Excession Book Summary

In 'Excession' by Iain Banks, the Culture's advanced starship, the Sleeper Service, encounters a mysterious and powerful object known as the Excession, which transcends known reality. As factions within the Culture and beyond scramble to understand and control this enigmatic phenomenon, political intrigue and philosophical questions about power, consciousness, and existence come to the forefront. Characters from various backgrounds—human and AI—find themselves ensnared in a web of manipulation and unexpected alliances. The narrative ebbs and flows with the tension of impending conflict and the quest for knowledge, leaving readers questioning the nature of intelligence itself. Will the secrets of the Excession unlock a greater understanding, or bring about catastrophic consequences?

By Iain Banks

Published: 1997

"In a universe rich with potential and mystery, the measure of one's existence often hinges not on the answers we find, but on the questions we dare to ask."

ExcessionBook binding

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Book Review of Excession

Two and a half millennia ago, the artifact appeared in a remote corner of space, beside a trillion-year-old dying sun from a different universe. It was a perfect black-body sphere, and it did nothing. Then it disappeared. Now it is back. 'Banks is a phenomenon ... wildly successful, fearlessly creative' William Gibson 'Thrilling, affecting and comic ... probably the finest science fiction he has written to date' New Scientist 'Banks has rewritten the libretto for the whole space-opera genre' The Times

Book Overview of Excession

About the Book Author

I

Iain Banks

Iain Banks (1954-2013) was a renowned Scottish author, celebrated for his versatile storytelling and profound imagination. He gained prominence with his science fiction novels under the name Iain M. Banks, notably the Culture series, which includes classics like 'Consider Phlebas' and 'The Player of Games.' His works often explore complex themes of politics, morality, and society, marrying speculative fiction with deep philosophical inquiries. In addition to science fiction, Banks wrote literary fiction, with notable works such as 'The Wasp Factory' and 'The Crow Road,' showcasing his ability to delve into the human psyche with dark humor and vivid prose. His unique blend of genres, compelling characters, and intricate plots have left an indelible mark on contemporary literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Iain Banks
Published
January 1997
Publisher
Orbit Books
ISBN
185723457X
Language
English
Pages
451
Genres
Philosophy of MindSpace OperaDystopianScience Fiction

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In a universe rich with potential and mystery, the measure of one's existence often hinges not on the answers we find, but on the questions we dare to ask.

Excession

By Iain Banks

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