Consider Phlebas

I enjoyed this book, mostly. It is a good, but not great, space opera. The novel, although part of a series, seems to be written as a stand alone. The plot line is interesting although, to my mind structured oddly. So if you want to try it, you'll get a complete tale.

If you re unfamiliar with space operas, as a genre, know that there are many. Some such as the Expanse, are exceptionally entertaining.

a ripping yarn that involves galaxy-scale world building, political and religious passions and boyish joys such as space pirates, a vast abandoned train system, and a card game of disgusting cruelty. is it great art? ehh. but it’s great pulp in an amusing Brit-scifi vein that i couldn’t put down.

With my introduction to the Culture series being [b:Look to Windward|129135|Look to Windward|Iain M. Banks|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171981788s/129135.jpg|124371] in 2010, I have been keen to start the series from the beginning. I expected the same effect you get with even good TV shows, where the first season is a bit wishy-washy while the characters and story-lines work out a nice rhythm.

I'm pleased to say that this book most definitely is not trying to find its feet. Banks seems to have established the mechanics of his entire universe and both checked and double-checked it before writing characters around it. It's excellent. If you're into thoughtful science fiction without the simplistic politics/Hollywood false dichotomy of good-vs-bad or black-and-white, then I recommend you jump into the Culture series.

As an aside, unlike [b:Look to Windward|129135|Look to Windward|Iain M. Banks|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171981788s/129135.jpg|124371], I read this book on my Kindle and it was flawless.

Good read! A roller coaster ride.