There was nobody of her own kind within several thousand light years of where Djan Seriy Anaplian sat. However, news from her home world of Sursamen would still reach her.

Djan Seriy Anaplian is, after all, a member of Special Circumstances - a troubleshooter for the Culture, intervening when necessary to ensure that order and balance is maintained throughout the galaxy; and Special Circumstances get to hear about most things. The news itself, unfortunately, is not good. Her father has died. Her brother too, it seems. Both in the latest war against a neighbouring kingdom.

Anaplian must journey home, but while she does so, another will seek her out. For someone on Sursamen believes her to be their last hope. What neither of them know is that she might also be the last hope for the entire world.

Reviews

• ‘You can always expect the unexpected with an Iain M. Banks novel. So sit back and enjoy . . . Lots of action, lots of mid-boggling imaginative thought in this excellent piece of SF, read by Toby Longworth’ Daily Express, 'Confirms Banks as the standard by which the rest of SF is judged' The Guardian, 'Explosive' Sunday Times, 'Gripping, touching and funny' T.L.S., 'A wild imagination' Mail on Sunday, 'Captivating’ Time Out, 'Banks is a phenomenon' William Gibson

Audiobook (CD): £17.99

Published 31/01/2008