Consider Phlebas

*Consider Phlebas* is a science fiction novel by Iain M. Banks that explores themes of war, morality, and identity. Set in a distant future, it follows the journey of Bora Horza Gobuchul, a mercenary affiliated with an anti-knowledge alien race called the Idirs, as he navigates a brutal conflict between galactic civilizations. The story examines complex ethical dilemmas, the nature of consciousness, and the consequences of technology, all set against a richly detailed universe. Banks combines action with philosophical questions, offering a thought-provoking narrative about survival and the costs of war.