A ‘how is this not a Culture book’ by Iain M Banks
If you’re a reader of science fiction you will have likely heard of Iain M Banks and the Culture series. Feersum Endjinn (Fearsome Engine) is outside the Culture series, but Banks still brings his characteristic style to the novel.
From the Book
Count Sessine is about to die for the very last time . . . Chief Scientist Gadfium is about to receive the mysterious message she has been awaiting from the Plain of Sliding Stones . . . Bascule the Teller, in search of an ant, is about to enter the chaos of the crypt . . .
This is the time of the encroachment and everything is about to change. Although the dimming sun still shines on the vast, towering walls of Serehfa Fastness, the end is close at hand. The King knows it, his closest advisers know it, and the crypt knows it too; so an emissary has been sent – an emissary who holds the key to all their futures.
Review
Whilst not strictly part of the Culture series, this book certainly has ideas and concepts within it, that readers may associate with Culture or pre-Culture civilisation.
As with many of Banks’ books this is written from the point of view of a few characters with the reader wondering if the stories will converge or if they are simply set in the same galaxy/planet/era… or indeed not. Bascule is a great character here – although I listened to the audio book which circumvents the style of writing somewhat. Bascule is written phonetically which can be difficult to read… but on the audio book that is reflected with a good accent. Perhaps this loses some of the story and the impact the author wanted… but it made it easier to read also.
The reader definitely has to figure it out for themselves, follow the breadcrumbs… and probably consider reading the book a second time. I’m sure I missed a lot.
Verdict
Also in common with the Culture novels there is not necessarily an end here – the point is the story being told by the Chief Scientist and Bascule – and their journey through it. This isn’t a book of battles and violence… nor is it a space opera… in fact I don’t really know what it is… but I can tell you I enjoyed it.
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— Declan & Eeyore