[Sharrow Vatuiel]

I was a big Banks fan and am still saddened by his untimely death.

I have read all his culture and non-culture SF books (many twice) and most of his 'straight' fiction (though on occasion he blurred the lines wonderfully) and only have a couple of titles to go.

I have looked forward to his new releases for almost two decades now and their absence leaves a hole in my reading schedule and enjoyment.

I read plenty of other authors, and I suppose the one who comes closest to Banks in terms of my level of anticipation is Richard Morgan, but it drives me crazy how long he takes to get a book out! I am trying a couple of new SF authors at the moment (Ann Leckie - Ancillary Justice, Kameron Hurley - God's War) and have just read John Meaney's Ragnarok series, but none of them quite hit the mark

So, tldr, to any other Banks fans out there, what are you reading that approaches the sophistication, breadth, depth and sheer enjoyment of one of his novels? Would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions.

Cheers,
Shaggy

[Korrey]

I'm not sure if this is what you had in mind, but have you heard of James S.A. Corey? It's a pen name for two writers, Ty Frank and Daniel Abraham, and they are currently writing a science fiction series that's called the Expanse. I HATE reading, but I read the first book Leviathan Wakes, and it blew me away. I hate kids writing, I love deep writing.

 

They just got announced to be adapted as a TV show in the United States.

The books are so well written I don't even realize they are books. They are mature (as in no fake, unrealistic dialogue) and insanely awesome. Check them out, they are on their third book. The books are pretty big (500~ pages) and the books have been sweeping the literary awards almost every year since 2011 when the first came out.

 

Books are:

Leviathan Wakes (2011)

Caliban's War (2012)

Abaddon's Gate (2013)

Cibola Burn (releasing this year, 2014)

[Miri Boirelle]

+1 for the expanse series.. Also have you read anything from Peter F. Hamilton , The Commonwealth Saga atleast to me seemed to be comparable to Iain Banks..

[Phobia Severasse]

Alastair Reynolds

[Llewelyn Fawr]

Alastair Reynolds

 

 

+1 for the expanse series.. Also have you read anything from Peter F. Hamilton , The Commonwealth Saga atleast to me seemed to be comparable to Iain Banks..

 

Both of these.

[Razak Harm]

Dammit, read the thread title and was going to suggest Morgan.

 

Have you read any Charles Stross or Neal Stephenson?

[Phobia Severasse]

Saga of the Seven Suns is worth it too. But quite the time investment

[Louis Robichaud]

The last two books I read/am reading were by Stross and Stephenson!   Both seem quite skilled authors, although I thought Stephenson was a bit long winded for the purpose of being long winded.

 

I've only read one of Bank's novels (planing on reading more).  I would strongly recommend "a fire upon the deep" by Vernor Vinge.  That being said, although the "feel" of the following is not quite as Bank-ish, the Hyperion Cantos is the best thing I've read in my entire life.

[Miri Boirelle]

the Hyperion Cantos is the best thing I've read in my entire life.

Right after The Player of Games +1 this

[Sharrow Vatuiel]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. +1 to you all. Some of them I have already read (Hamilton, Reynolds, the Hyperion Cantos) but the rest are now definitely on my "to read" list. Much appreciated.

Cheers,
Shaggy