[AndrewNCarr]

Consider Phlebas is one of the few books I have read more than once. The Culture series is unparalleled. Surface Detail is probably my pick for #1, as Consider Phlebas isn't really set within the Culture proper, so stands in its own category in a sense.

[kbob]

Maybe you can advise me. I read Consider Phlebas, and I didn't like it at all. I rarely like war fiction.

Is Phlebas typical of the whole Culture series, or are the other books a different kind of story?

Thank you.

[andyjohnson0]

Banks often used conflict as a plot device, but (from memory) only Consider Phlebas and Use of Weapons include much actual warfare.

You could try The Player of Games (my personal favourite) or The Hydrogen Sonata, which has a fairly peaceful storyline. And The State of the Art - a collection of short SF stories - is very good too.