In the aftermath of my 24th birthday, I can proudly announce the addition of two new items into my bookshelf, one new to me, and one a familiar friend: Consider Phlebas, by Iain M. Banks, and the classic Dune, by Frank Herbert.

I had previously read another of Iain Banks’ science fiction novels, Against A Dark Background. Initially, I had mixed feelings about the book, since I recall being vaguely confused about what the whole book was meandering towards. Once it got there, though, I appreciated both the setting and the story a good deal more. For some reason, I’d picked out Consider Phlebas as the next Banks novel I’d like to read, a fact my girlfriend pounced on when trying to figure out what to get for the momentous occasion of the commencement of the next cycle in my aging process. So far, I’ve gotten up to page 142 of the 467 between the covers, and I like what I’ve been reading so far. I actually haven’t realised how starved I’ve been for some new science fiction material. Once I’ve finished Consider Phlebas, I fully intend on re-reading it. Come on, every book needs at least one re-read.

Regarding Dune: man, I love that book. It’s probably one of my all-time favourite novels. Ever. Which is why it’s heartbreaking to see it given such a despicable front cover. For crying out loud, the word DUNE consists of several tiny little five-pointed stars clustered together. Really now. It’s a hard science fiction novel, not My Little Fucking Pony.

In other news, the Wordpress gallery tag thingy isn’t that great, but flowing in all of the covers would probably have looked even worse.