't help loving him, even though I shouldn't. That may be Iain M. Banks' greatest literary achievement - making us love Zakalwe. In fact, making Cheradenine Zakalwe likeable is a Herculean task, but that was Banks' goal, and it was Banks' success and Banks' greatest achievement.

Use of Weapons gets better every time I read or listen to it (and Peter Kenny's reading is some of the best vocal acting I've ever heard). So please read it, friends, and tell me what you think. And if you don't agree that it's brilliant, read it again, then take your argument to China Mieville because he agrees with me, and he'll do a better job of beating you down than I can.

And P.S. - don't sit in small white chairs.

This book is a reread for me, some 20 years after last picking it up. I’m delighted to say Use of Weapons has lost none of its power since it was first released in 1990. I guess that puts it in the realms of a sci-fi classic these days, although the book still felt fresh and relevant to me, more than three decades on from publication.

One of Banks’s enduring creations is the hedonistic sci-fi universe of the Culture, which first appeared in his 1987 novel Consider Phlebas. Once I was introduced to his galaxy-spanning space opera, I soon devoured the whole series, including Use of Weapons. The novel features the exploits of Cheradenine Zakalwe. Zakalwe was born outside the Culture but has been recruited into Special Circumstances, effectively the Culture’s secret service, by their agent Diziet Sma. Zakalwe’s role is using his military skills to help intervene in less advanced civilizations, trying to nudge them along the right developmental path with varying degrees of success.

The story progresses via a dual timeline narrative. In one, Zakalwe is deployed by Sma to bring a retired former politician and intellectual back into the fray to help prevent war breaking out in a particular part of the galaxy. At first, this follows a relatively normal and predictable sequence of adventures and sci-fi high jinks. Alongside this, in alternating chapters, is Zakalwe’s backstory. Told using the unusual device of a reverse timeline, each of these chapters takes us a little further back in time, peeling back the layers of Zakalwe’s past to reveal a terrible truth, hidden even from his employers the Culture.

I do love Banks’s writing, which can be witty and humorous, exciting and action-packed or simply beautiful. When he goes ‘purple prose’, I think few can rival his sublime skill. His descriptions are so vivid that they transport the reader into the heart of the story.

Use of Weapons is less about the exploits of the present and more about the consequences of decisions and actions in the past, and how they define us. It’s really a sophisticated character study of Zakalwe and his reverse timeline story has a languid, dreamlike quality, in contrast to the frantic, wilful adventures and wanton destruction in which he indulges in the present day. Delving into Zakalwe’s past in this way is necessary for narrative and plot purposes, leading to a reveal which makes you question everything you’ve read up until that point. As a result, the novel is particularly rewarding on a second read, as this time all the hints, clues and obscure references appear in a very different light.

Whilst Banks has written more thrilling and direct novels in his Culture and wider sci-fi novels, Use of Weapons remains one that’s stayed with me through the decades. It’s an unusual book, full of hidden layers and meanings, intended to be savoured rather than devoured. It’s proof, if proof were needed, that Banks was a creative genius, and I’m sure this novel is one people will still be talking about in the decades to come.

**Expanded Article**

Full of Stars

Prologue

Adam Palmer wearily made his way through the desolate aisles of the bookstore. What had once been a haven for book lovers was now a shadow of its former self. The shelves, many of which had been stripped away, leaving only gaping holes in the plaster, held a meager collection of tattered books. Adam, having already fought his way through a precarious wall of dented copies of "America By Heart" and "A Shore Thing," had little hope of finding anything of value in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy section.

As he rounded the corner into the Horror section, his heart sank further. The shelves were in ruins, with only a few battered copies of well-known novels remaining. A copy of a Dean Koontz Frankenstein novel lay forlornly on the floor, forgotten by all. Adam continued on, his eyes scanning the empty shelves. Asimov, Clarke, Brin, Bova - all of the greats were gone. In the distance, he could see the crushed boxes that had once held the various installments of The Wheel of Time. Strangely, a whole shelf of Goodkind books sat untouched, save for a single missing copy clutched in the bony hand of a withering corpse. There was no stench of decay, which only added to the eerie atmosphere.
Adam turned another corner and gasped in surprise. There, in the tie-in section, was an entire row of torn, but still readable Star Wars books. His joy was short-lived, however, as he quickly scanned the spines. "A Truce at Bakura"? "Shadows of the Empire"? "Children of the Jedi". He grimaced. These were not the books he was hoping for, but they might be enough to last him until the next shuttered Borders. It was only a few miles away...
A soft laugh behind him made Adam jump and whirl around. His heart was pounding as he clutched the book in his hand, a copy with a cover so creased he could barely make out the name: Kevin J. Anderson. Standing just a few feet away was a woman dressed in a strange, skin-tight black suit, wearing a collar trimmed with white fur. She was holding a single thick novel, a trade paperback. Adam could only make out a few words on the cover: "se of Weap".
"Adam Palmer?" the woman said.
"Yes?" Adam replied, his voice betraying his nervousness.
"I have been looking for you. I understand you are a special man, a man of discriminating taste."
Adam smirked. "Maybe. What's the point, these days? Unless you want to get an e-reader. Or... order online."
"It is true," she agreed. "Still, I think I have something you'll be interested in. Where I come from, we have a... different way of doing things. But you'll have to trust me."
She turned and began walking away. Adam caught another glimpse of the book in her hands. "A Culture Novel." Intrigued, he began to follow.
"Wait," the woman said suddenly, stopping and turning.
"You'll need to leave that here," she said, taking the Star Wars book from Adam's hands. He held onto it for a moment, then surrendered. "You won't be needing it."
She smiled. "Let's see if we can't find you a proper science-fiction book."

**Use of Weapons: A Dark and Thought-Provoking Tale**

Use of Weapons: A dark and brooding tale of warfare, manipulation and guilt

Use of Weapons (1990) is a complex and engaging novel in Banks’ Culture series. It presents a dual-track narrative that keeps readers on their toes. The forward track follows Zakalwe, a skilled military operative, as he is recruited for one last mission by Diziet Sma. The backward track delves into Zakalwe’s past, revealing his attempts at a peaceful life and his involvements in various military operations.

The novel explores themes such as the Culture’s interference in other societies, the morality of using underhanded means to achieve goals, and the consequences of war and manipulation. Banks does an excellent job of creating a morally ambiguous world where the characters’ actions and motives are not always clear.

The backward narrative track is particularly interesting as it slowly unfolds Zakalwe’s character arc. We learn about his aristocratic background, his relationships with his sisters and cousin, and the events that led him to become the person he is. The surprise twist towards the end adds an extra layer of complexity to the story and forces readers to reevaluate their understanding of Zakalwe.

While the novel is well-written and thought-provoking, its consistently dark tone may not be to everyone’s taste. The use of a sarcastic drone, Skaffen-Amtiskaw, provides some comic relief, but overall, the book is a heavy read. However, for those who are willing to engage with its complex themes and narrative structure, Use of Weapons is a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, Use of Weapons is a significant work in the Science Fiction genre. It challenges readers to think about the ethics of power, the nature of war, and the role of utopian societies. Banks’ ability to create a rich and detailed universe, along with his exploration of complex themes, makes this novel a must-read for fans of Science Fiction and literary fiction alike.

When you are haunted by visions of a chair,

you just know that chair has a big back story.

It's as if the chair is whispering secrets to you, begging to have its tale told.

Maybe it has witnessed countless conversations, laughter, and tears over the years.

Perhaps it was once owned by a famous person or was part of a significant event.

The chair could hold memories of a bygone era, a time when life was different.

As you look at it, you can't help but wonder about the people who have sat in it, the emotions they felt, and the experiences they had.

It's almost as if the chair has a life of its own, and you are the only one who can uncover its mysteries.

Every time you see it, your curiosity grows, and you are determined to find out the truth behind this enigmatic chair.

4- This book gets higher the more I think about it - despite that plot hole…

We follow a man named Zakalwe, a special circumstances agent for the Culture. He is called upon by his handler Diziet Sma and her assigned drone Skaffen-Amtiskaw to assist with another job. The allure of the story lies in its non-linear timeline, which requires the reader to piece together his motivations and past in relation to his present.

While I adored the writing style and the precious nuggets of philosophy or incredible concepts it contained, I'm sorry to say that I discovered a plot hole that significantly diminished the impact of the ending. Sadly, it had what I like to call "Darth Vader syndrome" - a cool idea but lacking the essential connectors necessary to make the change in character choices believable.

I would still recommend the book, albeit with some reservations. If anyone can explain the ending to me, I would greatly appreciate it as I'm in need of clarification!

Overall, despite the flaw, the book has its merits and offers an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Use of Weapons should be thrust in the face of anyone that accuses science fiction of being shallow.

The depth of character and the exploration of the themes that run throughout the story are truly remarkable. For instance, it questions whether it is right for more advanced cultures to interfere in the matters of less advanced ones. This is a profound ethical dilemma that has significant implications for our own understanding of globalization and cultural interaction.

Another theme is the inevitability of war. This is a topic that has haunted humanity throughout history and continues to be relevant today. By exploring these themes, Use of Weapons achieves a depth that rivals any work of existential literary fiction.

It delivers everything that a fan of Banks will have come to expect from him, and more. It ventures into an area of darkness that none of his other stories do, allowing him to grapple with difficult questions that resonate throughout human history. As humanity becomes more advanced, these questions will only become more pressing.

While not the easiest book to read, both in terms of its structure and subject matter, it is in my opinion one of the most rewarding of Bank’s Culture novels. It packs a powerful punch to the gut that I won't easily forget.

Full review here: https://youtu.be/C2VlyH7jpZk

3.5 stars, rounding up. This work had its share of parts that felt a bit of a slog. There were times when the pacing seemed to drag, and it made it a bit of a struggle to stay fully engaged. Additionally, I ultimately found myself unable to connect all the plot threads neatly. It was as if there were loose ends that just wouldn't quite come together. However, despite these drawbacks, there were moments of true brilliance. These闪光点 were enough to elevate the overall experience and make me decide to round up the rating. When the story hit its stride, it was truly captivating and showed great potential. It made me believe that with a bit more refinement and perhaps a tighter weaving of the plot, this could have been an even more outstanding piece of work.

I engaged in a collaborative review with Joe Owens and Kyle Muntz, and our review was truly epic. We delved deep into the realms of philosophy, religion, and human nature.

The Culture series by Iain M. Banks has continuously improved, and in Use of Weapons, the narrative attains an added layer of complexity through a two-pronged approach. It weaves together the story of Zakalwe, a hunter who has departed from the Culture, and Sma, a woman who still works for them. I would even assert that this is one of the most experimental works by Banks, or indeed any science fiction writer, especially considering the ending. Due to its increased intricacy, I (PTL) invited Joseph Michael Owens (JMO) and Kyle Muntz (KM) to jointly review the book and share, debate, and stimulate our thoughts in a “cultural” exchange.

As for my previous post, I was completely stunned by the ending. I can't recall the last time a book's twist ending had such a profound impact on me. I am currently penning a full book review in collaboration with Kyle Muntz and Joe Owens. There is so much to discuss. This book is truly awesome and I highly recommend it.

http://htmlgiant.com/reviews/use-of-w...

I really had a hard time with this book, which is the third Culture novel I've read.

It began rather well, and I was making good progress through it at a fast pace. But then, all of a sudden, I seemed to hit a brick wall, and my interest dwindled rapidly.

Every time I picked it up, it was simply because I wanted to finish it and move on to something better. And surely that isn't a good way to read a book, is it?

It's a pity because I like many of the concepts of The Culture in the three books I've read, including some in this one too. But overall, I was bored while reading Use of Weapons.

I think part of this is due to the writing style. Many chapters only present pronouns, leaving the reader with a puzzle to figure out who is actually speaking.

This is a device used to serve the final twist, which was interesting, but far from enough to save the book from a one-star rating.

Nevertheless, I will continue with the series. My next read will be Excession, and hopefully my enjoyment will be more in line with my experience of Consider Phlebas and The Player of Games.

However, I would find it very difficult to recommend Use of Weapons to anyone.

Iain Banks is truly an outstanding writer.

Just like a significant portion of his other works, "Use of Weapons" is an absolute thrill ride, filled with excitement and violence, intensity and philosophy.

The story revolves around a man named Zakalwe, a mercenary agent working for the benevolent managers of the interstellar civilization known as The Culture.

Sent to numerous primitive planets to meddle in politics or lead armies, he appears to firmly believe that he is always acting in the name of good. However, it is also evident that he harbors some profound trauma from his past.

In alternating segments, we are presented with both the present and the past, gradually learning more about Zakalwe's history and the agent who recruited him, the woman Diziet Sma.

The manner in which the events are disclosed is masterfully executed, with a powerful, shocking, and thought-provoking effect.

Highly recommended. (Extra points for an amazing beheading scene!)