Genesis of Shannara trilogy, 01 Dec 2008
Having in the past been disappointed in the final book of a series I was very pleased that this lived up to all expectations. The story kept building all the way throughout the book and the only disappointment was that it came to an end.

A Typical Modern Brooks Weak Ending, 29 Sep 2008
"The Gypsy Morph" epitomises what Terry Brooks has consistently done with his last few Shannara series' - they always end poorly, and do not match up to the promise they showed in the earlier books.

The Gypsy Morph is just frightfully dull. We never genuinely get the feeling that this is the end of the world we're dealing with here, and there isn't a single action sequence in the book with any real drive or sense of drama. Brooks has forgotten how to write a good battle scene - the last good ones he wrote were in "First King of Shannara", which was published twelve years ago. These days, he thinks he can write a battle which is three pages long and described only in passing detail and get away with it. Well, he can't.

He also introduces his customary Sucky Assassin Villain. This is the obligatory bad guy he must have who is billed as the most dangerous killer in existence who has never failed at their job - but mysteriously is completely inept once they come into the story. In the "Heritage of Shannara" series it was Pe Ell. In the "High Druid" trilogy it was Aphasia Wye. This time it's the Klee, which was built up in the first two books of this trilogy as an unstoppable killing machine. When we encounter it, it's just useless and bizarrely has to resort to sly tricks when it's supposed to be a lethal brute, and then gets pawned without having done anything befitting its label of the "most dangerous thing ever".

Findo Gask was also a very poor villain. The man does nothing except send others to do his bidding, and scheme and scheme and scheme with no apparent purpose or long-term goal in sight. Brooks or his Internet mouthpiece, Shawn Speakman, would no doubt defend this by suggesting that it represents real "bad guys", such as bin Laden, who sits in a cave and gets others to do his dirty work for him. And that's just great. But it makes for a dreary fantasy story.

If all this sounds pretty harsh for a three-star review, it wouldn't be a surprise. I have great respect for Terry Brooks. I have met him and he's a really nice guy. And it was his books that got me into reading in the first place. And so I always have great hesitation to really slate one of his books. But in my opinion the "Genesis of Shannara" series has not been worth the time he took to write it and the time I took to read it, and this book was a particularly poor representation of a man with much greater talents.

The Shannara trilogy. A disappointing book though, 15 Sep 2008
As a fan of all things Brooks I approached the Genesis of Shannara trilogy with more than just a little eagerness. And actually the first two books of the series lived up to my highest expectations: never had I witnessed such a natural blending of the fantasy and post-apocalyptic genres. Mr Brooks made me dream of worlds of magic and epic fights already when I was a kid, and in the pages of said trilogy he is able to make such suggestion even stronger, by drawing up a future which - in its basic outlines - could very well be our own. Needless to say I have been devouring the previous two books page after page and pre-ordered this book months in advance.

...so you can all imagine how bad I feel when confessing it left me with a sour taste in my mouth: the characters the author introduced and painted so well in the previous two books seem just to fade to flat two-dimensional figures: pale ghosts of the "real" persons with feelings, inner struggles, doubts and passions that the author so aptly created in the beginning of the series. The most annoying symptom of this is maybe the love story between two of the main characters (I won't spoil it to you), who just meet and fall in love within the span of a couple of lines. Now, I'm totally in favour of romance as a fundamental part of any novel, but this love story seemed as though it was thrown into the melee at the last moment, without any effort whatsoever to develop it properly (as Mr. Brooks proved to be capable of doing over and over).

In the same way events seem to go on almost randomly, sketched in their essential lines, seemingly happening without a proper reason, with the characters strolling almost aimlessly as badly-motivated actors following the screenplay eager to get it over with.

A shiny example of this is the powers of Hawk, as well as those of another character, which appear and disappear completely on their own, without any explanation at all given or even attempted.

Or the ending of the book, which should have been the link between a world we know well from our everyday life to the world of Shannara we learnt to know from Mr Brooks' books. It's none of that, and if you wanted to know more about what exactly did change or what happened to the powers of the old world (the Word and the Void come to mind) in the Four Lands... well, you will be disappointed (I hope such a transition will be the focus of a new book).

It's like this book was released due to a scheduled deadline, and way before it was properly polished. Don't get me wrong, what I always loved is there: love, drama, interesting plot twists and epic battles (not to mention the fact that I read the whole book in two days)... I just wish there could have been a chance for the author to polish it further in order to make a worthy ending to a spectacular trilogy.


Amazing End to the Genesis of Shannara Trilogy, 05 Sep 2008
In my humble opinion, this is the best trilogy that Terry has ever written, which is saying a lot, and the final book was wonderful, best of a great series. Superb character development and interaction, fabulous plot(s), amazing action, inventive story lines etc., etc. OK, you spotted that I am a die hard TB fan, but, even so, I was utterly enthralled with this final instalment. There will be no spoilers here, as you really do need to read this for yourself.

Much as I love and respect Tolkien, I do think that Terry has taken this genre to the next level and is now clearly, in my opinion, leading the field by a long way.

I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks Terry, very, very much.

Regards.

Paul

Genesis of Shannara trilogy, 01 Dec 2008
Having in the past been disappointed in the final book of a series I was very pleased that this lived up to all expectations. The story kept building all the way throughout the book and the only disappointment was that it came to an end.

A Typical Modern Brooks Weak Ending, 29 Sep 2008
"The Gypsy Morph" epitomises what Terry Brooks has consistently done with his last few Shannara series' - they always end poorly, and do not match up to the promise they showed in the earlier books.

The Gypsy Morph is just frightfully dull. We never genuinely get the feeling that this is the end of the world we're dealing with here, and there isn't a single action sequence in the book with any real drive or sense of drama. Brooks has forgotten how to write a good battle scene - the last good ones he wrote were in "First King of Shannara", which was published twelve years ago. These days, he thinks he can write a battle which is three pages long and described only in passing detail and get away with it. Well, he can't.

He also introduces his customary Sucky Assassin Villain. This is the obligatory bad guy he must have who is billed as the most dangerous killer in existence who has never failed at their job - but mysteriously is completely inept once they come into the story. In the "Heritage of Shannara" series it was Pe Ell. In the "High Druid" trilogy it was Aphasia Wye. This time it's the Klee, which was built up in the first two books of this trilogy as an unstoppable killing machine. When we encounter it, it's just useless and bizarrely has to resort to sly tricks when it's supposed to be a lethal brute, and then gets pawned without having done anything befitting its label of the "most dangerous thing ever".

Findo Gask was also a very poor villain. The man does nothing except send others to do his bidding, and scheme and scheme and scheme with no apparent purpose or long-term goal in sight. Brooks or his Internet mouthpiece, Shawn Speakman, would no doubt defend this by suggesting that it represents real "bad guys", such as bin Laden, who sits in a cave and gets others to do his dirty work for him. And that's just great. But it makes for a dreary fantasy story.

If all this sounds pretty harsh for a three-star review, it wouldn't be a surprise. I have great respect for Terry Brooks. I have met him and he's a really nice guy. And it was his books that got me into reading in the first place. And so I always have great hesitation to really slate one of his books. But in my opinion the "Genesis of Shannara" series has not been worth the time he took to write it and the time I took to read it, and this book was a particularly poor representation of a man with much greater talents.

The Shannara trilogy. A disappointing book though, 15 Sep 2008
As a fan of all things Brooks I approached the Genesis of Shannara trilogy with more than just a little eagerness. And actually the first two books of the series lived up to my highest expectations: never had I witnessed such a natural blending of the fantasy and post-apocalyptic genres. Mr Brooks made me dream of worlds of magic and epic fights already when I was a kid, and in the pages of said trilogy he is able to make such suggestion even stronger, by drawing up a future which - in its basic outlines - could very well be our own. Needless to say I have been devouring the previous two books page after page and pre-ordered this book months in advance.

...so you can all imagine how bad I feel when confessing it left me with a sour taste in my mouth: the characters the author introduced and painted so well in the previous two books seem just to fade to flat two-dimensional figures: pale ghosts of the "real" persons with feelings, inner struggles, doubts and passions that the author so aptly created in the beginning of the series. The most annoying symptom of this is maybe the love story between two of the main characters (I won't spoil it to you), who just meet and fall in love within the span of a couple of lines. Now, I'm totally in favour of romance as a fundamental part of any novel, but this love story seemed as though it was thrown into the melee at the last moment, without any effort whatsoever to develop it properly (as Mr. Brooks proved to be capable of doing over and over).

In the same way events seem to go on almost randomly, sketched in their essential lines, seemingly happening without a proper reason, with the characters strolling almost aimlessly as badly-motivated actors following the screenplay eager to get it over with.

A shiny example of this is the powers of Hawk, as well as those of another character, which appear and disappear completely on their own, without any explanation at all given or even attempted.

Or the ending of the book, which should have been the link between a world we know well from our everyday life to the world of Shannara we learnt to know from Mr Brooks' books. It's none of that, and if you wanted to know more about what exactly did change or what happened to the powers of the old world (the Word and the Void come to mind) in the Four Lands... well, you will be disappointed (I hope such a transition will be the focus of a new book).

It's like this book was released due to a scheduled deadline, and way before it was properly polished. Don't get me wrong, what I always loved is there: love, drama, interesting plot twists and epic battles (not to mention the fact that I read the whole book in two days)... I just wish there could have been a chance for the author to polish it further in order to make a worthy ending to a spectacular trilogy.


Amazing End to the Genesis of Shannara Trilogy, 05 Sep 2008
In my humble opinion, this is the best trilogy that Terry has ever written, which is saying a lot, and the final book was wonderful, best of a great series. Superb character development and interaction, fabulous plot(s), amazing action, inventive story lines etc., etc. OK, you spotted that I am a die hard TB fan, but, even so, I was utterly enthralled with this final instalment. There will be no spoilers here, as you really do need to read this for yourself.

Much as I love and respect Tolkien, I do think that Terry has taken this genre to the next level and is now clearly, in my opinion, leading the field by a long way.

I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks Terry, very, very much.

Regards.

Paul

Entertaining but a little formulaic, 16 Dec 2008
I've read most of Iain M. Bank's output over the last few years, and for me this story holds up well compared to all but a few of those that came previously. The authors imagination is clearly running on top form and this book is a treat for readers who enjoy detailed and immersive descriptive writing.

Unlike some other reviewers, I particularly enjoyed the contrasting plot lines of hard sci-fi alongside medieval political intrigue. Maybe it's a sign that I need to branch out into some serious fantasy reading, not a genre I have paid much attention to before.

There is a vast kaleidoscope of characters, human and alien (although I wish I had discovered the glossary at the end of the book while reading it!) While everything starts off light and humourous, as the story progresses a dark intensity takes over. It's probably wise to pace your reading so you get to the last 1/3 of the book at the start of the weekend, if you are like me you will need to read that part in pretty much one go.

So, I can't justify much in the way of criticism as I was unable to put it down and have spent most of the last few days absorbing myself in the fantastic world it has created. However, on reflection, it is a 'typical' Banks culture novel, there is a strong taste of formula here. It's obviously one that creates sucessful books, but maybe it was just a little too predictable.








Superb for a beginner to the series, 03 Dec 2008
Having never read a book in the Culture series before, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I was soon drawn into a fascinating world filled with devious, subtle and herioc characters. Then suddenly the scope of the book changes and we realise that the world that is being described is just one level, of a multi-leveled shellworld. Each level filled with bizarre and wonderful lifeforms. The shellworld itself is only a small part of an enormous and complicated Universe.

To those who found this book rather slow, I would say that it is a perfect book for a Culture beginner - the slightly slower pace at the beginning makes it truly breathtaking when the reader is taken into outside the familiar eighth level into a galaxy of intruige and spectacle.

If you have never read a Culture book before this is a perfect book. I was blown away by the breadth and complexity of Banks' imagination.

A book of two halves - but not cliché, 14 Nov 2008
For the first time in the Iain M. Banks Culture canon, I found myself more interested in the non-Culture, low-tech society existing within a high-tech, alien-built and controlled world. The Sursamen serf and turf-wars, power grabbing and palace intrigue is splendidly, richly and vividly written.
The various journeys, both metaphorically and literally of the main characters, with their speeches and inner thoughts are beautifully realised and realistically human-type-like.
It is almost with regret I found the Culture intervention approximately halfway through to be the start of a slight decline in the story-telling and imagination of the book. With such high-tech, invincibility (however close to final jeopardy they come in the end) it is almost, I repeat almost, a too rapid deus ex machina conclusion wrung from what seems to have been Banks' final threadbare cloth of boredom.
However, to give an example of the wonderful writing in the first half of Matter, how about this from the 2nd page :
'What sullen application these humans devoted to destruction' - Turminder Xuss.
Despite the criticism this is still wonderful stuff. Good science fiction and future imaginings rarely ever matched in the genre.
Just not quite as wonderful all the way through as previous favourites in the series. A pity for this reader and fan.


I'd give it 3.5 if I could, 13 Nov 2008
Not his best but a book that gradually improved with a better than average ending for Banks - something I feel he can struggle with.

I don't generally like it when he uses the fiction of old technologies cheek by jowl with The Culture for example but the characters were good and the action increasingly urgent......and I just like the whole concept of the Culture

Had to skip pages - too long, too slow. cf Lord of the Rings, 10 Nov 2008
For the record; I love Consider Fleabag (sic) and the other Culture novels (more or less), this one was far too long, for too little content of interest. The same story could have been told in, say, 200 pages. The other 360ish pages could have been used to carry the hanging threads forward (Djan, purpose of shellworlds etc).

While I often re-read books, and have shelves and shelves of books that I won't get rid of...I had to skip pages of waffle to finish it once. The story really got going at around page 490! There were FAR too many speeches and descriptions. For that, and for another common theme; too many silly names, I also failed to read the lord of the rings.

Not one I intend to re-read!

Genesis of Shannara trilogy, 01 Dec 2008
Having in the past been disappointed in the final book of a series I was very pleased that this lived up to all expectations. The story kept building all the way throughout the book and the only disappointment was that it came to an end.

A Typical Modern Brooks Weak Ending, 29 Sep 2008
"The Gypsy Morph" epitomises what Terry Brooks has consistently done with his last few Shannara series' - they always end poorly, and do not match up to the promise they showed in the earlier books.

The Gypsy Morph is just frightfully dull. We never genuinely get the feeling that this is the end of the world we're dealing with here, and there isn't a single action sequence in the book with any real drive or sense of drama. Brooks has forgotten how to write a good battle scene - the last good ones he wrote were in "First King of Shannara", which was published twelve years ago. These days, he thinks he can write a battle which is three pages long and described only in passing detail and get away with it. Well, he can't.

He also introduces his customary Sucky Assassin Villain. This is the obligatory bad guy he must have who is billed as the most dangerous killer in existence who has never failed at their job - but mysteriously is completely inept once they come into the story. In the "Heritage of Shannara" series it was Pe Ell. In the "High Druid" trilogy it was Aphasia Wye. This time it's the Klee, which was built up in the first two books of this trilogy as an unstoppable killing machine. When we encounter it, it's just useless and bizarrely has to resort to sly tricks when it's supposed to be a lethal brute, and then gets pawned without having done anything befitting its label of the "most dangerous thing ever".

Findo Gask was also a very poor villain. The man does nothing except send others to do his bidding, and scheme and scheme and scheme with no apparent purpose or long-term goal in sight. Brooks or his Internet mouthpiece, Shawn Speakman, would no doubt defend this by suggesting that it represents real "bad guys", such as bin Laden, who sits in a cave and gets others to do his dirty work for him. And that's just great. But it makes for a dreary fantasy story.

If all this sounds pretty harsh for a three-star review, it wouldn't be a surprise. I have great respect for Terry Brooks. I have met him and he's a really nice guy. And it was his books that got me into reading in the first place. And so I always have great hesitation to really slate one of his books. But in my opinion the "Genesis of Shannara" series has not been worth the time he took to write it and the time I took to read it, and this book was a particularly poor representation of a man with much greater talents.

The Shannara trilogy. A disappointing book though, 15 Sep 2008
As a fan of all things Brooks I approached the Genesis of Shannara trilogy with more than just a little eagerness. And actually the first two books of the series lived up to my highest expectations: never had I witnessed such a natural blending of the fantasy and post-apocalyptic genres. Mr Brooks made me dream of worlds of magic and epic fights already when I was a kid, and in the pages of said trilogy he is able to make such suggestion even stronger, by drawing up a future which - in its basic outlines - could very well be our own. Needless to say I have been devouring the previous two books page after page and pre-ordered this book months in advance.

...so you can all imagine how bad I feel when confessing it left me with a sour taste in my mouth: the characters the author introduced and painted so well in the previous two books seem just to fade to flat two-dimensional figures: pale ghosts of the "real" persons with feelings, inner struggles, doubts and passions that the author so aptly created in the beginning of the series. The most annoying symptom of this is maybe the love story between two of the main characters (I won't spoil it to you), who just meet and fall in love within the span of a couple of lines. Now, I'm totally in favour of romance as a fundamental part of any novel, but this love story seemed as though it was thrown into the melee at the last moment, without any effort whatsoever to develop it properly (as Mr. Brooks proved to be capable of doing over and over).

In the same way events seem to go on almost randomly, sketched in their essential lines, seemingly happening without a proper reason, with the characters strolling almost aimlessly as badly-motivated actors following the screenplay eager to get it over with.

A shiny example of this is the powers of Hawk, as well as those of another character, which appear and disappear completely on their own, without any explanation at all given or even attempted.

Or the ending of the book, which should have been the link between a world we know well from our everyday life to the world of Shannara we learnt to know from Mr Brooks' books. It's none of that, and if you wanted to know more about what exactly did change or what happened to the powers of the old world (the Word and the Void come to mind) in the Four Lands... well, you will be disappointed (I hope such a transition will be the focus of a new book).

It's like this book was released due to a scheduled deadline, and way before it was properly polished. Don't get me wrong, what I always loved is there: love, drama, interesting plot twists and epic battles (not to mention the fact that I read the whole book in two days)... I just wish there could have been a chance for the author to polish it further in order to make a worthy ending to a spectacular trilogy.


Amazing End to the Genesis of Shannara Trilogy, 05 Sep 2008
In my humble opinion, this is the best trilogy that Terry has ever written, which is saying a lot, and the final book was wonderful, best of a great series. Superb character development and interaction, fabulous plot(s), amazing action, inventive story lines etc., etc. OK, you spotted that I am a die hard TB fan, but, even so, I was utterly enthralled with this final instalment. There will be no spoilers here, as you really do need to read this for yourself.

Much as I love and respect Tolkien, I do think that Terry has taken this genre to the next level and is now clearly, in my opinion, leading the field by a long way.

I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks Terry, very, very much.

Regards.

Paul

Entertaining but a little formulaic, 16 Dec 2008
I've read most of Iain M. Bank's output over the last few years, and for me this story holds up well compared to all but a few of those that came previously. The authors imagination is clearly running on top form and this book is a treat for readers who enjoy detailed and immersive descriptive writing.

Unlike some other reviewers, I particularly enjoyed the contrasting plot lines of hard sci-fi alongside medieval political intrigue. Maybe it's a sign that I need to branch out into some serious fantasy reading, not a genre I have paid much attention to before.

There is a vast kaleidoscope of characters, human and alien (although I wish I had discovered the glossary at the end of the book while reading it!) While everything starts off light and humourous, as the story progresses a dark intensity takes over. It's probably wise to pace your reading so you get to the last 1/3 of the book at the start of the weekend, if you are like me you will need to read that part in pretty much one go.

So, I can't justify much in the way of criticism as I was unable to put it down and have spent most of the last few days absorbing myself in the fantastic world it has created. However, on reflection, it is a 'typical' Banks culture novel, there is a strong taste of formula here. It's obviously one that creates sucessful books, but maybe it was just a little too predictable.








Superb for a beginner to the series, 03 Dec 2008
Having never read a book in the Culture series before, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I was soon drawn into a fascinating world filled with devious, subtle and herioc characters. Then suddenly the scope of the book changes and we realise that the world that is being described is just one level, of a multi-leveled shellworld. Each level filled with bizarre and wonderful lifeforms. The shellworld itself is only a small part of an enormous and complicated Universe.

To those who found this book rather slow, I would say that it is a perfect book for a Culture beginner - the slightly slower pace at the beginning makes it truly breathtaking when the reader is taken into outside the familiar eighth level into a galaxy of intruige and spectacle.

If you have never read a Culture book before this is a perfect book. I was blown away by the breadth and complexity of Banks' imagination.

A book of two halves - but not cliché, 14 Nov 2008
For the first time in the Iain M. Banks Culture canon, I found myself more interested in the non-Culture, low-tech society existing within a high-tech, alien-built and controlled world. The Sursamen serf and turf-wars, power grabbing and palace intrigue is splendidly, richly and vividly written.
The various journeys, both metaphorically and literally of the main characters, with their speeches and inner thoughts are beautifully realised and realistically human-type-like.
It is almost with regret I found the Culture intervention approximately halfway through to be the start of a slight decline in the story-telling and imagination of the book. With such high-tech, invincibility (however close to final jeopardy they come in the end) it is almost, I repeat almost, a too rapid deus ex machina conclusion wrung from what seems to have been Banks' final threadbare cloth of boredom.
However, to give an example of the wonderful writing in the first half of Matter, how about this from the 2nd page :
'What sullen application these humans devoted to destruction' - Turminder Xuss.
Despite the criticism this is still wonderful stuff. Good science fiction and future imaginings rarely ever matched in the genre.
Just not quite as wonderful all the way through as previous favourites in the series. A pity for this reader and fan.


I'd give it 3.5 if I could, 13 Nov 2008
Not his best but a book that gradually improved with a better than average ending for Banks - something I feel he can struggle with.

I don't generally like it when he uses the fiction of old technologies cheek by jowl with The Culture for example but the characters were good and the action increasingly urgent......and I just like the whole concept of the Culture

Had to skip pages - too long, too slow. cf Lord of the Rings, 10 Nov 2008
For the record; I love Consider Fleabag (sic) and the other Culture novels (more or less), this one was far too long, for too little content of interest. The same story could have been told in, say, 200 pages. The other 360ish pages could have been used to carry the hanging threads forward (Djan, purpose of shellworlds etc).

While I often re-read books, and have shelves and shelves of books that I won't get rid of...I had to skip pages of waffle to finish it once. The story really got going at around page 490! There were FAR too many speeches and descriptions. For that, and for another common theme; too many silly names, I also failed to read the lord of the rings.

Not one I intend to re-read!


Brooks linkage, 16 Oct 2008
The second tale in Terry's new series based in the Shannara world and continues from the first so seamlessly that it would surprise many to see it as a separate tale. Wonderfully written and demonstrates that Terry's writing really does get better with each and every tale he tells hooking you in within a few pages. To a modern reader although similar to Tolkien in a number of ways, his gift to graft and create a tale that the fans really cant put down seems to say a hell of a lot for his talent. Watch out for Terry on tour shortly in the Southern Regions of the UK. I eagerly await his next novel as I suspect some awful truths will finally be revealed and the reader will be in for one hell of a white knuckle ride. Excellent work Terry.

A sturdy middle chapter, 25 Jan 2008
Before reading this review ensure you have already read Armageddon's Children, the excellent start to this trilogy.

There's a warm glow to be had even before a single page is turned - the subtitle, 'The Genesis of Shannara' is now revealed. It's a great concept - the merging of both of Brooks' most famous fantasy worlds, revealed to us during the mystique and enthalling twists of the first book. The story in this second book continues straight from the cliffhanger ending in the previous installment. The story then continues to expand the two journeys of the Knights of the Word. One thread continues with Logan Tom and the Ghosts as they seek to be reunited with their leader Hawk. The other strand follows Angel Perez in the to Cintra, the home of the Elves. In true Brooks style there is no predicting who will join the companies, or indeed who will fall from them. There is a great deal of closure in this chapter, the finale very different from the myriad of cliffhanges that Armageddon's Children produced. That said, there is no less eagerness for the next part, the main story arc is left wide open as the twin journeys continue. The feeling of The Elves of Cintra is one of character building and plot progression. There are some great hints at old world events which later influence Shannara as we know it and there are plenty of fresh elements at work too. However, it lacks the mystery of the first part and cannot contain the endgame excitement that the final part will deliver - the hallmarks of a middle chapter. It's unpredictable and a real page-turner. Certainly a recommended read.

Fantastic!!!, 16 Jan 2008
I've just finished reading this book and can say it is one of the best reads I have had for a long time. The characters are excellent, you feel their pain and you feel sad when something happens to them. I can't wait for book three. What a brilliant idea terry brooks had using the word and the void and the genesis books to link to the shannara books. Highly recommended.

Please give me the third one..., 18 Oct 2007
Terry Brooks strikes again.

As an eager (to say at least) reader of the former book "Armageddon Children", I could not wait to start reading the instalment of the series.

Let me start by saying that if you enjoyed the first book of the trilogy you will not be disappointed by this one, as the story continues with no solution of continuity between the two books.

What else to say? The fast-paced action, the plot twists, the great narrative style of Mr. Brooks, the focus on every single character, the thrilling setting suspended between two worlds we know are still all there.

Do I have to find a flaw? All right. I'll tell you two:
1) The last page arrives suddenly and unexpectedly, and you will find yourself very upset by reading the words "...to be continued";
2) as usually the case with Terry Brooks' books you will probably skip a few dinners and neglect some of your hobbies once you start reading ;)

solid and interesting fantasy, 01 Oct 2007
Following on from Armageddon's Children this, like many fantasies is a tale of travel and quests! One element of the story is set in the post apocolypse scenario, while the other is more traditional stuff with Elves and magic stones. But it does work and while not ground breaking did keep me entertained and turning the page. Yes it is predictable and you can see where it is going, but the journey is entertaining enough to forgive this and look forward to the next one in the series

In The Player of Games, Iain M. Banks presents a distant future that could almost be called the end of history. Humanity has filled the galaxy, and thanks to ultra-high technology everyone has everything they want, no one gets sick, and no one dies. It's a playground society of sports, stellar cruises, parties, and festivals. Jernau Gurgeh, a famed master game player, is looking for something more and finds it when he's invited to a game tournament at a small alien empire. Abruptly Banks veers into different territory. The Empire of Azad is exotic, sensual and vibrant. It has space battle cruisers, a glowing court-- all the stuff of good old science fiction--which appears old-fashioned in contrast to Gurgeh's home. At first it's a relief, but further exploration reveals the empire to be depraved and terrifically unjust. Its defects are gross exaggerations of our own, yet they indict us all the same. Clearly Banks is interested in the idea of a future where everyone can be mature and happy. Yet it's interesting to note that in order to give us this compelling adventure story, he has to return to a more traditional setting. Thoughtful science fiction readers will appreciate the cultural comparisons, and fans of big ideas and action will also be rewarded. -- Brooks Peck

Genesis of Shannara trilogy, 01 Dec 2008
Having in the past been disappointed in the final book of a series I was very pleased that this lived up to all expectations. The story kept building all the way throughout the book and the only disappointment was that it came to an end.

A Typical Modern Brooks Weak Ending, 29 Sep 2008
"The Gypsy Morph" epitomises what Terry Brooks has consistently done with his last few Shannara series' - they always end poorly, and do not match up to the promise they showed in the earlier books.

The Gypsy Morph is just frightfully dull. We never genuinely get the feeling that this is the end of the world we're dealing with here, and there isn't a single action sequence in the book with any real drive or sense of drama. Brooks has forgotten how to write a good battle scene - the last good ones he wrote were in "First King of Shannara", which was published twelve years ago. These days, he thinks he can write a battle which is three pages long and described only in passing detail and get away with it. Well, he can't.

He also introduces his customary Sucky Assassin Villain. This is the obligatory bad guy he must have who is billed as the most dangerous killer in existence who has never failed at their job - but mysteriously is completely inept once they come into the story. In the "Heritage of Shannara" series it was Pe Ell. In the "High Druid" trilogy it was Aphasia Wye. This time it's the Klee, which was built up in the first two books of this trilogy as an unstoppable killing machine. When we encounter it, it's just useless and bizarrely has to resort to sly tricks when it's supposed to be a lethal brute, and then gets pawned without having done anything befitting its label of the "most dangerous thing ever".

Findo Gask was also a very poor villain. The man does nothing except send others to do his bidding, and scheme and scheme and scheme with no apparent purpose or long-term goal in sight. Brooks or his Internet mouthpiece, Shawn Speakman, would no doubt defend this by suggesting that it represents real "bad guys", such as bin Laden, who sits in a cave and gets others to do his dirty work for him. And that's just great. But it makes for a dreary fantasy story.

If all this sounds pretty harsh for a three-star review, it wouldn't be a surprise. I have great respect for Terry Brooks. I have met him and he's a really nice guy. And it was his books that got me into reading in the first place. And so I always have great hesitation to really slate one of his books. But in my opinion the "Genesis of Shannara" series has not been worth the time he took to write it and the time I took to read it, and this book was a particularly poor representation of a man with much greater talents.

The Shannara trilogy. A disappointing book though, 15 Sep 2008
As a fan of all things Brooks I approached the Genesis of Shannara trilogy with more than just a little eagerness. And actually the first two books of the series lived up to my highest expectations: never had I witnessed such a natural blending of the fantasy and post-apocalyptic genres. Mr Brooks made me dream of worlds of magic and epic fights already when I was a kid, and in the pages of said trilogy he is able to make such suggestion even stronger, by drawing up a future which - in its basic outlines - could very well be our own. Needless to say I have been devouring the previous two books page after page and pre-ordered this book months in advance.

...so you can all imagine how bad I feel when confessing it left me with a sour taste in my mouth: the characters the author introduced and painted so well in the previous two books seem just to fade to flat two-dimensional figures: pale ghosts of the "real" persons with feelings, inner struggles, doubts and passions that the author so aptly created in the beginning of the series. The most annoying symptom of this is maybe the love story between two of the main characters (I won't spoil it to you), who just meet and fall in love within the span of a couple of lines. Now, I'm totally in favour of romance as a fundamental part of any novel, but this love story seemed as though it was thrown into the melee at the last moment, without any effort whatsoever to develop it properly (as Mr. Brooks proved to be capable of doing over and over).

In the same way events seem to go on almost randomly, sketched in their essential lines, seemingly happening without a proper reason, with the characters strolling almost aimlessly as badly-motivated actors following the screenplay eager to get it over with.

A shiny example of this is the powers of Hawk, as well as those of another character, which appear and disappear completely on their own, without any explanation at all given or even attempted.

Or the ending of the book, which should have been the link between a world we know well from our everyday life to the world of Shannara we learnt to know from Mr Brooks' books. It's none of that, and if you wanted to know more about what exactly did change or what happened to the powers of the old world (the Word and the Void come to mind) in the Four Lands... well, you will be disappointed (I hope such a transition will be the focus of a new book).

It's like this book was released due to a scheduled deadline, and way before it was properly polished. Don't get me wrong, what I always loved is there: love, drama, interesting plot twists and epic battles (not to mention the fact that I read the whole book in two days)... I just wish there could have been a chance for the author to polish it further in order to make a worthy ending to a spectacular trilogy.


Amazing End to the Genesis of Shannara Trilogy, 05 Sep 2008
In my humble opinion, this is the best trilogy that Terry has ever written, which is saying a lot, and the final book was wonderful, best of a great series. Superb character development and interaction, fabulous plot(s), amazing action, inventive story lines etc., etc. OK, you spotted that I am a die hard TB fan, but, even so, I was utterly enthralled with this final instalment. There will be no spoilers here, as you really do need to read this for yourself.

Much as I love and respect Tolkien, I do think that Terry has taken this genre to the next level and is now clearly, in my opinion, leading the field by a long way.

I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks Terry, very, very much.

Regards.

Paul

Entertaining but a little formulaic, 16 Dec 2008
I've read most of Iain M. Bank's output over the last few years, and for me this story holds up well compared to all but a few of those that came previously. The authors imagination is clearly running on top form and this book is a treat for readers who enjoy detailed and immersive descriptive writing.

Unlike some other reviewers, I particularly enjoyed the contrasting plot lines of hard sci-fi alongside medieval political intrigue. Maybe it's a sign that I need to branch out into some serious fantasy reading, not a genre I have paid much attention to before.

There is a vast kaleidoscope of characters, human and alien (although I wish I had discovered the glossary at the end of the book while reading it!) While everything starts off light and humourous, as the story progresses a dark intensity takes over. It's probably wise to pace your reading so you get to the last 1/3 of the book at the start of the weekend, if you are like me you will need to read that part in pretty much one go.

So, I can't justify much in the way of criticism as I was unable to put it down and have spent most of the last few days absorbing myself in the fantastic world it has created. However, on reflection, it is a 'typical' Banks culture novel, there is a strong taste of formula here. It's obviously one that creates sucessful books, but maybe it was just a little too predictable.








Superb for a beginner to the series, 03 Dec 2008
Having never read a book in the Culture series before, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I was soon drawn into a fascinating world filled with devious, subtle and herioc characters. Then suddenly the scope of the book changes and we realise that the world that is being described is just one level, of a multi-leveled shellworld. Each level filled with bizarre and wonderful lifeforms. The shellworld itself is only a small part of an enormous and complicated Universe.

To those who found this book rather slow, I would say that it is a perfect book for a Culture beginner - the slightly slower pace at the beginning makes it truly breathtaking when the reader is taken into outside the familiar eighth level into a galaxy of intruige and spectacle.

If you have never read a Culture book before this is a perfect book. I was blown away by the breadth and complexity of Banks' imagination.

A book of two halves - but not cliché, 14 Nov 2008
For the first time in the Iain M. Banks Culture canon, I found myself more interested in the non-Culture, low-tech society existing within a high-tech, alien-built and controlled world. The Sursamen serf and turf-wars, power grabbing and palace intrigue is splendidly, richly and vividly written.
The various journeys, both metaphorically and literally of the main characters, with their speeches and inner thoughts are beautifully realised and realistically human-type-like.
It is almost with regret I found the Culture intervention approximately halfway through to be the start of a slight decline in the story-telling and imagination of the book. With such high-tech, invincibility (however close to final jeopardy they come in the end) it is almost, I repeat almost, a too rapid deus ex machina conclusion wrung from what seems to have been Banks' final threadbare cloth of boredom.
However, to give an example of the wonderful writing in the first half of Matter, how about this from the 2nd page :
'What sullen application these humans devoted to destruction' - Turminder Xuss.
Despite the criticism this is still wonderful stuff. Good science fiction and future imaginings rarely ever matched in the genre.
Just not quite as wonderful all the way through as previous favourites in the series. A pity for this reader and fan.


I'd give it 3.5 if I could, 13 Nov 2008
Not his best but a book that gradually improved with a better than average ending for Banks - something I feel he can struggle with.

I don't generally like it when he uses the fiction of old technologies cheek by jowl with The Culture for example but the characters were good and the action increasingly urgent......and I just like the whole concept of the Culture

Had to skip pages - too long, too slow. cf Lord of the Rings, 10 Nov 2008
For the record; I love Consider Fleabag (sic) and the other Culture novels (more or less), this one was far too long, for too little content of interest. The same story could have been told in, say, 200 pages. The other 360ish pages could have been used to carry the hanging threads forward (Djan, purpose of shellworlds etc).

While I often re-read books, and have shelves and shelves of books that I won't get rid of...I had to skip pages of waffle to finish it once. The story really got going at around page 490! There were FAR too many speeches and descriptions. For that, and for another common theme; too many silly names, I also failed to read the lord of the rings.

Not one I intend to re-read!


Brooks linkage, 16 Oct 2008
The second tale in Terry's new series based in the Shannara world and continues from the first so seamlessly that it would surprise many to see it as a separate tale. Wonderfully written and demonstrates that Terry's writing really does get better with each and every tale he tells hooking you in within a few pages. To a modern reader although similar to Tolkien in a number of ways, his gift to graft and create a tale that the fans really cant put down seems to say a hell of a lot for his talent. Watch out for Terry on tour shortly in the Southern Regions of the UK. I eagerly await his next novel as I suspect some awful truths will finally be revealed and the reader will be in for one hell of a white knuckle ride. Excellent work Terry.

A sturdy middle chapter, 25 Jan 2008
Before reading this review ensure you have already read Armageddon's Children, the excellent start to this trilogy.

There's a warm glow to be had even before a single page is turned - the subtitle, 'The Genesis of Shannara' is now revealed. It's a great concept - the merging of both of Brooks' most famous fantasy worlds, revealed to us during the mystique and enthalling twists of the first book. The story in this second book continues straight from the cliffhanger ending in the previous installment. The story then continues to expand the two journeys of the Knights of the Word. One thread continues with Logan Tom and the Ghosts as they seek to be reunited with their leader Hawk. The other strand follows Angel Perez in the to Cintra, the home of the Elves. In true Brooks style there is no predicting who will join the companies, or indeed who will fall from them. There is a great deal of closure in this chapter, the finale very different from the myriad of cliffhanges that Armageddon's Children produced. That said, there is no less eagerness for the next part, the main story arc is left wide open as the twin journeys continue. The feeling of The Elves of Cintra is one of character building and plot progression. There are some great hints at old world events which later influence Shannara as we know it and there are plenty of fresh elements at work too. However, it lacks the mystery of the first part and cannot contain the endgame excitement that the final part will deliver - the hallmarks of a middle chapter. It's unpredictable and a real page-turner. Certainly a recommended read.

Fantastic!!!, 16 Jan 2008
I've just finished reading this book and can say it is one of the best reads I have had for a long time. The characters are excellent, you feel their pain and you feel sad when something happens to them. I can't wait for book three. What a brilliant idea terry brooks had using the word and the void and the genesis books to link to the shannara books. Highly recommended.

Please give me the third one..., 18 Oct 2007
Terry Brooks strikes again.

As an eager (to say at least) reader of the former book "Armageddon Children", I could not wait to start reading the instalment of the series.

Let me start by saying that if you enjoyed the first book of the trilogy you will not be disappointed by this one, as the story continues with no solution of continuity between the two books.

What else to say? The fast-paced action, the plot twists, the great narrative style of Mr. Brooks, the focus on every single character, the thrilling setting suspended between two worlds we know are still all there.

Do I have to find a flaw? All right. I'll tell you two:
1) The last page arrives suddenly and unexpectedly, and you will find yourself very upset by reading the words "...to be continued";
2) as usually the case with Terry Brooks' books you will probably skip a few dinners and neglect some of your hobbies once you start reading ;)

solid and interesting fantasy, 01 Oct 2007
Following on from Armageddon's Children this, like many fantasies is a tale of travel and quests! One element of the story is set in the post apocolypse scenario, while the other is more traditional stuff with Elves and magic stones. But it does work and while not ground breaking did keep me entertained and turning the page. Yes it is predictable and you can see where it is going, but the journey is entertaining enough to forgive this and look forward to the next one in the series

Arguably the best Culture book, 20 Jul 2008
Since Iain M Bank's series of books about 'The Culture' are such wonderful soft sci-fi this necessarily does make it a great sci-fi novel compared to any other sci-fi authors out there but also is very good compared with the author's other sci-fi work and makes (again some people may disagree) a better entry point to the series than 'Consider Phlebas' which is the first.

Living in the Culture, one basically wants for nothing. Iain M Banks has remarked that since everything is so utopian in the Culture, to get stories, things have to be set on the edge of the Culture or told about outsiders. In the Culture everything that people could want is provided for them but for the protagonist and one of the greatest games players in the entire Culture, Jernau Gurgeh - this is stifling him. Always ready to help, Contact (the society's starfleet-like arm) offer him a chance at real danger and excitement and at playing the most complex game he has ever come across. He journeys to the Kingdom of Azad to play a game so like life itself that the ultimate winner of it becomes emperor.

Exactly who though is manipulating Gurgeh? The aliens he has come to play, unwilling to let an alien beat them at their own game? Or his own people? That is a big question and is answered quite beautifully with different layers of complexity as you read through the book. Its very unlikely you'll see the final twist coming.

The game has plenty of excitement and raises questions relevant to our own culture. Superb science fiction.

Games of life and death, 20 Jul 2008
Gurgeh is The Player of Games in The Culture, a player who has won every game but who allows himself to be blackmailed and forced to travel to a distant Empire to participate in the Game of Azad, an intricate strategy game which determines the social statues and career development of the participants. As Gurgeh wins through round after round of the Game, he finds himself becoming more and more absorbed by the challenges it poses.

Like all of Banks's fiction, the depth and fertility of his imagination is stunning. His fantasy worlds are rich in texture and detail. Azad is a place where cruelty and violence are commonplace and where the superior members of the dominant classes are able to watch scenes of mutilation and torture. It is a strictly heirarchical autocracy unlike the Culture, one which struggles to accept Gurgeh and his mastery of the game.
The figure of Gurgeh himself is shadowy, an observer of the life forms around him ,concentrating only on the game itself, and on his participation in it.

This is a rich and entertaining novel, one which is beautifully written and leaves the reader with much to reflect on.

Absorbing and imaginative - a novel with many layers, 17 Jul 2008
"The Player of Games" is Iain M. Banks' second novel set in the universe of the Culture, a human-machine symbiotic society spanning most of the Galaxy. Jernau Morat Gurgeh is a master of board games - indeed he is regarded as one of the best human players the Culture has ever seen - but despite his many successes is nevertheless unable to find contentment. However, when the Culture's covert operations branch, Special Circumstances, invites him to travel to a newly-discovered empire to compete in the championships of Azad - thought to be the most intricate and complex strategy game ever devised - Gurgeh soon accepts the challenge. Because to the Empire's citizens, Azad is not just a game; it is everything, determining social and political rank - and ultimately, the man who will become Emperor. But not everyone in the Empire likes the idea of an outsider competing with them - and succeeding - at their own game...

In contrast to other books of his Culture series - such as "Excession" - "The Player of Games" is centred around the story of one character - Gurgeh. Talented and intellectual, he nonetheless remains naive in many ways about the nature both of the Culture and of the Empire and about the exact role he is playing in their relations. The existence of a main character, towards whom it is easy to feel sympathetic, ensures that a strong narrative thread is maintained throughout the book. Likewise the pacing is generally well managed; rarely is the plot allowed to drift, although the climax is unfortunately somewhat rushed.

Banks's informal, almost conversational style of writing may not be to everyone's taste, but he uses this to his advantage in this book, employing a mystery narrator whose identity is not revealed until the end. Indeed this is one of several games being played in this book: a game played by the author with his readers, which mirrors that between Gurgeh and his opponents and also that between Culture and Empire. This latter struggle is an underlying theme of the book, and one which becomes more prominent as the Empire's dark side is revealed. For though at first sight it appears exotic and colourful, it is also a society driven by sadism and violence - a stark contrast to the utopian vision that the Culture purports to be. But what is most fascinating in this book is the way in which the Culture itself comes across (for the first time in this series) as somewhat ambiguous - even lacking - with regard to its own morality.

"The Player of Games" is an absorbing and highly imaginative novel, with rich settings and fascinating characters combining to create a narrative with many layers.

Iain Banks' best 'culture' novel ever, 14 May 2008
This book is rich and immensely satisfying. It's like the perfect cup of coffee. If it was a song, it would be called Norwegian Wood. If it were a stranger it would be the most steamingly erotic person you can imagine seducing you. If it were a drink it would be called a pan-galactic gargle blaster. If it were a drug, it would illegal.

Read it before you die

Buy it!, 16 Apr 2008
Most of the reviews of this are 5 star, and rightly so. Actually I'm surprised it got any bad reviews. I reckon either this one, or Excession are his best. This one is easier to read. The other reviews say it all, so I will just advise you to buy it - I've just read it and I haven't enjoyed a book so much for ages. It really is brilliant!

Genesis of Shannara trilogy, 01 Dec 2008
Having in the past been disappointed in the final book of a series I was very pleased that this lived up to all expectations. The story kept building all the way throughout the book and the only disappointment was that it came to an end.

A Typical Modern Brooks Weak Ending, 29 Sep 2008
"The Gypsy Morph" epitomises what Terry Brooks has consistently done with his last few Shannara series' - they always end poorly, and do not match up to the promise they showed in the earlier books.

The Gypsy Morph is just frightfully dull. We never genuinely get the feeling that this is the end of the world we're dealing with here, and there isn't a single action sequence in the book with any real drive or sense of drama. Brooks has forgotten how to write a good battle scene - the last good ones he wrote were in "First King of Shannara", which was published twelve years ago. These days, he thinks he can write a battle which is three pages long and described only in passing detail and get away with it. Well, he can't.

He also introduces his customary Sucky Assassin Villain. This is the obligatory bad guy he must have who is billed as the most dangerous killer in existence who has never failed at their job - but mysteriously is completely inept once they come into the story. In the "Heritage of Shannara" series it was Pe Ell. In the "High Druid" trilogy it was Aphasia Wye. This time it's the Klee, which was built up in the first two books of this trilogy as an unstoppable killing machine. When we encounter it, it's just useless and bizarrely has to resort to sly tricks when it's supposed to be a lethal brute, and then gets pawned without having done anything befitting its label of the "most dangerous thing ever".

Findo Gask was also a very poor villain. The man does nothing except send others to do his bidding, and scheme and scheme and scheme with no apparent purpose or long-term goal in sight. Brooks or his Internet mouthpiece, Shawn Speakman, would no doubt defend this by suggesting that it represents real "bad guys", such as bin Laden, who sits in a cave and gets others to do his dirty work for him. And that's just great. But it makes for a dreary fantasy story.

If all this sounds pretty harsh for a three-star review, it wouldn't be a surprise. I have great respect for Terry Brooks. I have met him and he's a really nice guy. And it was his books that got me into reading in the first place. And so I always have great hesitation to really slate one of his books. But in my opinion the "Genesis of Shannara" series has not been worth the time he took to write it and the time I took to read it, and this book was a particularly poor representation of a man with much greater talents.

The Shannara trilogy. A disappointing book though, 15 Sep 2008
As a fan of all things Brooks I approached the Genesis of Shannara trilogy with more than just a little eagerness. And actually the first two books of the series lived up to my highest expectations: never had I witnessed such a natural blending of the fantasy and post-apocalyptic genres. Mr Brooks made me dream of worlds of magic and epic fights already when I was a kid, and in the pages of said trilogy he is able to make such suggestion even stronger, by drawing up a future which - in its basic outlines - could very well be our own. Needless to say I have been devouring the previous two books page after page and pre-ordered this book months in advance.

...so you can all imagine how bad I feel when confessing it left me with a sour taste in my mouth: the characters the author introduced and painted so well in the previous two books seem just to fade to flat two-dimensional figures: pale ghosts of the "real" persons with feelings, inner struggles, doubts and passions that the author so aptly created in the beginning of the series. The most annoying symptom of this is maybe the love story between two of the main characters (I won't spoil it to you), who just meet and fall in love within the span of a couple of lines. Now, I'm totally in favour of romance as a fundamental part of any novel, but this love story seemed as though it was thrown into the melee at the last moment, without any effort whatsoever to develop it properly (as Mr. Brooks proved to be capable of doing over and over).

In the same way events seem to go on almost randomly, sketched in their essential lines, seemingly happening without a proper reason, with the characters strolling almost aimlessly as badly-motivated actors following the screenplay eager to get it over with.

A shiny example of this is the powers of Hawk, as well as those of another character, which appear and disappear completely on their own, without any explanation at all given or even attempted.

Or the ending of the book, which should have been the link between a world we know well from our everyday life to the world of Shannara we learnt to know from Mr Brooks' books. It's none of that, and if you wanted to know more about what exactly did change or what happened to the powers of the old world (the Word and the Void come to mind) in the Four Lands... well, you will be disappointed (I hope such a transition will be the focus of a new book).

It's like this book was released due to a scheduled deadline, and way before it was properly polished. Don't get me wrong, what I always loved is there: love, drama, interesting plot twists and epic battles (not to mention the fact that I read the whole book in two days)... I just wish there could have been a chance for the author to polish it further in order to make a worthy ending to a spectacular trilogy.


Amazing End to the Genesis of Shannara Trilogy, 05 Sep 2008
In my humble opinion, this is the best trilogy that Terry has ever written, which is saying a lot, and the final book was wonderful, best of a great series. Superb character development and interaction, fabulous plot(s), amazing action, inventive story lines etc., etc. OK, you spotted that I am a die hard TB fan, but, even so, I was utterly enthralled with this final instalment. There will be no spoilers here, as you really do need to read this for yourself.

Much as I love and respect Tolkien, I do think that Terry has taken this genre to the next level and is now clearly, in my opinion, leading the field by a long way.

I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks Terry, very, very much.

Regards.

Paul

Entertaining but a little formulaic, 16 Dec 2008
I've read most of Iain M. Bank's output over the last few years, and for me this story holds up well compared to all but a few of those that came previously. The authors imagination is clearly running on top form and this book is a treat for readers who enjoy detailed and immersive descriptive writing.

Unlike some other reviewers, I particularly enjoyed the contrasting plot lines of hard sci-fi alongside medieval political intrigue. Maybe it's a sign that I need to branch out into some serious fantasy reading, not a genre I have paid much attention to before.

There is a vast kaleidoscope of characters, human and alien (although I wish I had discovered the glossary at the end of the book while reading it!) While everything starts off light and humourous, as the story progresses a dark intensity takes over. It's probably wise to pace your reading so you get to the last 1/3 of the book at the start of the weekend, if you are like me you will need to read that part in pretty much one go.

So, I can't justify much in the way of criticism as I was unable to put it down and have spent most of the last few days absorbing myself in the fantastic world it has created. However, on reflection, it is a 'typical' Banks culture novel, there is a strong taste of formula here. It's obviously one that creates sucessful books, but maybe it was just a little too predictable.








Superb for a beginner to the series, 03 Dec 2008
Having never read a book in the Culture series before, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I was soon drawn into a fascinating world filled with devious, subtle and herioc characters. Then suddenly the scope of the book changes and we realise that the world that is being described is just one level, of a multi-leveled shellworld. Each level filled with bizarre and wonderful lifeforms. The shellworld itself is only a small part of an enormous and complicated Universe.

To those who found this book rather slow, I would say that it is a perfect book for a Culture beginner - the slightly slower pace at the beginning makes it truly breathtaking when the reader is taken into outside the familiar eighth level into a galaxy of intruige and spectacle.

If you have never read a Culture book before this is a perfect book. I was blown away by the breadth and complexity of Banks' imagination.

A book of two halves - but not cliché, 14 Nov 2008
For the first time in the Iain M. Banks Culture canon, I found myself more interested in the non-Culture, low-tech society existing within a high-tech, alien-built and controlled world. The Sursamen serf and turf-wars, power grabbing and palace intrigue is splendidly, richly and vividly written.
The various journeys, both metaphorically and literally of the main characters, with their speeches and inner thoughts are beautifully realised and realistically human-type-like.
It is almost with regret I found the Culture intervention approximately halfway through to be the start of a slight decline in the story-telling and imagination of the book. With such high-tech, invincibility (however close to final jeopardy they come in the end) it is almost, I repeat almost, a too rapid deus ex machina conclusion wrung from what seems to have been Banks' final threadbare cloth of boredom.
However, to give an example of the wonderful writing in the first half of Matter, how about this from the 2nd page :
'What sullen application these humans devoted to destruction' - Turminder Xuss.
Despite the criticism this is still wonderful stuff. Good science fiction and future imaginings rarely ever matched in the genre.
Just not quite as wonderful all the way through as previous favourites in the series. A pity for this reader and fan.


I'd give it 3.5 if I could, 13 Nov 2008
Not his best but a book that gradually improved with a better than average ending for Banks - something I feel he can struggle with.

I don't generally like it when he uses the fiction of old technologies cheek by jowl with The Culture for example but the characters were good and the action increasingly urgent......and I just like the whole concept of the Culture

Had to skip pages - too long, too slow. cf Lord of the Rings, 10 Nov 2008
For the record; I love Consider Fleabag (sic) and the other Culture novels (more or less), this one was far too long, for too little content of interest. The same story could have been told in, say, 200 pages. The other 360ish pages could have been used to carry the hanging threads forward (Djan, purpose of shellworlds etc).

While I often re-read books, and have shelves and shelves of books that I won't get rid of...I had to skip pages of waffle to finish it once. The story really got going at around page 490! There were FAR too many speeches and descriptions. For that, and for another common theme; too many silly names, I also failed to read the lord of the rings.

Not one I intend to re-read!


Brooks linkage, 16 Oct 2008
The second tale in Terry's new series based in the Shannara world and continues from the first so seamlessly that it would surprise many to see it as a separate tale. Wonderfully written and demonstrates that Terry's writing really does get better with each and every tale he tells hooking you in within a few pages. To a modern reader although similar to Tolkien in a number of ways, his gift to graft and create a tale that the fans really cant put down seems to say a hell of a lot for his talent. Watch out for Terry on tour shortly in the Southern Regions of the UK. I eagerly await his next novel as I suspect some awful truths will finally be revealed and the reader will be in for one hell of a white knuckle ride. Excellent work Terry.

A sturdy middle chapter, 25 Jan 2008
Before reading this review ensure you have already read Armageddon's Children, the excellent start to this trilogy.

There's a warm glow to be had even before a single page is turned - the subtitle, 'The Genesis of Shannara' is now revealed. It's a great concept - the merging of both of Brooks' most famous fantasy worlds, revealed to us during the mystique and enthalling twists of the first book. The story in this second book continues straight from the cliffhanger ending in the previous installment. The story then continues to expand the two journeys of the Knights of the Word. One thread continues with Logan Tom and the Ghosts as they seek to be reunited with their leader Hawk. The other strand follows Angel Perez in the to Cintra, the home of the Elves. In true Brooks style there is no predicting who will join the companies, or indeed who will fall from them. There is a great deal of closure in this chapter, the finale very different from the myriad of cliffhanges that Armageddon's Children produced. That said, there is no less eagerness for the next part, the main story arc is left wide open as the twin journeys continue. The feeling of The Elves of Cintra is one of character building and plot progression. There are some great hints at old world events which later influence Shannara as we know it and there are plenty of fresh elements at work too. However, it lacks the mystery of the first part and cannot contain the endgame excitement that the final part will deliver - the hallmarks of a middle chapter. It's unpredictable and a real page-turner. Certainly a recommended read.

Fantastic!!!, 16 Jan 2008
I've just finished reading this book and can say it is one of the best reads I have had for a long time. The characters are excellent, you feel their pain and you feel sad when something happens to them. I can't wait for book three. What a brilliant idea terry brooks had using the word and the void and the genesis books to link to the shannara books. Highly recommended.

Please give me the third one..., 18 Oct 2007
Terry Brooks strikes again.

As an eager (to say at least) reader of the former book "Armageddon Children", I could not wait to start reading the instalment of the series.

Let me start by saying that if you enjoyed the first book of the trilogy you will not be disappointed by this one, as the story continues with no solution of continuity between the two books.

What else to say? The fast-paced action, the plot twists, the great narrative style of Mr. Brooks, the focus on every single character, the thrilling setting suspended between two worlds we know are still all there.

Do I have to find a flaw? All right. I'll tell you two:
1) The last page arrives suddenly and unexpectedly, and you will find yourself very upset by reading the words "...to be continued";
2) as usually the case with Terry Brooks' books you will probably skip a few dinners and neglect some of your hobbies once you start reading ;)

solid and interesting fantasy, 01 Oct 2007
Following on from Armageddon's Children this, like many fantasies is a tale of travel and quests! One element of the story is set in the post apocolypse scenario, while the other is more traditional stuff with Elves and magic stones. But it does work and while not ground breaking did keep me entertained and turning the page. Yes it is predictable and you can see where it is going, but the journey is entertaining enough to forgive this and look forward to the next one in the series

Arguably the best Culture book, 20 Jul 2008
Since Iain M Bank's series of books about 'The Culture' are such wonderful soft sci-fi this necessarily does make it a great sci-fi novel compared to any other sci-fi authors out there but also is very good compared with the author's other sci-fi work and makes (again some people may disagree) a better entry point to the series than 'Consider Phlebas' which is the first.

Living in the Culture, one basically wants for nothing. Iain M Banks has remarked that since everything is so utopian in the Culture, to get stories, things have to be set on the edge of the Culture or told about outsiders. In the Culture everything that people could want is provided for them but for the protagonist and one of the greatest games players in the entire Culture, Jernau Gurgeh - this is stifling him. Always ready to help, Contact (the society's starfleet-like arm) offer him a chance at real danger and excitement and at playing the most complex game he has ever come across. He journeys to the Kingdom of Azad to play a game so like life itself that the ultimate winner of it becomes emperor.

Exactly who though is manipulating Gurgeh? The aliens he has come to play, unwilling to let an alien beat them at their own game? Or his own people? That is a big question and is answered quite beautifully with different layers of complexity as you read through the book. Its very unlikely you'll see the final twist coming.

The game has plenty of excitement and raises questions relevant to our own culture. Superb science fiction.

Games of life and death, 20 Jul 2008
Gurgeh is The Player of Games in The Culture, a player who has won every game but who allows himself to be blackmailed and forced to travel to a distant Empire to participate in the Game of Azad, an intricate strategy game which determines the social statues and career development of the participants. As Gurgeh wins through round after round of the Game, he finds himself becoming more and more absorbed by the challenges it poses.

Like all of Banks's fiction, the depth and fertility of his imagination is stunning. His fantasy worlds are rich in texture and detail. Azad is a place where cruelty and violence are commonplace and where the superior members of the dominant classes are able to watch scenes of mutilation and torture. It is a strictly heirarchical autocracy unlike the Culture, one which struggles to accept Gurgeh and his mastery of the game.
The figure of Gurgeh himself is shadowy, an observer of the life forms around him ,concentrating only on the game itself, and on his participation in it.

This is a rich and entertaining novel, one which is beautifully written and leaves the reader with much to reflect on.

Absorbing and imaginative - a novel with many layers, 17 Jul 2008
"The Player of Games" is Iain M. Banks' second novel set in the universe of the Culture, a human-machine symbiotic society spanning most of the Galaxy. Jernau Morat Gurgeh is a master of board games - indeed he is regarded as one of the best human players the Culture has ever seen - but despite his many successes is nevertheless unable to find contentment. However, when the Culture's covert operations branch, Special Circumstances, invites him to travel to a newly-discovered empire to compete in the championships of Azad - thought to be the most intricate and complex strategy game ever devised - Gurgeh soon accepts the challenge. Because to the Empire's citizens, Azad is not just a game; it is everything, determining social and political rank - and ultimately, the man who will become Emperor. But not everyone in the Empire likes the idea of an outsider competing with them - and succeeding - at their own game...

In contrast to other books of his Culture series - such as "Excession" - "The Player of Games" is centred around the story of one character - Gurgeh. Talented and intellectual, he nonetheless remains naive in many ways about the nature both of the Culture and of the Empire and about the exact role he is playing in their relations. The existence of a main character, towards whom it is easy to feel sympathetic, ensures that a strong narrative thread is maintained throughout the book. Likewise the pacing is generally well managed; rarely is the plot allowed to drift, although the climax is unfortunately somewhat rushed.

Banks's informal, almost conversational style of writing may not be to everyone's taste, but he uses this to his advantage in this book, employing a mystery narrator whose identity is not revealed until the end. Indeed this is one of several games being played in this book: a game played by the author with his readers, which mirrors that between Gurgeh and his opponents and also that between Culture and Empire. This latter struggle is an underlying theme of the book, and one which becomes more prominent as the Empire's dark side is revealed. For though at first sight it appears exotic and colourful, it is also a society driven by sadism and violence - a stark contrast to the utopian vision that the Culture purports to be. But what is most fascinating in this book is the way in which the Culture itself comes across (for the first time in this series) as somewhat ambiguous - even lacking - with regard to its own morality.

"The Player of Games" is an absorbing and highly imaginative novel, with rich settings and fascinating characters combining to create a narrative with many layers.

Iain Banks' best 'culture' novel ever, 14 May 2008
This book is rich and immensely satisfying. It's like the perfect cup of coffee. If it was a song, it would be called Norwegian Wood. If it were a stranger it would be the most steamingly erotic person you can imagine seducing you. If it were a drink it would be called a pan-galactic gargle blaster. If it were a drug, it would illegal.

Read it before you die

Buy it!, 16 Apr 2008
Most of the reviews of this are 5 star, and rightly so. Actually I'm surprised it got any bad reviews. I reckon either this one, or Excession are his best. This one is easier to read. The other reviews say it all, so I will just advise you to buy it - I've just read it and I haven't enjoyed a book so much for ages. It really is brilliant!

Pretty much the Perfect SF book, 01 Jan 2009
Having read a considerable amount of SF from larry Niven all the way through to the current crop of Dan Simmonds, Peter Hamiltons and Kevin Andersons etc etc...... Consider Phlebus still stands head and shoulders above the rest. It not only captures the vast hugeness of it all out there in space, but also has a hero who somehow seems like you or me - a man just trying to survive and get a job done. The plot is faultless and the backdrop mind-boggling, from enormous spaceships to alien planets. And probably most of all, the ending is top notch..... which is usully the undoing of most Sci-Fi books. I was pretty close to shedding a tear as I hit the last page of this one. Yes, pretty much the perfect SF novel.

Parochial, pedestrian storyline with operatic appendix, 17 Aug 2008
Picking this book up with the intention of reading the Culture series, Banks' first foray into sci-fi is not as good as his later efforts (eg. The Alchemist). The main text of Consider Phlebas contains suggestions of the space opera promised by the cover, but the overarching drama in which the drawn out tale is set is barely present throughout most of the telling. Instead, the opera is confined to an all too brief series of appendices which gives a rapid, motiveless summary to the braoder context, including its eventual conclusion.

The two main climaxes of the book (the game of Damage and the Command System) were more a Hollywood-style shock soap opera than a philosophical inquiry into the conflicting ideologies, motivations and moralities of the Culture and the Idiran. This lack of philosophical inquiry is especially disappointing given the derivation of the title; Philebus ('Phlebas') debates Socrates on whether hedonism or wisdom is the source of true happiness - an issue posited but never tackled by the author.

The main protagonist, Horza, is a Changer, an identity-shifting humanoid, on the side of the Idiran. The dilemma posed in the loyalties of such a malleable persona to the strict, puritan Idiran was explained feebly, and remained unchanging despite various developments in the story.

Overall, the progress of the story suffers from an excessive build up and a need to describe everything that happens. There is little room for the reader to wonder at the directionsof the plot, and once resolved the importance of Horza's efforts are never examined.

I will endeavour to read The Player of Games, but with Consider Phlebas, the Culture novels are off to a weak start

What Horza did next!, 03 Jul 2008
Well, I am almost speechless! I've always held a prejudice against genre novels in general, but particularly science fiction. However, I have found myself wanting to vary my reading recently, and I saw this book on offer at the local bookshop. I have been aware of Iain Banks's alter ego for many years, having read many of his 'non-genre' novels. He has been somewhat inconsistent in quality, it's true, but 'The Wasp Factory' was undeniably a very good book, and even his recent effort, 'The Steep approach to Garbadale' was a decent read.

Why be prejudiced against science fiction? I asked myself. Surely a good writer can do anything with it; it doesn't have to be 'Star Wars'. On that basis, I bought, and started reading 'Consider Phlebas' with quite high expectations; this was a well recognised literary author, after all. Talk about being quickly disillusioned! The book is utter drivel; so bad that, like other reviewers have noted, it really is very difficult to believe that the author of 'The Wasp Factory' and the person who wrote this are one and the same; I couldn't recognise any echoes of style at all. The feeble narrative is almost exclusively given over to weak dialogue or action scenes, with the occasional respite of fairly average descriptive sequences. There are lots of fights, chases, explosions and corny dialogue; it reads like a screenplay for the next crappy-Hollywood-all action-epic-blockbuster movie, just utterly puerile. There is nothing profound in it whatsoever; nothing of any literary merit, despite the title. I always make a point of finishing books that I've started, but when I realised how much I was going to dislike this one, I felt like I had strapped myself inescapably on to some ghastly, cheesy roller-coaster ride; I couldn't wait to finish it; it really felt like I was wasting my life.

There may be such things as good 'Science Fiction' novels, but I'm afraid it's going to be a case of once bitten, twice shy, with me. And it will be a long time before I can forgive Iain Banks for inflicting this tripe on the discerning public (he has taken the 'credit' for it, whether he actually wrote it or not). Is he having a laugh, or what?

The Jinmoti of Bozlen Two, 24 Apr 2008
Iain Banks was born in Scotland in 1954 and published his first book - "The Wasp Factory" - in 1984. In the years since, he's won critical acclaim, topped best-seller lists and has even written Science Fiction books under the cunning nom-de-plume 'Iain M. Banks'. "Consider Phlebas" was first published in 1987, and is the first of his sci-fi novels.

The majority of Banks' sci-fi novels to date feature the Culture - a symbiotic society, part humanoid and part artificial intelligence. The artificial intelligence element to the Culture can be sub-divided into two parts - Drones and Minds. For the most part, the a Drone's intelligence will be roughly similar to a humanoids. However, while some drones will be significantly more intelligent, the Culture's essential work is carried out largely by non-sentient machines. Minds, on the other hand, are significantly more powerful than both humanoids and drones. They tend to act as the controlling intelligence behind, for example, the Culture's ships and Hubs (artificial habitats). Minds are also largely responsible for making decisions at the very highest levels of society - only a very small number of humanoid Referrers would be intelligent enough to join the process. In "Consider Phlebas", the Culture is at war with the Idiran Empire. Physically, Idirans are very imposing : they're about about three metres tall, fully grown, have three legs and are protected by a natural body-armour. They can also survive a great deal of damage, what would be more than enough to kill another species. They are also a deeply religious people and believe in converting as many as possible to the faith - preferably by conquest.

A little strangely, though, the book's hero isn't a Culture operative - or even a significant player in the war. Bora Horza Gobuchul is a Changer and works for the Idirans as a spy and a killer. Changers are shapeshifters, and have a couple of very impressive natural defences - including the ability to sweat acid and spit poison. The Changers' homeworld is an asteroid called Heibohre, which is located within Idiran space . However, he's not fighting because he's pro-Idiran - it's because he's anti-Culture. In "Consider Phlebas", Horza is sent to Schar's World - a Planet of the Dead - to retrieve a Culture Mind. Naturally, the Culture won't want a Mind to fall into enemy hands - though it won't be easy for them to retrieve it. Schar's World is 'protected' by the Dra'Azon - an exceptionally powerful race, who won't allow anyone other than Changers onto the planet. Nevertheless, Horza isn't without his problems either. Shortly after receiving his orders from Xoralundra, his Idiran contact,the spaceship on which they are traveling is attacked by a Culture vessel. Xoralundra promptly throws Horza out of an airlock and essentially tells him to hope for a lift. Luckily, the Clear Air Turbulence is passing - a ship that's staffed neither by Idirans nor Culture, but by space-faring pirates.

It's been a long time since I read any sci-fi, and the main reason I picked this up was of how highly I rate Banks' 'standard' fiction. I was slightly taken by surprise that the Culture were (technically) cast as the book's 'bad guys. (In a 'normal' book, the Idirans would've been the 'bad guys' - though things don't always have to be that straightforward when Iain Banks writes a book). Furthermore, while Horza is the book's hero, there's nothing villainous about the Culture's operatives who appear in the book - both Perosteck Balveda and Fal N'geestra are actually very likeable. The book's only flaw, for me, was the section that featured the Eaters - it really didn't add to much, and I couldn't see the point of including it. However, an enjoyable story overall and certainly good enough for me to try a few other Culture books.

Great story well told , 23 Apr 2008
This is my first Iain Banks Novel and proved to be an absorbing and thrilling read. (Thks Mark). The plot (set in the backdrop of a Galatic war between the Idirans and the Culture) moves along at a nice pace and develops characters to a degree that you quickly sympathise with them even when they're diametrically opposed.

Bank's imagination is un-surpassed as you experience orbitals, GSV's, quirky robots,a life threatening game of poker called damage and much more..

The ending is a little disappointing but serves to emphasise that you have just read about the experiences of a small band of mercenaries, caught up in huge conflict played out over unimaginable distances spanning many years. (Also liked the small appendices at the back of the book detailing the reasons for the war)

On the whole this is a good introduction to Ian Banks and I would not hesitate in recommending this book to anyone.

Genesis of Shannara trilogy, 01 Dec 2008
Having in the past been disappointed in the final book of a series I was very pleased that this lived up to all expectations. The story kept building all the way throughout the book and the only disappointment was that it came to an end.

A Typical Modern Brooks Weak Ending, 29 Sep 2008
"The Gypsy Morph" epitomises what Terry Brooks has consistently done with his last few Shannara series' - they always end poorly, and do not match up to the promise they showed in the earlier books.

The Gypsy Morph is just frightfully dull. We never genuinely get the feeling that this is the end of the world we're dealing with here, and there isn't a single action sequence in the book with any real drive or sense of drama. Brooks has forgotten how to write a good battle scene - the last good ones he wrote were in "First King of Shannara", which was published twelve years ago. These days, he thinks he can write a battle which is three pages long and described only in passing detail and get away with it. Well, he can't.

He also introduces his customary Sucky Assassin Villain. This is the obligatory bad guy he must have who is billed as the most dangerous killer in existence who has never failed at their job - but mysteriously is completely inep