An excellent hard-sf space opera.

An alternate history that is haunting and evocative. Dharmic history meets speculative fiction.

Though more than a few loose ends are left untied, its still a satisfying finale for the series

Intriguing social science fiction in an Asimovian vein except with interesting characters. The sequels get progressively more mediocre but fortunately you dont need to read them to enjoy this.

Fascinating! One of Iain Banks' best non-sf novels.

This was a real surpise. Well written, exciting and an excellent exploration of the naval sf theme which delves into the heirarchical society that would give rise to it.

Mind-blowing! If Philip K. Dick met William Gibson and wrote about Quantum mechanics it would read something like this.

Beryl Bainbridge is a masterful writer. A truly gripping novel set during the Titanic's fatal voyage.

Brilliant! On the strength of this first installment I'd say this series is right up there with the elite of the epic fantasy genre. As soon as I finished I went scrambling for the next in the series.

A true SF epic - the kind of epic you don't really seem to come across even in these days of grand space opera, with the emphasis firmly on the characters and the societies around them. Outstanding!

Re-read this gripping alternate history tale. Its a classic and deservedly so. Captures the essence of postcolonial life in a country defeated in war.

The one I was waiting for! A good read, as ever, though with perhaps too huge a cast to be as gripping as any of its predecessors. Having said that, MBOTF is still the best fantasy series going.

A fine, fluidly written fantasy. Not earth-shattering, but certainly worth your time if you enjoy fantasy.