Discover books similar to "Matter"
Iain M. Banks
Matter
4.07
Part of "Culture" series
"Matter" by Iain M. Banks is a space opera that explores the political dynamics and cultural nuances of a far-future, advanced civilization. The book is the seventh entry in the Culture series, a collection of standalone novels set within the same universe. The story follows three main narrative threads, each focusing on a different character. The first thread follows Nenine, the youngest child of the Sad King of Sarl, one of the vast, hollowed-out planets that make up the shellworld of Sursamen. Nenine is on a quest to become the next Sad King, but her path is fraught with danger and deception. The second thread follows Ferbin, Nenine's older brother, who flees Sarl after the death of their father and becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the Culture. The third thread follows Djan Seriy Anaplian, a high-ranking Culture agent who is drawn back into the politics of her home world, Sursamen, after receiving a cryptic message from her brother. Banks' world-building is exceptional, with Sursamen's shellworld providing a unique and fascinating setting for the story. The political intrigue and complex character relationships are reminiscent of court dramas like "Game of Thrones," but set against the backdrop of a highly advanced, post-scarcity society. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of consciousness, the ethics of intervention, and the consequences of technological progress. "Matter" is a thrilling and engaging read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and epic fantasy alike. Banks' prose is sharp and witty, and his characters are well-developed and relatable. The book is a standalone entry in the Culture series, but reading the previous entries will provide additional context and depth to the universe. Overall, "Matter" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the limits of imagination and the possibilities of the future...
List of books similar to "Matter":
Iain M. Banks
Excession
An ancient and powerful artificial intelligence appears from beyond the Culture's edge of space, causing chaos and conflict. Fans of 'Matter' will appreciate the intricate plotting and exploration of AI ethics in this later entry in the Culture series.
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Iain M. Banks
The Player of Games
A Culture agent is sent to a violent and hierarchical alien civilization to compete in a dangerous game with far-reaching consequences. This novel showcases Banks' ability to combine complex ideas with thrilling narrative, much like in 'Matter'.
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Richard K. Morgan
Altered Carbon
In a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, a former soldier is hired to solve a wealthy man's murder. This gritty, action-packed novel will appeal to fans of 'Matter' who enjoy exploring the implications of advanced technology on society.
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William Gibson
Neuromancer
A washed-up computer hacker is hired by a mysterious employer for one last job, leading him into a world of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and corporate espionage. This groundbreaking cyberpunk novel offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology and humanity.
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Ursula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
Set on a planet where inhabitants can choose and change their gender, this novel explores themes of identity, society, and communication. Fans of 'Matter' will appreciate the nuanced world-building and exploration of complex ideas.
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Mary Robinette Kowal
The Calculating Stars
An alternate history novel where a meteorite hits Earth in the 1950s, accelerating the space race. Fans of 'Matter' will enjoy the combination of hard science fiction and character-driven narrative.
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Ann Leckie
Ancillary Justice
A former AI soldier seeks revenge on the leader who destroyed her ship and murdered her crew. This novel's exploration of identity, consciousness, and artificial intelligence will appeal to fans of 'Matter'.
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Liu Cixin
The Three-Body Problem
A Chinese scientist receives a message from an alien civilization, setting off a chain of events that could determine the fate of humanity. This novel's exploration of complex scientific concepts and thrilling narrative will appeal to fans of 'Matter'.
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Mary Doria Russell
The Sparrow
A group of Jesuit priests and scientists travel to another planet to make contact with an alien civilization, with disastrous consequences. Fans of 'Matter' will appreciate the combination of character-driven narrative and exploration of complex ideas.
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Becky Chambers
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
The crew of a spaceship takes on a dangerous mission to create a wormhole, encountering various alien species along the way. Fans of 'Matter' will enjoy the diverse cast of characters and intricate world-building.
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