Excession
by Iain M. Banks
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Book Reviews of Excession
Book Review: This book restored my faith in Science Fiction.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was the most enjoyable science fiction book I have ever read. O.K., the book has flaws, such as the completely pointless subplot that appears to be associated with the plot, but actually isn't. Banks also places an unspeakably horrible bit in the book (this is becoming a trade mark, what with the Eaters in Consider Phlebas and the chair in Use of Weapons). Although the book is unfocussed, it is still brilliant and is one of the few books I have re-read, and more than once. I thought that (minus the numbers) the computer conversations were great-like ideal Internet discussion groups. Bu contrast, the humans were self-absorbed and irritating. Perhaps I liked this book because I read it before CP, which I didn't like as much.Book Review: Fast paced, complex, and funny
Summary: 4 Stars
This was the first banks book i read, and i wouldn't recomend you follow my lead. I was totally unprepared for what followed. I found the chapter jumping disorientating, and was unfamiliar with the Culture imagery and technology. Dispite this, i thought it was one of the best books i have ever had the privilage to read. This culture book concentrates for once on the interaction between the Minds rather than drones and humans. The ending is extremely exciting and has a neat twist. As usual, there are dozens of characters and sub plots to keep track of, some of which may seem pointless, but aren't. I think this is the best sci fi book banks has written. Oh, and yes, it also has the best ship names too.Book Review: Packed full of the best in sci-fi concepts. A good read.
Summary: 4 Stars
Banks is certainly a MIND! Excession is sci-fi unbridled by convention and completely refreshing. No assumptions here that intelligent species require two arms and two legs. Excession was the first Banks novel I read, but I intend to read them all now. One review star deducted because although his characters are interesting, they are thrown together in a stretched sub-plot that moves further and further from the Excession itself. Ironically, the Excession plot, and the interaction of the Minds in the Affront affair, is more believable and certainly more entertaining than the forced web surrounding the principal players. The result leads to a somewhat disappointing, but ultimately forgivable denouement.Book Review: Great ingredients but grossly undercooked
Summary: 2 Stars
As I waded through Banks' story I wondered why I didn't like it more. I never got engaged or really found a character about whom I cared deeply. Compared to Vernor Vinge's A Fire Upon the Deep which I read straight through, Excession is a complete misfire. It has galactic travel, ship minds, suspended animation, time shifting, exotic xenobiology, and more but the story is related in episodic sections jumping around so much among points of view that a sense of plot or character is lost in the riffing on the certainly fascinating concepts Banks envisions. So this is more a book of ideas and concepts many of which are well realized than it is a novel or even a compelling story.Book Review: Creative and thought provoking.
Summary: 5 Stars
I really like this book. It started out a bit slow but I soon found myself unable to put it down. In fact, I have read the book three times and find something I missed each time. Word of caution; you will need to have your brain engaged. This is not grade school level reading and the innovative twist of presenting data streams as AI dialog will trip you up if you are merely skimming the book to get to the battle scenes. Yes, the organic characters are a bit shallow but Banks is making a point here. If you like the Star Wars series you may not like Banks. If you miss Silverberg, Bradbury and Heinlein and they way they challenged you, you will like this book.