Reviews

The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks

testaroscia's review

4.0

It was very good but , personally not to the level of others. It was very descriptive and so much time was spent in creating the world I can see why others thought it should have been the start of a longer series and not a standalone.

rajaxar1's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jdoherty's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

laurapf's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

thijs_geluiden's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

mwplante's review

5.0

Here it is: my favorite Banks novel. The Algebraist will always stay with me as a vision of what science fiction should be. The Kudos-based economy and general culture and outlook of the Dwellers is fascinating. I think they may be the single most interesting species I've ever encountered in science fiction.

radbear76's review

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

rowanpendragon's review

3.0

Heavy duty sifi. It's long and I found some parts pretty heavy slogging. On the other hand there were some parts I really liked. Banks has some things to say and some facinating ideas. If you're looking for a quick, easy read with a lot of plot this isn't for you. The plot develops at a slow pace and there isn't a lot of action. That said, the characters are excellently developed, and if you're patient you may find that your patience will be rewarded.

jurgenappelo's review

2.0

Stopped reading Iain M. Banks after yet another sentence of (I counted them) 158 words. Does he aim to be a writer or an Olympic athlete?

ellodees's review

5.0

Good stuff, would recommend.