It was truly unfortunate when, in 2013, we lost Iain Banks. Along with him, we also bid farewell to his quirky twin brother, Iain M Banks. The latter was renowned for the Culture series and various other SF novels. All of these works retained his biting wit and endearingly pessimistic view of human nature, while also incorporating a generous helping of strange ideas that wouldn't be found in his other novels about people with personality defects engaging in ill-fated affairs.

For those new to Banks, he was a rare writer who could effortlessly shift between literary genre fiction and imaginative SF without seeming out of place. He took both genres seriously, although I sometimes think he put a little extra effort into the SF stuff. Maybe it was because he could let his imagination run wilder in this genre. Most of the books with the middle initial on the cover were part of his long-running "Culture" series, a socialist society that was both cheerful and savage, sometimes simultaneously. However, once in a while, he would step out and write a SF novel completely unconnected to that series. This appears to be the last of those novels to be published, although we would get three more Culture novels before his untimely passing.

In this book, he crams a multitude of wild ideas into the plot and lets chaos reign. He presents a human civilization that has spread across the galaxy (and eliminated AIs, take that smartphones!) and remains connected via a series of wormholes. Without these wormholes, traveling by sublight spaceship would be a long and tedious journey, requiring a good book and the patience to endure countless "are we there yet?" questions. In the midst of this, lives Fassin Taak, a Seer who specializes in studying Dwellers, a race of super long-lived aliens that inhabit gas giants and view comparatively shorter civilizations much like you might view a plate of doughnuts left out in the open in the company break room.

Alas, the state of low-level war between Taak's civilization and the Beyonders (not to be confused with the Marvel "Secret Wars" guy with the amazing disco hair) escalates when word gets out that Taak once uncovered information about a series of possible Dweller wormholes. His past discovery gets him drafted into the military and made part of a team to persuade the Dwellers to help them find the rest of the information. But dealing with creatures that wonder why sloths are always in such a hurry requires patience and a good playlist of slow jams.

The book is a lot to digest, and either I haven't read a Banks SF novel in a while or he was a bit rusty because this one seemed to start quite slowly. He takes his time getting to the heart of the conflict, which means there are quite a few passages discussing the Dwellers before we actually meet them. Your enjoyment of the novel may depend on how fascinating you find the intricacies of Banks' new setting. He also includes flashbacks to Taak's two former best friends and an expedition they took, as well as following their lives. We also get detours to a warlord on his way to the star system for some pointless destruction, amusing himself with imaginative tortures.

My initial problem was that I was more engaged with the setting than the characters, and even the setting was a bit of a slog early on due to its density. The book felt directionless until the idea of finding the Dweller wormholes emerged, and even then, it took a while to get to the gas giant. However, things do pick up once Taak visits the Dwellers, who seem to be a satire on someone, talking like cheerfully pompous Englishmen and existing in an economy based on "kudos". They are delightfully quirky, even if they don't feel entirely alien. At least they liven things up as Banks takes us through their loosely structured civilization.

It's a testament to Banks' writing talents that he managed to maintain interest despite the narrative sometimes veering towards "plot coupon" status as Taak bounces from one Dweller locale to another in search of the secret of the wormhole location math. When the story focuses on Taak and his quest, it works well because the Dwellers are so much fun. However, when he takes us back to everyone else, the story slows down considerably, even though these scenes are probably necessary for a space opera. Of course, being a Banks novel, he has to come close to mocking the whole central concept of the story in a way that would make Kurt Vonnegut proud, leaving you wondering what the point of it all was. But that messy ambiguity and downbeat realism when it comes to galactic politics are hallmarks of any Banks novel, and he doesn't disappoint here. All the other plot threads may dilute the impact of the resolution, and ultimately, you may be more interested in the concepts than the characters. His usual savage plot structuring, which is normally so capable of both toying with and shredding us and the characters, feels a bit more direct this time, not as prone to his brutal misdirection. There's still plenty to like here, but the gut-wrenching emotional twists seem to be missing or dulled, and much like the Dwellers, you might take your time to enjoy the journey and mostly remember the amusing highlights.

There is an abundance here. Arguably, it's an overabundance. Banks perhaps inserts one too many plot threads in this book of ceaselessly inventive yet excessive creation.

The middle section is among my favorite things he has ever accomplished. The Dweller culture is a more decadent and selfish iteration of his own Culture, yet potentially funnier, bringing to mind Moorcock’s end-of-time adventures and Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.

A revenge plot that likely endures the most for getting lost in the threads, a vast future history, rogue AIs, a quest for a lost artifact, and an ironically cruel war are among the numerous elements at play.

The parts with the main “villain” (moral and political ambiguities are rife in this book) are, I believe, intentionally tongue in cheek and poke fun at a pulpy Ming The Merciless style villain (and get to showcase Banks’s penchant for the grand guignol).

So, in the end, it's messy but still recommended.

**The Algebraist: A Complex and Entertaining Space Opera**

The Algebraist has been sitting on my shelf for years, patiently waiting for its turn. Iain M. Banks is famous for his Culture series, and I suspect his non-Culture novels like this one often get less attention. The book is a hefty tome, so I hesitated to read it. But then I found an audio version on Audible UK, though it was abridged and narrated by Anton Lesser instead of Peter Kenny.

I gave the audiobook a try, and it was similar to my experience with Banks' Excession. The story is a complicated galaxy-spanning one, filled with strange alien races and space-faring factions battling over a powerful artifact. There are dozens of characters, each more eccentric than the last. The Dwellers, an ancient and powerful race, are the headliners. Fassin Taak, a human Slow Seer, gets drafted by the Mercatoria when he accidentally uncovers clues to the legendary Dweller List.

Banks is a skilled writer, able to come up with a seemingly endless supply of new ideas and battle scenes. He combines whimsy with serious topics, creating a complex and action-packed plot. However, as with Excession, the large number of characters and the abridged nature of the audiobook made it difficult for me to connect with the story. Many reviews say there are too many details and not enough focus. But even a lesser Banks work is still entertaining, and I'd like to read the whole book in hardcopy someday, perhaps in that house by the lake.

One of Iain M. Banks' few science fiction books that is not set within the Culture universe, yet it contains numerous elements that make those other books so excellent. The central focus of this particular book is entirely on an alien race that inhabits the atmospheres of gas giants. They have endured for millions of years, and Banks does an outstanding job of depicting their vastly different alien way of thinking.

I discovered this book to be a slow burner, and initially, it was rather challenging to engage with. However, once the unique world-building was complete, the story truly took flight. There was a twist at the end that caught me completely off guard, despite the fact that Banks had alluded to the circumstances on several occasions.

Another fascinating aspect is that at one point, an AI is explaining to the main character how it is not truly alive but merely appears to be so. Its own self-description is remarkably similar to how ChatGPT functions. This is a quite impressive technical prediction for a book that was written back in 2004.

The experience of reading this book truly confused me.

I had initially enjoyed being part of the group of characters and listening to their interactions, as if I were attending a cocktail party filled with new people.

However, the problem was that I always had the nagging feeling that everything was a waste of time.

I simply could never see the plot of this book clearly.

Sure, there was an overall story, but it lacked any elements of real interest.

The author didn't seem to be overly concerned about having a coherent and engaging overall plot, which I found rather strange.

On the other hand, some of his science fiction elements were indeed fascinating.

Take prepping for example - this is when a species would kidnap other species that had not yet developed space travel and then place some of those beings on other planets as slaves or mercenaries, all under the guise of helping the species.

Then, when the species finally ventured out into space, they were surprised to discover that they already existed in space.

This led to the creation of Advanced and Remaining humans.

There was one particular part that I thought was very hilarious.

Everyone gets plastic surgery and enhancements, but there are a few who remain their ugly selves.

As the saying goes, "The only ugly people are making a statement."

This review is filled with spoilers.

First of all, I was intrigued by the method used to control and pacify humans and other 'alien' galactic species, which is to co-opt the evolution of those different species. By kidnapping earlier groups of humans, introducing genetic modifications and advanced technology to their societies, and then waiting for the rest of humanity to make it off Earth on their own, it seriously disadvantages the rhumans. As a method of taking control of the universe, it is brilliant. This keeps the rhumans focused on trying to catch up rather than causing more trouble, which humans are usually prone to do.

I loved the concept of the Dwellers and the wackiness of the individual Dwellers, but the idea of the actual Dwellers species didn't quite match up for me. They seemed more like eccentric British aristocracy playing around with life rather than actual alien races with alien thought processes and life rhythms. I can understand the idea of ritualized war and the hunting of the youth as a form of natural selection, but it didn't really convey other-worldliness, just self-indulgent idiosyncrasy. I did find the idea of the Quick versus the slow interesting, but again, the actual implementation didn't convey that idea. I really didn't buy the actuality of the time frame being discussed.

Another idea that didn't quite work for me was that of Fassin being housed within a type of ship contrivance. That was interesting, but then Banks kept referring to the way in which Fassin would move around his habitats, which implied machinelessness. At times, the author made it obvious that Fassin was ensconced within a machine, and other times it seemed forgotten.

One thing - periods are severely rationed within this text. The number of 150-word sentences staggered me. I'm usually quite comfortable with long sentences. But when you read half a page of text and realize that you haven't reached the end of a sentence, then I question the decision made by the author. These are not the interminable but understandable descriptive paragraphs of the unusually verbose; these are the ramblings. They could easily be broken into 2 or more much more understandable and readable 80-word sentences (lol). These passages really slowed down my reading and made me want to skim. And if I'm going to skim a book, I might as well just go out to Wikipedia and have someone else tell me in a thousand words or less what it's all about (which I'm not going to do - that's not why I read). It was annoying that I would begin to enjoy reading a section and then all of a sudden, come to a screeching halt. The number of sentence paragraphs I stopped to count was indicative of the stupidly irritating roadblocks that were being thrown in the way of my appreciation.

I'm marking the rest with a spoiler tag because I want to rant a little, and some of it has to do with the actual progress of the book.

The great quest was a letdown. That probably had to do with Banks basically telling us the answer in the first pages of the story. I can understand that the blindingly obvious can sometimes elude people because it exists right in front of their faces, but when so many clues are left, I can't imagine that it would have been a secret for very long to everyone. Just look at the travel patterns of the Dwellers themselves, and it should have given some hint.

The idea of a confrontation between the different societies was interesting, but it was dropped without any real resolution. The Beyonders were fighting to free the Mercatoria, but neither have much going for them. Throw in the imminent invasion of a despotic maniac and his fleet, and it becomes a jumble of confused motives. The Mercatoria doesn't really care what happens to the populace as long as they stay comfortably in power with minimal disruption. The Beyonders want more say in their lives but don't care what means they use to get what they want, even the deaths and destruction of multitudes of innocents. The maniac is in person a more grievously antagonistic character, but in reality, he's just another guy with an ungoverned fleet of weapons and the desire to use them. The observation that people only do what they're told when they're afraid of the repercussions and that the repercussions don't have to be only directed at the guilty reminds me too much of real life, where people are bullied into admitting guilt even when not guilty, and those who are truly innocent suffer the most. Just because the world works that way doesn't make the inevitability of this rule in the future more palatable. I was especially annoyed that none of the truly responsible actually suffered for their choices - Luseferous gets away, the Mercatoria is still in power, the Beyonders are still angry terrorists, the spies are still out there, blah, blah, blah. Only the uninformed civilians and the cannon-fodder military are decimated.

By the end, by the time Fassin finds an answer to the question (after how many different ways he can be hit in the head with it), Fassin doesn't care anymore, and neither do I. The only thing that actually happens is that you really wish none of the contenders would win, including Fassin himself. And I would like to see the AIs and the Dwellers actually take over; they couldn't do a worse job. As an unconnected observation, it felt like the author started out wanting to tell one story, then bogged down and abandoned it halfway through, threw around some funny observations and crazy disconnected alien situations, only to wrap it up halfheartedly at the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent novel.

The characters were so vivid and well-developed that I felt as if I knew them personally. The atmosphere was immersive, transporting me into a world that was both strange and familiar. And the fascinating plot twist toward the end was truly a masterstroke, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

Reading another great science fiction work by Iain M. Banks always leaves me with mixed emotions. On one hand, I am in awe of his imagination, creativity, and writing skill. His ability to create complex and believable worlds, populated with unique and interesting characters, is truly remarkable. On the other hand, I am sad that he is gone and there will not be more of these novels coming. His passing is a great loss to the world of science fiction.

Highly recommended to any sci-fi reader. If you haven't read Iain M. Banks before, you are in for a treat. His novels are some of the best in the genre and are sure to leave you entertained and inspired.

A Pleasing Space-Opera

This space-opera is truly a delight to experience. While it may not reach the same heights as something like "Star Tide Rising," it still manages to be engaging and highly enjoyable. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, drawing the reader or viewer into its unique universe.

One of the standout features of this space-opera is its interesting cast of characters. Each character has their own distinct personality, motives, and backstory, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. From the heroic protagonist to the cunning antagonist, and all the supporting characters in between, they all contribute to making the story come alive.

The action and adventure in the space-opera are also well-executed, with thrilling battles, exciting chases, and unexpected twists and turns. The special effects, if any, are visually impressive, adding to the overall immersive experience.

In conclusion, although this space-opera may not be a masterpiece on the level of "Star Tide Rising," it is still a worthy addition to the genre. It offers an engaging and enjoyable experience, with an interesting cast of characters and exciting action and adventure. Fans of space-opera are sure to find something to like here.

Iain Banks is truly a remarkable author. His works have this unique charm that makes you look at other books and think, "They're just not as good." I have an immense love for his writing.

'The Algebraist' is set in the same universe as some of his other science fiction novels, yet it stands alone perfectly. It tells the story of Fassin Taak, a Seer, which is essentially an alien anthropologist. In the course of his research, he unwittingly stumbles upon a clue. This clue seems to suggest that age-old legends might actually hold some truth. The Dwellers, a widespread alien race that lives in gas giants, appear to be frivolous yet enigmatic. They may have access to a secret network of wormholes, which are the key to interstellar travel.

The empire that humans belong to, the Mercatoria, would stop at nothing to obtain this secret. Their own network was severely damaged during the past AI Wars. Others would also be willing to kill for it, including an invasion fleet led by a sadistic maniac.

Fassin is enlisted by the military and government to conduct further investigations. However, not only is he potentially walking into danger, but his entire planetary system could also be at risk.

In the beginning of the book, there were some parts that moved a bit slowly, and there were a few points where the shifts in time frame and point of view became slightly confusing. But as the story progressed towards the latter part, all of the threads were masterfully pulled together, resulting in an emotional and satisfying ending.

Whilst the Culture is a prominent theme that pervades all of Iain M Banks' writings, this particular work represents a significant departure. It transports us to a fully realized and meticulously detailed place in both time and space. This allows Banks to craft and historically define yet another captivating Space Opera reality, and he accomplishes this with remarkable skill and finesse.

The Dwellers are undoubtedly one of my favorite creations within this universe. They are insouciant aliens inhabiting a galaxy that is teeming with a rich tapestry of interstellar life, diverse civilizations, powerful empires, and advanced technology. In the midst of this bustling and crowded galaxy, our protagonist, Fassin Taak, embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the secret of the Dwellers. However, his journey is not simply about finding a hidden truth; it is a profound exploration of the eternal struggle of the individual against the state. It delves into the question of the rights of the one in the face of the many, the pursuit of freedom and justice in a galaxy that, despite its advanced nature, is still plagued by conflict and tyranny.

To this end, the Dwellers seem to offer a glimmer of hope, an alternative way of life that has been largely overlooked by others and which may only function on their own unique terms. Yet, it represents the closest approximation of a harmonious civilization within this complex and often chaotic galactic landscape.

Fassin Taak's odyssey spans the entire Galaxy, taking him on a remarkable journey through a xenomorphia of strange and fascinating creatures and beings. He delves deep into the Dwellers' Gas Giant planet and ventures to its outer edges, providing Banks with the perfect opportunity to showcase his brilliant imagination, his flair for creating unforgettable set pieces, his subtle sense of humor, and his ability to evoke virile horror and gore. This is an endlessly entertaining and engaging journey, filled with encounters with creatures and beings that you simply do not want to part ways with, in a confusing and crowded Galaxy that leaves you longing to explore it further.

I am a huge enthusiast of Iain M. Banks. However, this particular work wasn't among his finest. It belongs to the science fiction genre and bears a general resemblance to the Culture novels, yet it's not actually one of them.

Regrettably, it was overly long and convoluted considering the worth of the story it presented. There is indeed the potential for a great book within these pages.

But to truly realize that potential, it would necessitate an editor to trim down 50 - 75% of the content. This would help to streamline the narrative and make the story more engaging and impactful.

As it stands, the excessive length and meandering nature of the book detract from what could have been a remarkable reading experience.

Hopefully, in the future, someone will take on the task of editing this work to bring out its true potential and make it a more enjoyable and memorable addition to the science fiction genre.

It is an entertaining space opera that is nonetheless a minor work of Iain M. Banks. I couldn't help but compare it somewhat unfavorably with some of the better-known novels of the Culture, particularly Consider Phlebas.

Galactic civilizations, alien races with different levels of technological advancement, stellar invasions, and so on. It has many of the same common themes of the Culture, but without the usual depth.

The story may engage readers with its exciting space adventures and the presence of various alien species. However, when compared to the more renowned works in the Culture series, it lacks the profound exploration of complex ideas and the rich character development that make those novels truly stand out.

Nonetheless, it can still provide an enjoyable read for fans of space opera and those interested in the fictional universe created by Iain M. Banks.