Against A Dark Background

Iain M. Banks is one of the most influential and extraordinary writers in modern science fiction. His novels are praised for their breathtaking imagination, extraordinary storytelling, and epic scope. They have secured his reputation as a visionary and have created one of the most enduring and endearing visions of the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The novels of Iain M. Banks have left an indelible mark on modern science fiction, showcasing breathtaking imagination and exceptional storytelling that have cemented his status as one of the most extraordinary and influential writers in the genre. Banks' literary prowess is a phenomenon that has captivated readers worldwide.

In the distant past, Lady Sharrow, a former combat team leader, found herself at the center of a relentless pursuit by the Huhsz, a religious cult driven by an apocalyptic mission to assassinate her. Her sole hope of survival lay in locating the last of the immensely powerful Lazy Guns, which could potentially turn the tide against her pursuers.

Embarking on a perilous journey through the enigmatic Golterian system, Lady Sharrow delves into her past, as well as the histories of her family and the very fabric of the system itself. This odyssey is a destructive and savage exploration, filled with treachery and unexpected revelations.

The critical acclaim for Iain M. Banks' novels is overwhelming. Praise has been bestowed upon him for his epic in scope, ambitious ideas, and captivating execution. The Independent on Sunday hailed him as a visionary, while the Guardian praised his ability to create one of the most enduring and endearing visions of the future. The Scotsman described his books as "jam-packed with extraordinary invention," and the Sunday Telegraph deemed them "compulsive reading."

Iain M. Banks' literary legacy is vast and diverse. His books include "Consider Phlebas," "The Player of Games," "Use of Weapons," "Excession," "Inversions," "Look to Windward," "Matter Surface Detail," "The Hydrogen Sonata," "The State of the Art," "Against a Dark Background," "Feersum Endjinn," "The Algebraist," and more. Additionally, his "Culture" series of novels, which delves into the intricate world of a futuristic society, has been widely acclaimed and celebrated for its incredible detail and vivid portrayal of ships, habitats, geography, weapons, and language.

Furthermore, readers can now explore the rich tapestry of Banks' imagination through the "The Culture" series of novels in incredible detail. An extraordinary collection of original illustrations faithfully reproduced from sketchbooks Banks kept in the 1970s and 80s, "The Culture: The Drawings" provides a visual feast that brings the ships, habitats, and landscapes of the Culture universe to life.

In conclusion, the novels of Iain M. Banks have transcended the boundaries of science fiction, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and captivating readers with their breathtaking imagination, exceptional storytelling, and profound insights into the human condition. Banks' literary prowess is a phenomenon that continues to inspire and captivate audiences, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780356521732