atom_box answers “Is it important to read the first 4 books...”

Daniel Astacio asked this question about Excession (Culture #5):

Is it important to read the first 4 books in the culture series before reading Excession ? I've never read any Iain M. Banks books before but would like to read this one.

atom_box Evan G Reading the earlier ones from the 90s, they are slightly dated. But only very slightly; still really great. I would just worry that a reader new to Ba…moreReading the earlier ones from the 90s, they are slightly dated. But only very slightly; still really great. I would just worry that a reader new to Banks wouldn't get beyond their 90s book and these later ones are really richer in the tech - organic interweaving. I'd send a newbie to mid-period Banks, therefore.

Excession is a good place to start because it is thin. It compares favorably in concept to some of the best Shatner-era Star Trek story concepts. It has a bit of the Star-Trek borg concept in it too. So for a Trekkie this is a good entry point to the Culture world.

Saddened to learn Banks passed away. https://twitter.com/MisterGenest/stat...

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