Consider Phlebas
Iain M. Banks
13 people recommended it in 12 threads, 2010–2025.
2 of those were in the last year.
4 commenters pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
Surface Detail may not be the best novel for a Banks-unfamiliar reader, however — you may wish to start with something like Consider Phlebas or Look To Windward.
The first in the series is Consider Phlebas but I enjoy all of them. They are cheesy in spots but the quality of the universe that Banks builds over 9 books makes up for it.
Consider Phlebas is one of the few books I have read more than once. The Culture series is unparalleled.
Except for Consider Phlebas and maybe Excession, you quickly realize that they are pretty much gods and that there's absolutely 100% no risk...it makes it all quite dull/pointless.
I have now gone back and re-read Consider Phlebas and love it now that I have a better handle on the setting, universe, and concepts from the series, but I definitely feel that The Player of Games is a much better intro into the series.
Where it comes up
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