Before picking up this particular book, I had started and abandoned approximately four or so other books. However, this one truly managed to hold my attention and became the one that actually stuck with me.

Now, it has risen to a high position on my list of the "Culture" series books that I have read so far. The reason for this is the incredibly clever manner in which the story was structured in relation to the general series-verse.

In order to fully appreciate the subtle nuances and hidden gems within it, I believe it is advisable to have read at least some of the other Culture books. This is not because of any directly interlinked story, but rather to be able to pick up on the quiet hints that are dropped throughout.

Overall, for me, this book definitely earns a solid 4.5 stars. It has managed to captivate my interest and provide a reading experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the "Culture" series or enjoys science fiction with a unique and well-crafted narrative.

Poor.

This book could very loosely be described as science fiction. In fact, it is more like an unimaginative fantasy novel.

If I didn't know better, I'd say this book wasn't by Banks at all. The story lacks any interesting ideas that are typically prevalent in all of Banks' novels.

In essence, it is a long and boring book that features two separate stories which are mostly unrelated. Neither of these stories is very good.

It seems as if the author failed to capture the essence and excitement that is usually associated with science fiction or fantasy.

The characters lack depth and the plot fails to engage the reader.

Overall, this book is a disappointment and not worth the time and effort to read.

It is a prime example of what can go wrong when an author attempts to write in a genre that they may not be fully competent in.

Hopefully, the author will learn from this experience and produce better work in the future.

A wonderful book that will surprise you due to the series it belongs to.

Genre. Science Fiction (very much in the background and because it belongs to The Culture).

What it tells us. Doctor Vosill is the king's doctor in Haspide, but although her practice is immaculate, she is not to the liking of many nobles at court. They are jealous of her multiple knowledge in different disciplines and suspect her unclear origins in a very distant territory. DeWar is the jealous bodyguard of the leader of the protectorate of Tassasen, with certain political interests in common with Haspide and others that oppose. The fifth book in the The Culture saga.

Do you want to know more about this book, without spoilers? Visit:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com.... This book offers a captivating story set in an interesting world. The complex relationships between the characters add depth and intrigue. The blend of science fiction elements with political and social themes makes it a unique and engaging read. Whether you are a fan of The Culture series or new to it, this book is sure to draw you in and keep you entertained.

3.5 stars. As is typically the case, the book is very well written, and Peter Kenny's narration is excellent. I was truly intrigued by the medieval setting, which is not commonly seen in science fiction. The subtle Culture influences that are scattered throughout the story add an interesting layer. However, my only minor complaint that prevented me from giving it 4 stars was the lack of a strong plot. The story seemed to meander at times, and the ending was a bit anticlimactic. Despite these flaws, I would still recommend this book for fans of the Culture series. However, it's probably not the best place to start if you're new to the series.

The story of two intertwined tales, that of Doctor Vosill and bodyguard DeWar in a world that has a certain connection to the Culture saga. Banks' approach is more sentimental than on other occasions, and the narrative framework is a late medieval world where social and economic reforms are about to unfold after the catastrophic fall of an empire.

It is a story about loyalty, deception, and the relativity of the viewpoints one can have regarding the worth of leaders. Tinged with lovelessness and a certain bitterness, it is a novel that departs from the author's usual tone and may not be to the taste of the followers of the more ironic and humorous formula present in the rest of Banks' science fiction novels.

The setting of the late medieval world adds an interesting layer to the story, with its即将到来的 social and economic changes. The characters of Doctor Vosill and DeWar are complex and their relationship is filled with twists and turns. The themes of loyalty and deception are explored in depth, making the reader question the true nature of these concepts.

Overall, this novel offers a different side of Iain M. Banks' writing, one that may appeal to those who are looking for a more emotional and thought-provoking read.

A sort of somewhat inferior take on Hard to be a God. This statement might pique the curiosity of those who are familiar with the latter work. For those who have read the aforementioned book, I just spoiled a good chunk of the narrative in 12 words. However, for those who have not, I suppose it's safe enough to approach.

Inversions is a Culture novel, like all other novels in the series, still sitting in the realm of hard sci-fi. I resent, as it happens, those reviews that for some reason inexplicable to me say it "feels like fantasy". If anything, one supposes it feels like a historical novel with a twist. But really, a non-modern setting does not make fantasy novels all by itself, and I would be astonished to find elements of magic in it.

Just like some other reviewers, I enjoyed this Culture novel because it didn't have much Culture in it. There are no infinite, impossible names, no rather annoying Minds or Drones, no decadence and long and rather convoluted explanations about how humans are basically useless, pretty playthings in a world run for them by benevolent AIs. Banks does tend to grind about that.

Instead we get humans who are, if not in control of their world, at least trying to be productive in it - in, admittedly, a rather debatable and self-righteous manner. They are what the Strugatsky brothers conveniently call Progressors, playing with the history of a world. Really, the biggest failing Inversions has is that while this is clearly its topic, it only engages in a discussion of whether such Progressing is right or wrong in a roundabout, shallow, and almost nonexistent way. We are treated to 'this argument may have happened', but not to 'this argument is taking place'. Aside from this philosophical grounding, which, overtly, is not particularly common in Western sci-fi, the story is well-crafted, and gives readers who know what to look for enough clues to go on. It's a much closely-written and detailed novel than most, because of dealing with humans on a small scale, and not with The Entirety of Space, and I prefer it to the others, although I saw most of the twists coming.

The least one can say is that I was not expecting this at all. But what a pleasant surprise it is!

It is a truly remarkable book within the Culture series. Although there are certain elements that might bring it to mind, this book clearly stands apart in the saga and leans more towards the realm of fantasy. This is by no means a bad thing. I appreciate reading such works from time to time. Since I rarely (if ever) research the books I read, I was quite taken aback. But in a positive way.

The story follows two main characters. There is a female doctor who serves the king, and a bodyguard who is tasked with looking after a revolutionary. Both of them must outwit the traps laid by important and powerful figures in the court and those around them. The book is extremely well-written, alternating between the two characters in each chapter and presenting their stories in different styles. I had a wonderful time reading it, and I am eagerly anticipating exploring the rest of the Culture Novels.

Bumping this down to two stars. I think I had a more neutral stance when I completed it, but upon reflection, my feelings have decidedly tilted towards the negative, especially when compared to the Culture books I adored, which is every single other one of them.

This one was a tough nut to crack for me. The last Culture novel I delved into, Excession, was by far my favorite, finally bestowing upon me that epic sci-fi feel I had been yearning for. Inversions, as the name suggests, is the polar opposite. The scope is extremely limited, the world is medieval and devoid of any technological advancements, there are no "big questions" posed (or answered), and most disappointingly, there are no sassy Minds or AIs. It's okay as a medieval fantasy book, but overall, it's rather meh. This isn't what I seek in sci-fi, nor is it what I look for in fantasy. I did have a liking for some of the characters, and the writing was as beautiful as always, but it was almost a 2-star read for me.

I definitely understand those who see Inversions as an inferior Culture novel, but I completely disagree with them.

This is a view of the Culture from a lower perspective, through various obfuscations.

It is indeed the most subtle of the Culture novels; so subtle that I believe many readers fail to grasp the scope of its subject matter. I would recommend reading Inversions only after having read several other Culture novels in close succession; it is extremely subtle yet absolutely brilliant.

Told from the perspectives of two very different characters, one a personal account and the other an amalgamation consisting of a dramatization of previous events and a memoir, it is a story about the brutalities of man, war, sovereignty, and progress.

If you find yourself scratching your head after finishing it, as I have on both occasions when I read it, I highly recommend picking up the Culture Series of Iain M. Banks: A Critical Introduction by Simone Caroti. He brilliantly analyzes and clarifies many details in Inversions.

I have read every single one of Iain M Banks' books. I read Inversions the year after its initial publication in 1999, and it has remained with me ever since.

This is a Culture book. To briefly summarize, the ten books of the Culture are as follows: Consider Phlebas (1987), The Player of Games (1988), Use of Weapons (1990), The State of the Art (1991), Excession (1996), Inversions (1998), Look to Windward (2000), Matter (2008), Surface Detail (2010), and The Hydrogen Sonata (2012).

Inversions tells two distinct stories. The first is about the Doctor and the King. From the beginning, it's clear that the Doctor is a Culture citizen. She has a plethora of Culture "magic tricks" and, in addition to a great bedside manner, she uses these to keep her King healthy. The second story involves the opponents of the King, those who are attempting to overthrow him. The story isn't as interconnected as one might expect and only reaches a climax towards the very end.

I was strongly drawn to the character of the Doctor, who was yet another of Iain M Banks' strong female characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her tale. The other story was a bit more complex but also intriguing, with some colorful characters.

Overall, it's an interesting tale of the Culture intervening in less developed societies.

Although marginally framed in The Culture's sci-fi universe, this story is at heart epic fantasy with excellent story-telling and characters. The narrative unfolds in a richly detailed world that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy in a seamless manner. The story-telling is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader in from the very beginning and keeping them hooked until the end. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own unique personalities, motives, and backstories. They face numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, which they must overcome through their own strength, courage, and ingenuity. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of both sci-fi and fantasy, as it offers the best of both worlds in a single, captivating package.

Disappointingly, this novel is unlike other culture novels.

There are no drones, no minds, and no ships. Instead, the story is set in a medieval world and more closely resembles historical fiction.

However, it is just not a very interesting one. The lack of modern or futuristic elements might be a letdown for some readers who are accustomed to the excitement and innovation typically found in other culture novels.

The medieval setting, while potentially rich in historical detail, fails to engage the reader on a deeper level. The plot may be predictable or lack the necessary tension and conflict to keep the reader hooked.

Perhaps the author could have added more unique and captivating elements to make this historical fiction more engaging and stand out from the crowd. As it is, it falls short of expectations and leaves the reader feeling somewhat disappointed.