Just Finished Inversions
Hey y'all! I started The Culture series a while ago, but took a break from it right before starting Inversions to go on some other story side-quests. But, I've finally come back and hoo-boy, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! 4/5 stars from me.
I believe I came to enjoy it more after finishing it than during reading it. Like it took me digesting the entirety of it to fully appreciate it. At times it was a bit of a slow burn, but ultimately it was a very intriguing perspective.
It didn't take me long to understand that DeWar and Vosill were of The Culture. As soon as the Prologue mentioned the influence the doctor had on the storyteller (Oelph) I knew she was Culture just based on her ideologies. Later we see that Vosill always knew what was really going on, given her entries in her journal about the private conversations between the Dukes and her knowing that Oelph was Adlain's man the whole time -- did she use the knife drone to spy, or some other method?
I will say the ultimate revelation that Oelph's other master was Adlain didn't really do much for me. Maybe there's something I was forgetting that made this revelation more impactful, but it was just kind of a "meh" moment. Perhaps this sheds new light on Adlain's reluctance to participate in the Dukes' plans to "get rid of" the doctor?
I do find it interesting that Vosill ultimately fell in love with the King though, seeing as he pretty much represented everything the Culture was trying to fix -- though maybe it was because he was pliable/malleable and saw virtue in that.
A couple parts I was unclear on was whether Vosill had a direct influence on King Quience backing the Barons in the war in Ladenscion against UrLeyn, or whether that was just real politik from Haspidus. I also found it interesting that Vosill always visited Pauper hospitals and that Perrund also obtained the poisons to give to Lattens from a Pauper hospital -- which caused him to have seizures, much like the King had when Vosill and Oelph were in the torture chambers at the end, which she obviously induced. Coincidence?
What did y'all think of the story?
P.S. I was kind of hoping Vosill would take Oelph with her. It wouldn't have been the first time The Culture took in someone from a less advanced civilization (I believe Zakalwe was one?).