Inversions meets the expectations of the previous novels set in Culture.

However, it presents a different situation than what the author had accustomed us to in this series.

Far from the space orbitals and the magnificent ships with their insurmountable names, in this case, the author immerses us in a medieval world.

This world is closer to fantasy, although it also falls within the science fiction genre.

It evokes the novels of Jack Vance.

In this imagined world, the author concocts a well-developed history of medieval intrigues.

There are only a few brief notes on the galactic context of the Culture, and the author does not allude directly to it at any time.

The role of women in this story and the criticism of the patriarchal environment are to be highlighted, which makes it a very current novel.

The author passed away in 2013, leaving us with no more stories of Culture that he surely had left to tell us.

We miss you very much, Mr. Banks.

Hmm.. This is the most distinct "Culture" story I have perused thus far. Strangely, the word "drone" is not even uttered once within its pages. Nevertheless, it remains connected to the Culture. Throughout the book, people have alluded to the undertones of Culture philosophy and made very subtle references to Culture methods. However, if you are reading this as the first book in the series, you would glean none of that. To a novice, this story will seem lackluster right up until the end and will leave mysterious questions lingering in the mind. I truly believe that the author should issue a disclaimer, advising readers to at least familiarize themselves with the Culture world before picking up this particular volume. Otherwise, it will be a waste of time.

Even armed with all the background knowledge and able to pick up on the hints of those subtle references, I still find this to be a dull story, or rather two lackluster stories. Virtually nothing of consequence occurs until the end, and at times, I could scarcely believe that this was penned by the same author who crafted the preceding amazing books. This book fails to even pique your curiosity about what transpires next. There is no sense of wonder, which is something I would not anticipate from a Sci-Fi story. Or perhaps this is not a Sci-Fi story at all and solely delves into human emotions. But to fashion such a lengthy book out of that and position it in the midst of one of the most engaging Sci-Fi series simply does not make sense to me.

I am not a fan of this book. I am now moving on to the next, hoping for a reversal of feelings.

Inversions (Culture, #6) by Iain M. Banks is a captivating and slippery read, much like many of his other works. The plot, which consists of two interwoven novellas set on a medieval planet, seems straightforward at first. The Doctor follows Dr. Vosill, a female foreign physician to King Quience, while The Bodyguard follows DeWar, the chief of security to General Urleyn. The world is in turmoil after meteor strikes, and as the two characters tend to their charges, the leaders prepare for war.

However, the book's connection to the Culture series and the relationship between the two novellas are not immediately clear. The mysteries are gradually resolved through the bedtime stories DeWar tells the young prince, Lattens. These stories lay out the premise of the book and invoke a common theme in the series: the Culture's ambivalence toward colonialism. Vosill appears to support an interventionist approach, while DeWar adheres more to Star Trek's prime directive.

The book gets slippery in the outcomes, as there are many tricks and rogue variables that disrupt the expected order. In the end, it is unclear whether Vosill or DeWar was right, or if the world is better off for their visit. Banks' characters linger in the reader's mind, asking questions and challenging any straightforward answers. Overall, Inversions is a thought-provoking and engaging addition to the Culture series.

Inversions

I don't really mind the fact that this book was essentially not sci-fi in any sense. Nor do I mind that it didn't have a plethora of Culture references. However, what truly irks me is that when I reached the end of the book, I was left with a sense of, "What? Was that really it?"

It was just an utterly unsatisfactory conclusion - for both of the stories within the book. I slogged through what was mostly a dull and uninteresting book, all the while hoping that in the end, it would all be worthwhile. But alas, it was not. The lackluster ending completely failed to deliver on any of the promise that the book might have held earlier on. It was a huge disappointment, and I can't help but feel that my time would have been better spent reading something else.

This is the sixth book in the series about Culture, and it is quite special: there is almost nothing about Culture itself in it. I think it should be read either first in the cycle or already as the fifth or sixth one in order.

Culture is a utopian world of the future, where people live in their own pleasure, not knowing sorrows. The galaxy is managed by AI, and the main entertainment of people is Progression. That is, they fly to backward planets and decide what to do with them: either push them into progress, or observe, or gradually change them from within. Most of the books and stories in the cycle are exactly about such agents of Culture in other civilizations.

In this book, everything is different. There are no technologies, no spaceships, and no clever devices here. We observe two states on a feudal planet with a medieval level of development. In one, a doctor tries to treat the king and gets involved in court intrigues. In the other, the king's bodyguard looks for intrigues where, at first glance, there are none.

Although there are quite a lot of events in the book, and the alternation of chapters in different countries sets a brisk pace for the narration, in general, this is a rather slow and observant book. I would even call it a fable. A look at a civilization similar to those that Culture pushes towards progress and reflections on the meaning of Progression. But not in the abrupt sense as in "Hard to be a God", but in a much more calm and philosophical one.

I really liked it for its certain detachment and subtlety of approach to the question. There are many human relationships here and a lot that is unsaid, about which we only guess (and therefore it feels more real). Each book by Banks is a new genre. There have been action movies, thrillers, spy detectives. And here - a fable. And in each genre, he has a new approach and a new perspective on the same question of the interaction of cultures with fundamentally different levels of development. This one seemed to me especially successful and smart.

It truly is remarkable to have delved into the works of such a productive author who is capable of encompassing two distinct styles of writing, or different genres. One operates within a rather quirky and bizarre contemporary domain, while the other is an off-the-cuff, space operatic sci-fi (and at times, truly thought-provoking). Iain Banks has, on occasion, crafted some literary gems. His earlier novel, 'The Bridge', jolted me awake with its profound nature, analogous to a man's coma and the reliving of his life using the Forth Bridge in Scotland during his coma as a sort of paradoxical understanding. However, not all of his books were always at the same high level, and the ones that stood out were truly exceptional.

I digress. 'Inversions' is written under his sci-fi pseudonym, Iain M. Banks, and is a Culture book. Yet, it does not specifically address any of the usual aspects one would anticipate from the Culture Universe. Instead, envision a fantasy setting, a quasi-late Medieval World dealing with two different countries (presumably on the same planet, although this is never truly discussed, only briefly alluded to), and some traditional story-telling taking place. As I've stated, this is not about massive, uniquely named giant space ships and autonomous droids. It is set in a more Medieval era, a who-done-it thriller. You might think this is odd, and it is, which is precisely why I found it as captivating as the author's more profound works, such as 'The Bridge'. There are two different realms, with two different main characters involved in court machinations, jealousy, murder, spying, and various failed attempts to bring down the two protagonists (who have no relation to each other) due to their influence with the kings of their respective nations.

In one nation, a doctor and physician is hired to assist their king, and she becomes close to the monarch, causing rifts among the king's dukes and advisors, who do their utmost to bring her down and discredit her. She is actually the more interesting character focus. In a different continent, the other character is a personal bodyguard to their king. Once again, there is soon a slightly hidden antipathy, jealousy, and dislike towards his influence over the king and court. The explanation is that they were both 'Special Circumstances' agents for the Culture, attempting (as usual) to introduce dissent into these countries. But this is not directly explainable or explicitly stated in the book until we receive hints towards the end. It is positive dissent, which was often the Culture's agenda in placing these people in backward countries.
It is an interesting read, made easy by the fact that each chapter alternates between the doctor and the bodyguard, thus making it intertwined. It could truly be read independently, without any knowledge whatsoever of the Culture Universe, as a stand-alone thriller, as I mentioned. I am awarding this a 5 because it is the uniqueness of the novel that makes it truly fascinating.

Somehow, science fiction or fantasy doesn't really work for me and doesn't appeal to me much. However, the brilliant translation by Viktor Janis made my reading much easier. Due to the translation, I give it three stars, while the content itself only gets two.

I have always had a bit of a struggle with these genres. Maybe it's because the concepts are too far-fetched for me to fully grasp. But when I read this particular work with Viktor Janis' translation, I found that I could understand it better. The translation seemed to bridge the gap between the strange and the familiar.

Still, when it comes to the content, it didn't quite wow me. There were some interesting elements, but overall, it didn't have that something extra that would make it a truly outstanding piece. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the effort that went into the translation, which definitely enhanced my reading experience.

This book truly showcases the remarkable talent of Iain Banks as a sophisticated writer.

I had eagerly anticipated another installment in the Culture series, but a few chapters in, I found myself confused. The narrative unfolds as two intertwined stories, set in two rather medieval societies. There are no AI minds, no sentient spacecraft, and no "Cultured" humanity flitting about.

Nonetheless, I set aside my misgivings and simply relished the interplay of the two tales, at least until I reached the final chapters.

Suddenly, everything became clear. The stories that the bodyguard DeWar told to Lettens came into sharp focus. The Doctor, with her obsessive attention to cleanliness and her ever-present dull old knife. I won't disclose any more details to avoid spoiling it for you. You deserve the opportunity to piece things together at your own pace and in your own way. I'm certain that many readers were able to figure things out more quickly than I did.

This is a very subtle novel, markedly different from its predecessors. I suspect that Banks was seeking a change, and this novel offers a refreshing departure. I'm actually inclined to go back to the beginning and re-read the book, armed with my newfound understandings. However, it's far too early for that.

I can envision eventually desiring to re-read the entire series, but first, I must complete it.

Book number 367 of my Science Fiction & Fantasy Reading Project.

I must preface my review with my surprise. I just took a look at the responses to this book from my Goodreads friends and the star ratings are only fair to middling. It makes me wonder if my love for this book is, perhaps, a little misguided. Either that or I am a more discerning reader than everyone else. Yeah... that's probably it ;) So here's my review:

Iain M. Banks' books are known for their big, outlandish moments. Grandmas exploding, people waking up in rooms full of shit, ships running aground on purpose, hermaphrodites applying to mechanized killing temples to seek decision-making help. His work is bold and in-your-face, and extended subtlety is not something he often employs. But he can, as is evident in "Inversions".

This non-Culture Culture novel is all about subtlety. It's a delicate double tale, unique among his works. Two journals, two parallel narratives, unfold in an unnamed world experiencing a sort of Renaissance. A doctor cares for her King, while a bodyguard protects his country's Protector. These two stories intertwine in the subtlest of ways, offering meditations on the meaning of perspective and how the tiniest differences in perspective can change everything.

The Culture elements present in "Inversions" enhance an already rich story, hinting at a vast universe beyond the confines of this world (recently discovered to be round, not flat) and its people. However, this time the focus is not on the Culture. "Contact" is at the heart of the novel, with its two main characters being part of the "Contact" organization. But we don't hear the tale from their perspective, so "Contact" remains a subtle thread in a larger tapestry.

"Inversions" explores love and hate, revenge and forgiveness, selfishness and selflessness, men and women, illness and health, healing and wounding, peace and violence, and countless other inversions. But none of these pairings are black and white. None are simple. There is no easy judgment between these potential opposites, no clear good or bad. They just are, and what one might want to know about them is often left unsaid within the story. Banks makes us work by making us fill in the blanks. This is the main tool of his subtlety. But perhaps it is this silence, the absence of certain things, and the subtle hints Banks gives us that say everything that needs to be said.

This book is beautiful. I've described many of Banks' books in various ways, but beautiful is a new descriptor for me. I want to share the beauty of this book with everyone, but as I learned before writing this review, I may be the only one who sees the beauty of "Inversions". That makes me more than a little sad.

This particular work felt significantly more like fantasy rather than science fiction.

To be sure, there are still certain elements present that have the potential to make IMB (presumably the name of the work) great. However, it doesn't quite reach the same level of excellence as "Use of Weapons".

Honestly speaking, it might potentially be the least impressive installment of the Culture series thus far.

Nevertheless, the ending managed to be a complete surprise. In fact, I found myself actually gasping when the big reveal was disclosed at the very end.

The unexpected nature of the conclusion added an element of excitement and intrigue that somewhat redeemed the overall experience.

It makes one wonder what might come next in this particular narrative or within the larger context of the Culture series.

Despite its flaws, there is still something about this work that keeps the reader engaged and eager to see how the story will unfold.

Perhaps future installments will build upon the foundation laid here and bring the Culture series back to its former glory.

Only time will tell.

This sixth book set in the universe of the Culture presents a remarkable departure from its predecessors.

While the earlier installments were firmly rooted in hard sci-fi, this one scarcely contains any such elements. In fact, it is only towards the conclusion of the book that the Culture is even hinted at, and never explicitly.

The story is set on an unknown planet that bears a resemblance to medieval Earth, complete with various kingdoms and a lack of technology. There are two intertwined narratives, presented in alternate chapters.

The first narrative is told from the perspective of Oelph, the apprentice of Doctor Vosill. The doctor, possessing medical knowledge far beyond that of the society, serves as the king's personal physician, ensuring his health and performing other medical duties as needed. Her foreignness, extensive knowledge, and close proximity to the king, however, lead to conflicts with the nobles.

The other narrative, presented in the third person, centers around deWar, the personal bodyguard of Protector Urleyn, a king in all but name. He thwarts assassination attempts but is scorned for his paranoia by his close friend, the concubine Perrund.

I have provided a brief overview of the book's ostensible plot, but it is clear that there is much more to it than meets the eye. This is a highly literary work, and teasing out its themes can be a challenging task. In many ways, it explores life and the complex ways in which people interact with one another.

There are hidden loves, hidden horrors, and a fear of the outside world. Everything from the rich tapestry of human emotion is present within these pages.

I have come to the conclusion that the main theme of the book is intervention. The two narratives illustrate how two individuals intervene in the lives of their rulers and the way they govern their kingdoms. Bodyguard deWar intervenes directly and overtly, becoming deeply involved in his ruler's personal affairs. Doctor Vosill, on the other hand, is more subtle, offering suggestions and working behind the scenes.

It is an interesting concept to consider, and the endings do not provide an obvious answer as to which approach is best. In fact, it may be that too much intervention is not always the right course of action.

As always, this is a fantastically engaging and well-written book by a great author, one that has taken me far away from my expectations of the series.

A Culture novel by stealth? That's an interesting concept. We have parallel medieval stories here, filled with meticulous attention to detail and sudden bursts of nasty violence. Mr Banks describes and delivers these elements with great adeptness. The beings in these stories, while not strictly earth-bound humans, are darn near another 'M' class humanoid equivalent, showing the same failings and foulings that we humans are guilty of.

At the close, we see that Special Circumstances has been watching over everything. It deploys its technological magic to protect and gather up its own. No doubt it will file a critical state of play report along with other watching briefs.

Overall, it's diverting enough. But personally, I have a preference for the full-on hard tech/science Culture novels. Those novels show us a future that is oh so very believable. They draw us in with their detailed descriptions of advanced technology and the implications it has for society. I find them more engaging and thought-provoking than this particular offering.

However, this doesn't mean that this novel is without its merits. The parallel medieval stories add an interesting layer of complexity, and the way Mr Banks weaves in the technological elements is quite skillful. It's just that for me, the hard tech/science novels hit the mark a little more accurately.

Perhaps others will have a different opinion and find this novel to be a real gem. After all, everyone has their own tastes when it comes to literature. But for now, I'll be looking forward to the next full-on hard tech/science Culture novel that Mr Banks has in store for us.