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As with other books I've read by Iain M Banks, the theme is about human nature, it's suffering and in this particular case, war, and a distinct possibility that it might be self-inflicted, to keep the turning-wheels of civilization from rusting. The book is literary without pretentious, highly imaginative without bogging-down on the details and the characters distinct with their personal motivations.
'Two threads that takes place in different timelines growing towards a stunning conclusion' - sounds very similar to Use of Weapons, but this time the emphasis is on a facet of our personal struggles and the hollowed path of degenerating-helix that is PTSD. 'Dedicated to gulf war veterans' reads the first page, and I knew broadly what the book would be about.
LOVED IT.

From micro to macroscale thriller. From characters driven by self agendas to galaxy scale issues, the book's got it all. Kin Liu's translation is direct and crispy that lead me to finish the 400 pager in less than 3 days. But it came at a cost of losing the empirical value behind the emotional writing that leaves an impression on the reader's experience.
A great book, and while I'd add 'fun' and 'fast' adjectives, it is impressive and epic in scope. Amazing concepts and ideas. Loved it.

Bloody good. The tale expands even further. New players introduced. Great epic.

Great tale that had a muted ending. A kind of easy way out from SE. Loved Iktovian, Paran and I am sure I'll like this Toc inside Anaster.

dnf ..

Classic Reynolds with extra heart. Great story and great end, especially this being a summery evening.

Amos introduction. Good info about how the Earth was, just before the Leviathan wakes started. Would've liked it more if it really had story on how he met he gang and they left for the first journey. All in all, a good novella.

I'd give it 10 out of 5. Thats how much I loved the story, the prose and the characters.

If you are looking for a sci-fi book to immerse you in awe but is firmly grounded in plausibility,carry anthropological debates, yet excites you at the edge of the seat – you gotta read this book More here

I'd not advise any friend of mine to read this. Slow, annoying and with calculated bread crumbs of plots. This seemed to have stemmed from the writer having a list of points he needed his book to comply on and went on to write- ticking them off. Good world building, good character building although the whole story was behind that character building paragraphs..

Blockbuster..Very well written book. Loved it.