The Dispossessed
Odd Interlude #2I really liked the first part of this 3 part novella. My library hold for ebook version of part 2 just came available today.
A Scanner Darkly
The Mote in God’s Eye
It Happened in Colorado
The Mongoliad: Book One
Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks
View book info on GoodReads
My Rating: 
4 out of 5 stars
First Published: 1990
Read from: November 14 to December 16, 2012
“Use of Weapons” is the first book I’ve read by Iain Banks. I had heard the science fiction novel was one of the author’s best, and that it is an independent story taking place in a series of books about a futuristic society called the “Culture” that explores a super advanced society of humans and their AI creations that have spread across the galaxy. That certainly sounded like a book I ought to give a read.
My impression on the first half or so of the novel was that it was okay, but not great. The story had all the right trappings to at least be a fun sci-fi novel if not a ground-breaking or amazing one. There’s the tactical and strategic hero type, some hi-tech gadgets, even some comedic relief in the form of a smart-mouthed sentient robot. There is occasionally some thought-provoking and middle of the pool “deep” stuff going on too in regards to war and violence (either physical or psychological), and some exploration of humanity’s ability to “use” anything, including other people, as tools or “weapons” to achieve our victories, whatever they may be. But much like the citizens of the Culture, I just wasn’t being engaged enough and found myself wanting something else. Continue reading Review: Use of Weapons
“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.” – George Washington (U.S. General & President 1732-1799)
