by Iain M. Banks (aka Iain Banks)

isbn: 0553292811
subject: SF, Fiction and Literature
finished: 4/17/2002

Consider Phlebas follows the changer Horza who, given some time, can emulate the physical characteristics of most humanoids. His abilities have landed him a place in the Idiran intelligence service, the Idirans being a fanatically religions race of tripeds who are at war with the Culture, a utopian society composed of an amalgamation of humanoid races.

The problem with this book, I think, is that it moves pretty slowly -- this is Banks' first Culture novel and he tried to explore a few too many ideas, resulting in a plot that more closely resembles a series of adventures. Also, the climax of the book, while exciting, fails to connect one of the main themes of the book -- Horza's identity crisis -- with his fate, and therefore feels somewhat unsatisfying. This book is probably best left for those who are already Banks fans; others would do better to find a copy of Use of Weapons or Look to Windward.