Use of Weapons

De: Iain M. Banks

Narrado por: Peter Kenny

The man known as Cheradenine Zakalwe was one of Special Circumstances' foremost agents, changing the destiny of planets to suit the Culture through intrigue, dirty tricks, and military action.

The woman known as Diziet Sma had plucked him from obscurity and pushed him toward his present eminence, but despite all their dealings she did not know him as well as she thought.

The drone known as Skaffen-Amtiskaw knew both of these people. It had once saved the woman's life by massacring her attackers in a particularly bloody manner. It believed the man to be a lost cause. But not even its machine could see the horrors in his past.

Ferociously intelligent, both witty and horrific, Use of Weapons is a masterpiece of science fiction.

©1990 Iain M Banks (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Amazing Character Portrait

After over twenty years, this still holds up as a Sci-Fi masterpiece character study into the dark soul of its protagonist, a mercenary named Cheradenine Zakalwe. At first, the unusual story structure of two asynchronous story lines, alternating between the present and an episodic sequence of thirteen key moments in Zakalwe's past (revealed in reverse chronological order), can be confusing. However, it quickly clarifies, and is an absolutely ingenious way of examining the roots of the character's motives, phobias, and mannerisms in such a way that maximum surprise is extracted at each 'reveal'. Of course, as you've guessed from the profession of Mr. Zakalwe, there is no shortage of action throughout, and a good deal of James Bond 007 (I'm picturing Daniel Craig, not the other blokes). The biggest lost opportunity here was to explore, in the book's many settings and locales, some truly alien cultures, philosophies, and biologies, but sadly we see only a large collection of human civilizations in various stages of technological development. At least Gene Roddenberry slapped some prosthetic facial adornments on his humanoid aliens! Nevertheless, the story succeeds in elevating character over deus ex machina; no easy feat considering the persistent omnipotence of the Culture standing behind the mercenary, but here kept at a welcome arm's length, maintaining a high-stakes identification between the reader and the protagonist.

Not quite as good as Banks' other Culture novels

This was an entertaining story and I just love Bank's presentation of the Culture. So, needless to say, this is a great story in that tradition. However, I haven't read a huge number of the Culture novels (I think just "Player of Games" and "Consider Phlebas"), and "Use of Weapons" didn't seem quite up to those.

It felt like it only really colored in the characterization of the main character, Zakalwe. In fact, you could say the entire book was essentially devoted to fleshing out his character. Diziet's character is really only there as a foil or straight-person for Zakalwe, and Skaffen-Amtiskaw gets even less book time. Several other characters are portrayed as seen through his eyes, but he is the only full character.

Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy his character a lot, and I felt like the great reveal at the end was heavily and obviously foreshadowed, if not in the specific details, certainly in outlines of what happened. Add into that the narrative structure choice of interleaving two storylines, one proceeding forward in time and one proceeding backward in time, and I struggled to enjoy the plotline.

The narration by Peter Kenny was excellent, he brings the perfect tone to the Culture series!

Never for a second guessed this was coming!

The story of a man - an assassin, really - but a man who wanted to do the right thing. Died a lot. Had a lot of amnesia. Struggled to remember.

Had a phobia of chairs. Small white chairs.

I never saw the ending coming. I'm in tears. I'll read this again in print. And cry again.

Freaking. Wow.

And outstanding book read by an outstanding orator. The writers method of using flashbacks in reverse order as the story progresses might be a little confusing at first, but when the stories start to click... you'll in for a ride.

Fun Book with a Great Twist at the End

This is a Sci-Fi novel about a mercenary. He is employed by an advanced civilization that dislikes violence, but understands the necessity of force to maintain peace. The book contains two story lines. One follows the mercenary’s current life and the other his memories from the past. Begging the question, are humans are one part now and one part past?

I read this book when it was first published and was blown away by the civilization’s technology and the physical enhancements that people added to their bodies to improve quality of life. No surprise, many enhancements are designed for pleasure. Mine would be eating all my favorite foods without getting fat.

I particularly enjoy that machines (think cell phones, androids, toasters, etc) are sentient and enjoy interacting with humans much as I enjoy hanging out with a dog. What is that idiot going to do next? Let’s throw a ball and watch the dog chase it

Great book, but not for audio.

This really is a great book, but if you’re like me, and have replaced audio books with music, this book is best enjoyed the traditional way. It jumps around a lot, which gets a little muddy if you’re say, working on the house and listening at the same time. Normally, I’ll do this and catch 90% of what’s being said, rewind for something important I miss, or fill in the gaps of minor information missed as the book goes on, and it’s no problem. I’ve listened to books like A People’s History of the US, and Origin of Species like this, as well as sci-fi, bio’s, and whatever else, and it’s never been an issue until this book. There are essentially two stories, each of which have a lot going on, including flashbacks. This can get messy if you’re not 100% committed to listening.

Challenging to follow but rewarding!

Overall I liked the book. I was a bit lost in parts but once it was complete I was glad I put the work in for the ride. More of the Culture from Banks mind. Good stuff if you like his worlds. looking forward to the next Culture series.

Great book, great perfomance

I love the Culture series by Iain Banks and I love Peter Kenny's performance. Banks's world is interesting, fun and a little scary. Peter Kenny does a masterful job voicing a wide range of characters. The twin story lines, one unfolding in reverse, is a little confusing at times via audiobook and I wonder if it would have been easier to read. Despite that, I really enjoyed the story and the delivery.

Versatile Character voicing

Peter Kenny is a solid voice actor and switches between accents and character voices wonderfully.

Study of Culture contradictions and challenges

Any additional comments?

Although a bit of a challenge to listen to (see other reviews addressing the book's structure,) this is a great examination of the contradictions and resulting conflict the Culture generates as it seeks to exert maximum influence with minimal intervention in maturing societies. Especially when imperfect humans are added to the mix.

The unusual structure of the story makes it a very unique and enjoyable listen. Exploring the path back to the beginning as the current story progresses - creates a very interesting simultaneous anticipation of both the past and the future.