Description
Book SynopsisThe novels of Iain M. Banks have forever changed the face of modern science fiction. His Culture books combine breathtaking imagination with exceptional storytelling, and have secured his reputation as one of the most extraordinary and influential writers in the genre.
''Banks is a phenomenon'' William Gibson
The man known as Zakalwe was one of Special Circumstances'' foremost agents, changing the destiny of planets to suit the Culture through intrigue, dirty tricks or military action.
Though the woman known as Diziet Sma had plucked him from obscurity and aided his stratospheric rise, she did not know him as well as she thought.
The drone Skaffen-Amtiskaw thought it knew both of these people. It had once saved the woman''s life by massacring her attackers, and it believed the man to be a burnt-out wreck - but not even its superlative machine-intelligence could see the horrors in his past.
Praise for the Culture series:
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Trade Review
There is now no British SF writer to whose work I look forward with greater keenness * THE TIMES *
In many ways his best yet... rich, vivid and great fun. * VECTOR *
To say that Banks is Britain's best writer of science fiction would be to understate the case. He's simply one of our best novelists, whatever the genre. Read him * BOOK PEOPLE *
At last SF as it should be written!... If you aren't as yet familiar with these works I urge you to become so at your earliest opportunity. * CRITICAL WAVE *
