Surface Detail Audiobook

" Another, excellent Culture book. The breadth of his universe is phenomenal. The book has so many characters / plot lines that in the beginning it is a bit tough to follow, but after a bit they all start to converge and slam together for a very satisfying finale. Probably not the best book to start with in Culture stories, but a good read all around. "

" Lots of story lines to keep track of in this book, but I found it to be very interesting and enjoyable. "

" the best Culture novel I've read so far. "

" Too many characters to follow at some points. Fast switching between them makes it confusing and disorienting. Nicely wrapped up and well put together at the end (if you like that sort of thing). Worth a read IF you like Iain Banks. "

" Some interesting takes on death and virtual reality, enjoyed it for the most part. "

" Excellent Book. Great very complicated plot, interesting characters, great ending. Classic Iain Banks. "

" Surface Detail has too much detail! "

" A solid culture novel with fresh ideas. "

" My all-time favourite Banks book is Consider Phlebas, and I gave up hope long ago that he would put something similar. Surface Detail proves me wrong. "

" Like nearly every Banks book I've read, two thirds of the disparate plot threads perfectly came together, while the remaining third twisted in the wind and vanished. Still, like all Banks's books, stunning ideas, great world building and engaging characters. Good stuff. "

" Lacking some of the moral ambiguity and stylistic panache of earlier Culture novels, especially with regards to dialogue, but a welcome return to everyone's favorite liberal-anarcho-techno-interventionist society. "

" Brilliant stuff. Takes a while to really get moving, but as ever this is just Banks creating a number of different story arcs which get satisfyingly woven together as the book progresses. Some truly funny moments too as we get a glimpse into the Psyche of one of the Culture's more gung-ho ships. "

" Was very disappointed... Tossed the book about half way through... "

" Not up to his previous standards, but nice to revisit the Culture. I recommend Consider Phlebas or Player of Games for those who haven't read Culture novels yet. "

" While the book looses some momentum somewhere in the middle, Banks' amazing aptitude of actually thinking things through (in this case: hell) can leave you speechless at times. A determined reader/editor could have made this book brilliant, as it is it is "only" amazing. "

" I really enjoyed this. There were some tough parts to get through but the payoff was excellent. The more pages with Ship Minds, Drones, and Avatars the more pages I enjoy. The last third of this novel were so good that I am diving right into the Hydrogen Sonata. Bring on more Culture! "

" Brilliantly imaginative and utterly bonkers. Makes me want to go back and work my way through all the other Culture novels I haven't read. It's over 600 pages and has about 6 different subplots, but it never drags and all comes together very satisfyingly in the end. Hugely enjoyable. "

" Excellent as always. Over 500 pages and I never wanted it to end. "

" I really enjoyed this one. It seem slike a return to form for Ian Banks and the Culture Series. I was tempted to give it 5 stars but I've know better books so I'll leave it at 4. Bravo for a great author at the top of his game. "

" A roughly average Culture novel. Which is to say, excellent. "

" Sort of a mid-tier Culture book. Need to go back and read some of the top-tier ones. "

" Banks' worlds are always lush, and Surface Detail is no different. While not as delicately stitched as some of his earlier works, it is a rip-roaring ride of a space opera. "

" I had never encountered Space Opera before. It's wonderful... "

" Best Banks novel yet...even better than Use of Weapons, my previous favorite. "

" As usual a wild imagination, but needs editing "