The Glitz civilization helped found Culture and has now decided to Sublime, the final level of existence. Before this happens, Vyr Cossant is tasked with finding Ngaroe QiRia, a semi-mythical man who claimed to be there when the Culture began. Only he may know if the Book of Truth, the Glitz spiritual guide, is based on fact, the outcome of which may affect the Glitz decision to Sublime. Racing against the countdown to Sublime, Cossant's life is endangered by those who do not want the truth to be uncovered.
This book has too many subplots to outline, and as is his style, Banks jumps into the story, leaving the reader to catch up and connect the dots. There is tension in Cossant's quest to recover QiRia's memories and solve the mystery of the Book of Truth. Banks does seem a bit obsessed with aliens' sexual activities, creating a character whose enhanced body is built for multiple orgasms. Overall, this is another excellent addition to the Culture series. Banks was an amazing storyteller who created worlds and civilizations that captured the imagination; he died too young.
4/5 stars.
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