|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
|
Product Description
Product Description
There is a world that hangs suspended between triumph and catastrophe, between the dismantling of the Wall and the fall of the Twin Towers, frozen in the shadow of suicide terrorism and global financial collapse. Such a world requires a firm hand and a guiding light. But does it need the Concern: an all-powerful organization with a malevolent presiding genius, pervasive influence and numberless invisible operatives in possession of extraordinary powers?
Among those operatives are Temudjin Oh, of mysterious Mongolian origins, an un-killable assassin who journeys between the peaks of Nepal, a version of Victorian London and the dark palaces of Venice under snow; Adrian Cubbish, a restlessly greedy City trader; and a nameless, faceless state-sponsored torturer known only as the Philosopher, who moves between time zones with sinister ease. Then there are those who question the Concern: the bandit queen Mrs. Mulverhill, roaming the worlds recruiting rebels to her side; and Patient 8262, under sedation and feigning madness in a forgotten hospital ward, in hiding from a dirty past.
There is a world that needs help; but whether it needs the Concern is a different matter.
Among those operatives are Temudjin Oh, of mysterious Mongolian origins, an un-killable assassin who journeys between the peaks of Nepal, a version of Victorian London and the dark palaces of Venice under snow; Adrian Cubbish, a restlessly greedy City trader; and a nameless, faceless state-sponsored torturer known only as the Philosopher, who moves between time zones with sinister ease. Then there are those who question the Concern: the bandit queen Mrs. Mulverhill, roaming the worlds recruiting rebels to her side; and Patient 8262, under sedation and feigning madness in a forgotten hospital ward, in hiding from a dirty past.
There is a world that needs help; but whether it needs the Concern is a different matter.
About the Author
Iain Banks came to controversial public notice with the publication of his first novel, The Wasp Factory, in 1984. Consider Phlebas, his first science fiction novel, was published under the name Iain M. Banks in 1987. He is now widely acclaimed as one of the most powerful, innovative and exciting writers of his generation. Iain M. Banks lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. Find out more about Iain M. Banks at www.iainbanks.net.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not his best, but still a Banks.,
By
This review is from: Transition (Hardcover)
I liked the novel, but I have preferred some of the author's earlier works.The story is very fractured in terms of narrative. There are many points of view, and they all tend to leap forward and back in time, making for a somewhat disjointed reading experience. It's a good thing that these points of view are all interesting characters, and typical to Banks it all comes together in the end. The science fiction concept behind the story is an interesting one, and some of the passages that get to the heart of it make for good reading.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing,
By PB reader (Vancouver Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Transition (Hardcover)
Am a huge Iain Banks fan, have re-read a handful of my favorites: Use of Weapons, Consider Phlebus,Player of Games, Matter and Algebraist many many times. Transition just never got off the ground for me. Storyline and premise was worthy and I wanted it to be developed, but I never felt that it came together. Scattered was how I felt when reading. With an opus as great as his, I am certainly prepared to give him a bye on this novel. He almost seems reluctant to continue and develop any of his recent books into a series. I am a fan who enjoys the extending, expanding and developing of the brilliant worlds that he creates. Ian, no need to re-invent the wheel with each new recent book :)
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not good enough,
By RAJM "RAJM" (vela pulsar) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Transition (Hardcover)
THis book is an attempt at a slightly different style approach to plot and character ala David Mitchell. Its not good enough. Not every Banks book can be beathtaking, but when you are used to the incredible levels of imagination and skill Bank's possesses, a venture like this is a total let down. Iain, stick to the culture universe, because we need a better book than 'Matter'.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Want to see more reviews on this item?
|
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
