Science Fiction Books > T Science Fiction Books > Iain M. Banks

Advantages: Good plot, Intriguing story
Disadvantages: Complex at times

'The Algebraist' is the welcomed return of Iain M Banks (aka Iain Banks) to science fiction and I'm glad to say he has continues where he left off producing another intriguing and cerebral piece of fiction. Iain M Banks is best known for his novels set in the 'Culture' universe (The Player Of Games, Consider Phlebas) dealing with the development of human civilisation thousands of years in the future where machines have been completely integrated ...
...'The Algebraist' is different, the Culture does not exist (or maybe has not yet developed) in this universe in the year 4034 AD, 'thinking' machines are seen as abominations actively legislated against and destroyed if found. Humanity has spread far and wide throughout the universe but only with the help of other alien races older and more advanced than us. The eventual result is a hierarchical economic and interracial galactic empire the 'Mercatoria' ... Read review

Advantages: Imaginative plot, well written
Disadvantages: Only for Sci-fi fans

...also writes Science fiction under the slightly different name of Iain M Banks. His first foray into science fiction was 'Consider Phlebas' (1987) in which he introduced the concept of 'The Culture' later to form the basis of many of his other sci-fi novels and short stories. 'The Player of Games' (1988) was his second Sci-fi novel and expanded his vision of humanity's future. THE NOVEL In a far distant future humanity has developed to the extent ...
...achieved between human and 'machines'. The super intelligent computer entities have rights and freedoms equal to the organic life forms. Spaceships and other 'technology' are considered as individuals. Humans are free to change their appearance even their gender thanks to the advances that have been made, disease and poverty has been eradicated. Humans have to a large extent been genetically modified all having special glands that can be used to ... Read review

Advantages: apocalyptic in its vision
Disadvantages: loses itslef at times

...he stays way ahead of the chasing field in relation to illustrating modern philisophy, albeit with his usual sprinkling of controversial sentiments for this world he almost despises, whilst embracing. The poet in him bellows at us, the rapper sometimes whispers his demands, the philosopher is omnipresent and all linked with ease by the supreme yet uncompromisng novellist. Msr Michel demands we listen and learn, and we do, as we have no option. He ...
...fiction. Throw in the odd relationship issue and the enduring questions about the meaning of life and you realise, this is Houllebcq doing what he does best! and with consumate ease. You can almost imagine his furrowed brow as he types each page, the mischievious grin as he stimulates in us what we dont like, yet want to love. He finds it too easy fear! This maybe his last. If so, read and read again. The earlier 'stumbling' of "Lanzarote" are history, ... Read review

Advantages: A good read.
Disadvantages: None

The Mutant Chronicles. ************************** Introduction: *************** It came from space……… It came to change man into mutants….. A war followed and was just about won. The machine was buried in the earth so it could do no more harm and there it waits……to be discovered. Synopsis: *********** The year is 2707 and four corporations rule the whole world and battle each other endlessly. The bookbegins with trench warfare and even ...
...never changes no matter what the time period. The fighting is Gruesome, pointless and with lots of carnage and death. Poison gas bombs, huge artillery and hand to hand combat. The fighting is fierce and then the 'Machine 'is found. A portal opens and the mutants begin to escape, suddenly the soldiers are not fighting each other, they're fighting for their lives. The mutants have only one objective to butcher anything that isn't a mutant and this ... Read review

Advantages: Everything you could want in a horror
Disadvantages: A bit graphic for the more squeamish people

I must state at the outset that I read this book when I was about 17 and so my memories of it might be a little compromised by my age at the time. "The Shee" is one of the most terrifying books I have ever read. What makes it so frightening is the feeling of "realness" that I got throughout. The places mentioned, the characters involved and the masterfully descriptive writing of Joe Donnelly really stirred something within me that made The Shee, ...
...fail to impress you is the level of work and research that Donnelly put into this book before going to print. The other review on this website goes into the story in ample depth so I have merely given my overall opinion of the book. If you want to know if you should buy it I would ask you the following questions: 1. Can you handle a horror which will keep you awake all night for fear of falling asleep? 2. Do you know anything about Irish legend, ... Read review