I just reread the 1st and 2nd Chronicles before starting on Runes, and I experienced almost the reverse. It may be because the last time I read the books (not 20 years ago, but quite a few), I read almost 'too fast' - I tend to read inattentively because I'm so wrapped up in the story. Know what I m...

I read the Gap after both Chronicles, and thought it was even better than those. (Although now I've just reread the entire chronicles before Runes I may have to re-assess that - a Gap re-read may also be in order.) The whole Billingate stuff and the book after that I enjoyed most...I can't remember ...

Vain was kind enough to correct my wrong-spelt user name. All that for a silly newbie. I didn't even have to say nekrimah or anything.

Iain M Banks is fantastic. I especially liked Use of Weapons - the big dramatic event right before the end is one of the few that ever left me literally breathless.

I just finished Iron Council and I had to pick a name.

Hello.