Iain Banks / Iain M. Banks fans discussion

Although I understand there are 10 culture novels in the series (according to Audible), only a few of these are available in audio format from that site; and these non-sequential. Will I be at a great loss if I follow "Phlebas" & "Player of Games" (which I've already read), with something other than "Use of Weapons"? Thanks for your opinions and restraint from spoilers!

I didn't read them in order and enjoyed them just fine.

SciFi Kindle wrote: "Will I be at a great loss if I follow "Phlebas" & "Player of Games" (which I've already read), with something other than "Use of Weapons"?"

I agree with Michael - almost any order is good, with several caveats. I find The Player of Games a good introduction. Try to read The State of the Art before Use of Weapons, because it introduces the second most important character of the latter, in her younger days. It is good to have read Consider Phlebas before Look to Windward, and neither Excession nor anything published later is good introductions - they more or less expect some familiarity with the Culture.

I read 'player of games' and 'use of weapons' before 'consider phlebas' and to be honest I'm glad. I think had started at the beginning I might have been slightly put off. However they are all amazing