1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not his best, but still a Banks., Nov 2 2009
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.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing, Dec 20 2009
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 :)
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not good enough, Aug 26 2010
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'.
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