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Transition

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Transition

By: Iain Banks
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
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About this listen

 A world that hangs suspended between triumph and catastrophe, between the dismantling of the Wall and the fall of the Twin Towers, frozen in the shadow of suicide terrorism and global financial collapse, such a world requires a firm hand and a guiding light. But does it need the Concern: an all-powerful organisation with a malevolent presiding genius, pervasive influence and numberless invisible operatives in possession of extraordinary powers?

On the Concern's books are Temudjin Oh, an un-killable assassin who journeys between the peaks of Nepal, a version of Victorian London and the dark palaces of Venice; and a nameless, faceless torturer known only as the Philosopher. And then there's the renegade Mrs Mulverhill, who recruits rebels to her side; and Patient 8262, hiding out from a dirty past in a forgotten hospital ward.

As these vivid, strange and sensuous worlds circle and collide, the implications of turning traitor to the Concern become horribly apparent, and an unstable universe is set on a dizzying course.

©2009 Iain Banks (P)2009 Hachette Digital Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction Thought-Provoking Nepal

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All stars
Most relevant  
wasn't sure I'd completely understood everything after rhe first listen, but was impressed enough to listen again. now after the 3rd, I think it's a fantastic story, full of twists turns and subtext. Peter Kenny has really excelled himself this time.

just finished my 3rd listen

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I like Iain Banks' books, particularly his SF "Culture" stories, but "Transition" just didn't gel with me. It has a marked SF content, but unlike the culture novels, this is only sketchily drawn so lacks the kind of belief-suspending plausibility that makes good SF work. The plot is VERY confusing, takes quite a while to get going, and in the end is a tad threadbare. And whilst the characters are interesting and well drawn and the prose as good as ever, overall the book was a disappointment.

My advice, if you are thinking a buying, would be to have a look at the reader feedback on the Amazon website to try to judge whether you'll like the book - it's mixed to put it mildly!

On the plus side the narration is excellent, ditto sound quality.

A Confusing book

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

Have you listened to any of Peter Kenny’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Another virtuous performance from Peter Kenny, differentiating clearly between the characters without exaggerated or laboured accents.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not only must you master yourself, you must master your selves.

Any additional comments?

A unique book from Iain Banks, developing a handful of characters over differing worlds and times. It is somewhere in between the operatic sweep of Culture books and the groundedness of his non-science fiction work.
It has a very concise structure which I expect some will find formulaic and some will find pleasurable, I liked it. Though less grandiose than a lot of his work it expands on the core theme and events, building in a satisfying way.
Peter Kenny's deft reading makes it easy to digest

Excellent

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I loved this book. It was expertly narrated, which always helps immensely, but the central idea, structure and evolving story is a wonder to behold. It held my mind in place throughout my daily commutes. It feels a little like an experimental novel in a way, as it's presented in a way that lends itself to Banks' more traditional fiction, but is entertaining sci-fi like I've never read before.
It's an entirely human story in a world (or worlds) of fantasy and science-fiction. Majestic creativity from Banks. I would love to read more novels set in this universe and even thought a film or tv series could be possible.
If you're considering this, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Simply amazing

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Iain Banks has always written 'straight' fiction and science fiction. Most of his books are one or the other while in Transition the two elements come together gloriously.
His earlier novels, bursting with ideas rattled along at a breathtaking pace, as he has matured his writing has slowed and taken a deeper more complex, considered flavour.
I love the questions he appears to answer and those he leaves the reader to try and unravel. This is a fine story, well written and starring a host of wonderfully diverse characters and scenarios.

Intriguing

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A well narrated and nicely paced listen. Those familiar with the sci-fi of Iain M Banks will immediately feel at home with Transition, and will half expect a Culture reference round every corner. Another Banks universe(or should that be universes) to explore; I hope there are more but its satisfying enough on its own if thats all there is to be.

Transition - the 'Sliding Doors' of novels

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Here we have Peter Kenny at his very best, sheer joy to listen to, combined with Iain Banks way off his best. Transition has the feel of a culture novel without the imagination and where the cleverness doesn't quite work. At the end I wasn't sure if the loose ends tied up or not but didn't feel it was worth the effort to go back and check.

Peter Kenny can't quite make it work

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Banks brilliant again.

Great writing, great plot and fantastically delivered.

A highly recommended read or in this case listen. Thank-you

Awesome

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Loads of twists, turns and fascinating settings. More of a sci-fi than the usual Iain without an M Banks. The book has been unfavourably reviewed by the Guardian and Telegraph but if you like Banks you'll enjoy it. I agree with Doug Johnstone in his review in the Independent that it's a properly thrilling read. Narration excellent except for Adrian's slightly dodgy Londoner accent... but then I suppose he reveals himself at the start as a faux barrow-boy.

Love this book. One of my favourite Iain Banks

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My first Banks audio book. I was not let down in any way with this offering.. Did the book justice in every way. Consider Phlebas next!

The narration was just brilliant.

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