The Algebraist by Ian M. Banks
Reviewed by theaardvark via 
on 09 Sep 2008
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What distinguishes Ian M. Banks's novel is the shear scale of the universes he creates. He paints a picutre not just of the his characters immediate surroundings but of the vast civilisations and histories that they inhabit. If I have a criticism of The Algebraist it is that, in this book Banks goes too far. The story's universe is, at times, so large and so different it can be difficult to focus on both the larger picture and the detail of the story at the same time.
The story, though, is an engaging and compelling, massive space opera. It explores many concepts and could be considered a satirical comment on warfare and its reasonings. It is Banks at his best. Enjoy the scene setting or, if you cna't, simply filter it out. The story will stand on its own.
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