Review of 'The Algebraist'
The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks
A 'Culture' book
Short-listed for the Science Fiction Hugo award in 2005 Banks proves that there is more to this author than the popular Culture series in this fantastic novel.
Fassin Taak is a Slow Seer at the Court of the Nasqueron Dwellers a strange race of beings that live in the atmosphere of gas giant planets. His talent is being able to communicate with these beings and blend into their strange environment. A threat to his planet (and solar system) forces him to embark on a search for a long-fabled network of wormholes known only to the Dwellers. Posing a bit of a problem is the fact that the Dwellers seem to know nothing about it and that they have quite a different view of the universe with their tremendously long life-spans yet very narrow view. Time is running out and the fate of millions lie in the balance…
A great departure from Culture with believable characters, fantastic universes, and a riveting plot (though, perhaps, a bit long in parts). Definitely a must read for lovers of epic Science Fiction.
Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”
Review Date: 2006-08-19
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: 2004
Other reviewed books in the 'Culture' series:
Other reviewed books by Iain M. Banks:
- Against a Dark Background (A Culture book)
- Excession (A Culture book)
- Look to Windward (A Culture book)
- Matter (A Culture book)
- The Hydrogen Sonata (A Culture book)
- The Player of Games (A Culture book)
Other reviewed books by Iain M. Bnaks:
- Consider Phlebas (A Culture book)