For a change, both books you've reviewed are books I own and have read.
Excession is one of my favorite Culture novels. Mainly because it's pretty much the only time the Culture is faced with a vastly superior entity, and it looks good on them (they usually have that Star Trek goody-two-shoes superiority). Also the Affront makes a very difficult and uncomfortable ally (as well as a very alien people) and the Culture is sort of sandwiched between the two. The only part that drags is the eternally pregnant woman aboard Sleeper Service. Overall a great read.
Oryx and Crake is okay but not exceptional, I think. I agree with your pros and cons.
I always enjoy your reviews and you've pointed me at the majority of good books I've read in recent years.
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Date: 2014-02-08 09:50 pm (UTC)Excession is one of my favorite Culture novels. Mainly because it's pretty much the only time the Culture is faced with a vastly superior entity, and it looks good on them (they usually have that Star Trek goody-two-shoes superiority). Also the Affront makes a very difficult and uncomfortable ally (as well as a very alien people) and the Culture is sort of sandwiched between the two. The only part that drags is the eternally pregnant woman aboard Sleeper Service. Overall a great read.
Oryx and Crake is okay but not exceptional, I think. I agree with your pros and cons.
I always enjoy your reviews and you've pointed me at the majority of good books I've read in recent years.