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They're kind of odd books because mostly their characters and plots are quite poor-- dull and badly written, and yet the world of the Culture stays with you because it's SO unique and SO well-crafted.

Excession is the one book in the series which I found to be EXTREMELY enjoyable, good characters and all.

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Excession is an outstanding book.

(But note to others: Consider Phlebas or Look to Windward are better starter books if you’ve not read any!)

Player of games is the only one I loved.

I agree with aerovistae and I found the plot of Player of Games particularly weak. Watching the protagonist winning the game thing didn't feel satisfying. It's hard to get excited about a game you cannot understand because it isn't explained. And the big "surprise" regarding a certain character towards the end was lame. It surprised me, a little, only because it seemed too obvious so I expected something more clever. That said, I liked the book because of the Culture.

.. and would make an awesome movie if done right

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