Use Of Weapons

Iain M. Banks is one of the most extraordinary and influential writers in 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. The drone Ska­ffen-Amtiskaw thought it knew both of these people, but its machine-intelligence could not see the horrors in his past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 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 his exceptional talent and influence. His Culture series, in particular, combines breathtaking imagination with exceptional storytelling, securing his reputation as one of the most extraordinary and influential writers in the genre.

Banks' character, Zakalwe, is a remarkable figure in the Culture series. He is one of Special Circumstances' foremost agents, known for his ability to shape the destiny of planets through intrigue, dirty tricks, or even military action. While the woman known as Diziet Sma had played a significant role in his rise to prominence, she did not fully understand the depths of his past.

The drone Ska­ffen-Amtiskaw, in contrast, believed it had a thorough understanding of both Zakalwe and Diziet Sma. It had once saved Diziet Sma's life by massacring her attackers, viewing Zakalwe as a burnt-out wreck. However, even the advanced machine-intelligence of the drone could not perceive the hidden horrors that lurked within Zakalwe's psyche.

The Culture series has received widespread praise for its epic scope, ambitious ideas, and captivating execution. Independent on Sunday described it as "epic in scope, ambitious in its ideas, and absorbing in its execution," while the Guardian praised Banks for creating one of the most enduring and endearing visions of the future. The Scotsman praised the series for its "extraordinary invention," and the Sunday Telegraph called it "compulsive reading."

Among the standout novels in the Culture series are "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," and "Other books by Iain M. Banks." These books explore a vast and intricate universe, filled with complex societies, advanced technology, and intriguing political dynamics.

In addition to the Culture series, Banks has written several other notable works, including "Against a Dark Background," "Feersum Endjinn," "The Algebraist," and "The Culture: The Drawings." The Culture: The Drawings is an extraordinary collection of original illustrations faithfully reproduced from sketchbooks Banks kept in the 1970s and 80s. These illustrations depict the ships, habitats, geography, weapons, and language of the Culture, providing a visual glimpse into the world of Banks' imagination.

Overall, the novels of Iain M. Banks have transformed the landscape of modern science fiction, showcasing his exceptional talent and leaving an indelible mark on the genre. His Culture series, in particular, has captivated readers with its epic scope, ambitious ideas, and captivating storytelling, earning him a place among the most revered and influential writers of his time.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 126 x 199 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780356521657