I like him, but for me, it’s Stephen King, a lot of his stories he goes off on a twenty page non-relevant rant.
Though, the ones where he keeps that to a minimum, are great.
Then there’s Mr. Marketer James Patterson who markets out his name to other authors making it look like he wrote the book when it was obviously someone else.
Iain M. Banks. I’ve read the first 4 books of the Culture saga and I really don’t understand the fuss. I’m not motivated in reading any more by him, I find him a barely competent writer of mediocre space opera.
I want to say something to Banks’ fans because this is not the first time I state I don’t like their favorite author and I usually receive always the same treatment: I don’t want to rain on your parade, I’m glad you love him, don’t try to convert me. Every Banks novel I read and don’t like someone goes “you need to read this or that!”… and this is why I’ve read 4 of them. I wish I hadn’t and therefore I’ll never do it again. Maybe it’s exactly that I “just don’t get him”. I’m fine with it. I don’t begrudge you what you like, show the same courtesy to me please :)
Have you tried the Iain Banks books?
He’s two different writers, one with the M, one without.
I don’t have any faith whatsoever in his ability to write interesting stuff, whichever name he chooses.
I love sci-fi, and I completely agree with you.