

Usually people say they are more accessible, especially Player of Games, but really if accessibility is the only concern then one might as well start with the first book, Consider Phlebas. Conventional wisdom says Player of Games is the best place to start, and that from there readers should move on to Use of Weapons. In fact, despite sharing a setting, each Culture novel stands alone and really one can start anywhere and be fine. Readers who haven’t read any Culture books might infer from that fact they should start elsewhere, perhaps with the first book, if they want to try this popular and influential series.

The Hydrogen Sonata is the ninth (and sadly, almost certainly the last) novel in Iain M. The Hydrogen Sonata by Iain M Banks at 9:38 pm | Posted in 4 stars, Book Reviews, Science Fiction | 5 Comments
