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  • The Hydrogen Sonata

  • Written by: Iain M. Banks
  • Narrated by: Peter Kenny
  • Length: 17 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (59 ratings)

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The Hydrogen Sonata

Written by: Iain M. Banks
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
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Publisher's Summary

The Scavenger species are circling. It is, truly, provably, the End Days for the Gzilt civilization.

An ancient people, organized on military principles and yet almost perversely peaceful, the Gzilt helped set up the Culture 10,000 years earlier and were very nearly one of its founding societies, deciding not to join only at the last moment. Now they've made the collective decision to follow the well-trodden path of millions of other civilizations; they are going to Sublime, elevating themselves to a new and almost infinitely more rich and complex existence.

Amid preparations, though, the Regimental High Command is destroyed. Lieutenant Commander (reserve) Vyr Cossont appears to have been involved, and she is now wanted - dead, not alive. Aided only by an ancient, reconditioned android and a suspicious Culture avatar, Cossont must complete her last mission given to her by the High Command. She must find the oldest person in the Culture, a man over nine thousand years old, who might have some idea what really happened all that time ago.

It seems that the final days of the Gzilt civilization are likely to prove its most perilous.

©2012 Iain M. Banks (P)2012 Hachette Audio

What listeners say about The Hydrogen Sonata

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Great story

The fact that this is last Culture book is regretfully so many possibilities in the universe that was created. I wish Iain had more time on planet with us. Life is too short.

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<3

what a captivating series The Culture is!
a space opera in it's most wonderful glory
highly recommend

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Can't Believe It's Over...

Finally finished The Culture, after taking most of the year to do so. I already feel the pull to re-listen to the first novels again with all of the lore in my head.

Mr. Banks, you sublime.

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Banks read by Kenny: A++

As always: an intriguing and sophisticated story of many perspectives, read by a clear and unique voice giving life to all characters.

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