Iain Banks is really a great writer. Like much of his other work, Use of Weapons is exciting and violent, intense and philosophical. It is the story of a man called Zakalwe, a mercenary agent for the benevolent managers of interstellar civilization, The Culture. Sent to various primitive planets to interfere with politics or lead armies, he seems to believe he is always acting for the good - but he also obviously has some deep trauma in his past. In alternating segments, we see the present and the past, learning more about the history of Zakalwe and the agent who recruited him, the woman Diziet Sma. The way the events are revealed is well-done, the effect powerful, shocking - and thought-provoking. Highly recommended. (Extra points for a great beheading scene!)
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