I really enjoyed reading this - I love this authors work. The story os about Gurgeh, who has a reputation in The Culture as a top games player. There are few people who can beat him, and only then if they are specialised of one game, but he has become bored with his life. He is offered the chance to travel to the far Empire of Azad, which is ruled on the outcome of a very complicated, unusual game. At first he is reluctant, but a bit of blackmail and he is ready to go. But The Culture hasn't been entirely truthful about his role there. As well as having to learn the game, he has to avoid assassins, press smear campaigns and the temptations that the Empire brings.

I totally love the idea of someone only ever playing games. The actual game of Azad sounds like a cross between Battleships, chess and a Warcraft scenario - sounds like fun! The last couple of chapters were amazing, so fast paced that you got swept up and spat out the other end before realising you had finished the book. It wasn't that difficult to guess who the mysterious narrater was, but that didn't effect the plot, so didn't matter in the end. The excesses of the Empire can make uncomfortable reading, especially the hunting scenes, which I really felt there was no need for and left me feeling angry. Still, the rest of the book was fantastic and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Here’s a special box of goodies from one booklover to another. I hope you enjoy reading your books and enjoying the Christmas candy.
HAVE A GREAT FESTIVE SEASON

Wow! Received the loveliest unexpected Christmas box of goodies from dark-draco with 4 wishlist books along with bookcrossing goodies and sweets! Thank you so much and a big Merry Christmas to you ��