This series has received really great reviews. However, it is apparently not suitable for me.

The story seemed to progress very slowly, almost dragging along until nearly the end. I just couldn't seem to engage with the main character or become interested in the plot.

I found myself constantly losing focus and not really caring about what was happening. It's a shame because the positive reviews made me expect more.

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this series. It may be great for others, but it simply didn't work for me.

Maybe I'm just not the right audience for it, but I feel like there are other series out there that would be a better fit for my tastes.

Use of Weapons was truly far superior when it came to both plot and characterization. It had a depth and complexity that set it apart. On the other hand, Player of Games offered no real surprises, especially if one had already read other Culture novels. The plot twist in Player of Games was rather reminiscent of Ender's Game and was even alluded to in the very first sentence. What's more, the central game in Player of Games was never described in detail. As a result, it remained too vague of a concept for the reader to truly care about. Additionally, any attempts at exploring the human condition, racism, and sexism in the book were poorly entwined. They did not fit naturally into the plot but rather seemed forced and out of place.

Sorry to say but it didn't really work for me.

My main issue is that the storyline only became interesting in the last 30% of the book.

I do appreciate intelligent prose, the humour, and the interesting world (at least on Culture's side). I also liked the ending, which is why I gave it 2 stars.

Unfortunately, the list of things I didn't like is longer.

Two-thirds of this book is really slow. Nothing much happens - no danger, no conflict, no intrigue or mystery, nothing to hook you in and keep you turning the pages.

The descriptions are another problem. There are a lot of (often lengthy) descriptions of the landscape, sunset, interior, ship compartment, etc. that seem irrelevant to the story. And this is on top of an already slow plot.

The main character is not exactly likeable. He is arrogant, selfish, and almost wilfully ignorant of what is going on around him. He is more worried about winning his games than about the people. I couldn't care less about his reputation or whether he wins or loses. Normally, I'm all for grey characters, but an un-relatable character combined with an un-engaging plot leaves the story without any drive.

The main subject, games, is also a letdown. Who would have thought it could be so boring? The games in this book are not simulations. They are more complex versions of chess and card games. There is no explanation of how they work, just plenty of descriptions. Now, playing a game yourself can be exciting, but imagine watching a chess match or a snooker game without even understanding the rules. It's enough to make you fall asleep (ZZZzzzz... Snore... Huh. What?!).

The Book I Read Every Year

Readers of SF&F often have a particular book that they reread annually. For many, it's "The Lord of the Rings." Christopher Lee, for instance, was known to reread it. I too have read and reread "The Lord of the Rings." However, the book that has truly been a constant in my life, always seemingly on my bedside table, is "The Player of Games" by Iain M. Banks.

This is a part of the Culture series. For those unfamiliar with Iain M. Banks, he created the remarkable civilization of The Culture. Although he didn't initially set out to write a trilogy or series, the popularity of this universe led him to return to it repeatedly. There are ten titles in total, with "The Player of Games" being the second. I first read it in 1988 when it was released and own the 1989 paperback edition with its captivating cover.
This book is an interesting precursor to our modern gaming culture and reflects Banks' lifelong obsession with complex multiplayer board games. It features the main character, Gurgeh, who is taken out of his comfort zone to play the greatest game. In the story, Banks creates two civilizations - the Culture and the Empire of Azar - which are vividly contrasted. Gurgeh's tale, as an unhappy individual who can't understand his unhappiness, is compelling from the start. The action really picks up when he reaches Azar, a place that the Culture Minds consider evil but where Gurgeh discovers a bloody beauty and vitality. I always recommend this book, but with a hint of hesitation. It has been a part of my life since 1989 and is truly a good read.