A manhunt to discover a secret that can change the fate of an entire civilization. WeLL course, this novel is the last of Banks, but not because he was finishing the Round of Culture, more sadly because he died there shortly. For 25 years this SF novelist allowed me to dream with his works that can be qualified as exceptional, much like Asimov had made me dream of 15 to 40 years. Although all his novels are not equal, this one is very good and much better since we do have more from this author. It is therefore recommended. A writer of the first rank in the world of SF where imagination has been lacking for years. Banks Goodbye, and thank you for this culture!