For many moons, I avoided Mr. Banks's work. Why? Because the Internet has made me cynical. My observations pushed me to divide SF fans into two groups: the retarded fanboys that think that anything person X touches is gold no matter its actual quality, and the haters that despise everything just on principle.
However, after nearly two years here, I dove into the Culture since Banks's name came up so many times when I asked for books to read for the train. Well, I am pleased to inform you that you are *not* all retarded. :) The Player of Games was an excellent read, illustrating an interesting, lush universe, and featuring an unpleasant but viscerally thrilling kick in the nether regions at one point. A nifty plot, some cool characters, and a nice framwork. My only complaint is that some of the names look like Banks just assigned all the consonants to an icosahedron and the vowels to a cube and rolled the dice to come up with them. :) Overall I liked it a lot, and I will likely be looking at more of his work. Thanks guys! Jim ------------------------------------------------ Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com The most personalized portal on the Web!
