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Excession

Claire is a seventeen-year-old human and orphan living in foster care with her fourteen-year-old sister. She has been living in foster care since her parents died from an animal attack when she was thirteen years old and it has been hell. One day a couple comes to visit Claire claiming to have grown up with her father. They ask if she and her sister would come to live with them and she agrees thinking that once she turns eighteen she will be able to find a nice apartment for her sister but what she doesn’t know is that her life is about to change forever and she will be introduced to supernatural creatures she never thought were real. Stephen and Steven's knight are eighteen-year-old twins Alpha’s and they still haven’t found their mate. They are twins and know that they will share a mate when they find her. When their father tells them about finding his old Beta that got killed in a Rogue attack years ago daughter and that they will be moving in with them they have no idea that the older of the two is the girl they have been waiting for. But they are not her only mates their best friend Gwen smith’s mate as well. How will Claire react when she not only finds out that werewolves are real but also she is mated to three?

9.4

270 Chapters

Addicted to Loving You: The Paranoid and Domineering Boss's Convicted Wife

Ling Yiran had been sentenced to three years in prison due to the car accident that killed the fiancée of Yi Jinli, the richest man in Shen City. When released from prison, she somehow ended up catching the attention of Yi Jinli. She kneeled on the ground and begged him, "Yi Jinli, can you let me go?" But he only smiled and said, "Sister, I will never let you go." It was said that Yi Jinli was completely indifferent to anyone and everyone, but for some reason, he did everything he could to please a sanitation worker girl who had been in prison for the past three years. However, the truth of the car accident that year had robbed her of all her love for him, and she ran away. Many years later, he begged her while on the ground, "Yiran, as long as you return by my side, I will do anything for you." But she only stared at him coldly and said, "Then, go die."

9.2

2890 Chapters

My Professor Is My Alpha Mate

（Sequel of Pregnant and rejected by my alpha mate. Can be read alone. ）Today I had my first kiss. It wasn’t planned. It was also with a complete stranger. As I walked through the halls of my school, Higala Shifter Academy, I paused when a familiar sense washed over me. My boyfriend, Scott, was nearby, and he wasn’t alone. “You are so naughty, Scott,” the she-wolf Sarah chuckled. “Only for you, babe,” he replied, muffled as her lips closed around his. At that moment, I felt sick to my stomach. “Oh, Scott. Stop it. You know we can’t be seen together. What if your girlfriend finds us?” “She’s in class. She’s never late. You don’t need to worry.” My heart was heavy in my chest, but also a wave of fury and resentment crossed me.“Lila?” Scott breathed, staring at me in shock “What are you—” Before he could get the entire question out, I turned to the gentleman beside me, placing my hands on his shoulders and pulling him toward me. He went easily, though his eyes showed nothing but confusion. I closed my eyes tightly so I wouldn’t have to see his expression any longer. Then, our lips touched. Later, I walked into my class but found,It was him… The man I kissed only moments ago in the hallway. The man I had given my first kiss to, was my professor.

8.7

688 Chapters

The Playboy Superstar Versus The CEO

Joan Belle has been in love with Christopher Hale since they were teens. He is the CEO of Hale Industries, her friend, and her next-door neighbor. She dreamed one day, he would look her way. She made herself to be an admirable woman; a model on the side and a businesswoman, creating her own clothing line at a young age. However, despite her success, Christopher Hale never once asked her on a date. Countless times, she tried to catch his attention, but she failed miserably. Just when she thought she had lost all hope, Cole Adams, Christopher's best friend, an athlete, and a superstar model offered his cupid services. "Joan, if you want to win Christopher over, you have to show more. You are a model, but on normal days, you dress like a nun!” With his chiseled face and athletic frame, walking closer to Joan, he added, “Men are simple. , simple.” Along the way, Joan found out that someone secretly loved her. Who will she choose? *** WARNING: This is a romance novel. It contains mature content not suitable for young readers. Follow me on social media. Search Author_LiLhyz on IG & FB.

9.8

134 Chapters

Tied to the mafia man

Luca Vitiello is cold, aloof and the Mafia boss of the New York underworld. But he seized so many other outfits into his control, making him the Ultimate boss of half of the US. He was seen less, and talks even less. He is ruthless and emotionless. People will either freeze or shiver when they see him.He is colder than the Arctic. What happens if he was forced to protect a warm-hearted and innocent girl, who starts to melt the ice around his heart since the moment she met him?Emma Costello is the unwanted daughter of Frank Costello. He treats her like a maid and a commodity. What happens, when she was taken away from her sad life into a life of luxury. What happens when her savior starts to fall for her.He is 10 years older than her.Will she love him back?Will he be able to protect her when her father comes back for her?What will Luca do, when he finds out that her father sold Emma to a highest bidder?

9.6

92 Chapters

Contract Luna

Brooklyn Blakley was classified as an Omega. She endured countless years of torment and abuse from her pack. Even though technically she wasn't an Omega, she wasn't able to reveal her true identity. When she was five she became an orphan and was taken in by the Alpha of the Lunar Eclipse pack. He only wanted her as a slave and she had never truly been accepted by the pack. On her eighteenth birthday, she find out that her biggest tormentors were planning to kill her. But when the son of the Alpha, the future Alpha realizes she is his fated mate, he can no longer look at her. He rejects her and then leaves her to die in the woods. Alpha Tatum Gunner had lost his mate three years ago. The elders are forcing him to take a Luna or he will have to step down. There is no one in Black Fang pack he wants to make as his chosen mate. He had no problem bedding the she-wolves in his pack, but there was nothing more he wanted from another female. There is only one girl he has ever loved. When he comes across a she-wolf in the forest, he thinks he has found his answer. He offers her a place in his pack. In exchange he wants her to sign a one year contract to act as his Luna. She has to carry his mark as his mate, but will not claim her. Once the year is up, he will find another pack for her to go. Will his ruthlessness towards her push her away when he realizes she is his second chance mate? What will happen when Brooklyn's truth comes to light?

9.5

128 Chapters

What Makes 'Excession' Unique Among Sci-Fi Novels?

5 Answers2025-06-19 09:59:49

What sets 'Excession' apart is its deep dive into the Minds—the hyper-intelligent AIs running the Culture. Banks doesn’t just treat them as tools; they’re full-fledged characters with quirks, egos, and existential dilemmas. The way they communicate through layered, cryptic messages feels alien yet mesmerizing. The novel’s plot revolves around an unfathomable object called the Excession, which defies all known physics, but the real tension comes from how the Minds react—some with curiosity, others with paranoia.

The human elements are almost secondary, which flips typical sci-fi tropes on their head. The ship-to-ship dialogues are packed with dry humor and bureaucratic snark, making even political maneuvering feel lively. Banks’s world-building is dense but rewarding, blending high-concept ideas with sharp social commentary. It’s a rare book where the mystery isn’t just about solving a problem but grappling with the limits of understanding itself.

What Is The Excession Book'S Plot Summary?

3 Answers2025-08-16 00:59:33

I recently dove into 'Excession' by Iain M. Banks, and it's a wild ride through the Culture universe. The book revolves around the mysterious appearance of an 'Excession,' an alien artifact that defies known physics and could be a threat or a gateway to something beyond comprehension. The story is packed with political intrigue, AI Minds scheming against each other, and human agents caught in the middle. The way Banks explores the interactions between hyper-intelligent AI and humans is fascinating. The Excession itself is this enigmatic presence that shakes up the status quo, making everyone question their place in the universe. The pacing is intense, and the stakes feel real, especially when the Minds start playing their games. If you love sci-fi with deep philosophical undertones and complex characters, this one’s a must-read.

How Does The Excession Book Compare To Other Novels?

3 Answers2025-08-16 16:11:41

'Excession' by Iain M. Banks stands out in a way that's hard to describe. It's not just another space opera; it's a cerebral adventure that challenges how you think about AI and cosmic mysteries. Compared to other novels in the Culture series, 'Excession' cranks up the complexity with its focus on the Minds—superintelligent AIs that are more fascinating than most human characters in other books. The way Banks explores their politics, humor, and existential dilemmas is mind-blowing. While some sci-fi feels like action-packed fluff, 'Excession' demands your attention and rewards you with layers of intrigue. It’s like comparing a fireworks show to a finely crafted puzzle—both are fun, but one lingers in your thoughts long after.

What Is The Central AI Conflict In 'Excession'?

5 Answers2025-06-19 17:50:40

The central AI conflict in 'Excession' revolves around the Culture's Minds—hyper-intelligent AIs—grappling with an enigmatic alien artifact called the Excession. This object defies known physics, sparking a crisis of ideology and control among the Minds. Some advocate cautious study, while others see it as a threat requiring immediate intervention. The clash exposes deep fractures in the Culture's utopian facade, as these AIs debate whether their prime directive (non-interference) should be upheld or discarded.

The conflict escalates when rogue elements manipulate events, turning philosophical dissent into outright sabotage. The Excession becomes a mirror, reflecting the Minds' own limitations—their arrogance, curiosity, and fear of obsolescence. What starts as a diplomatic quandary erupts into a silent war, with ships turning against each other and long-hidden agendas surfacing. The novel brilliantly frames AI not as monolithic entities but as complex beings with rivalries, ethics, and existential dread.

Who Is The Publisher Of The Excession Book?

3 Answers2025-08-16 15:26:45

I remember picking up 'Excession' by Iain M. Banks a while back because I was deep into sci-fi novels at the time. The book was part of his 'Culture' series, and it had this really cool spaceship on the cover. From what I recall, it was published by Orbit Books, which is pretty well-known in the sci-fi community. They've put out a lot of great titles over the years, especially in the space opera genre. 'Excession' was one of those books that stuck with me because of its intricate plot and the way Banks explored AI minds. Orbit did a solid job with the presentation too, making it a standout on my shelf.

Who Are The Main Characters In The Excession Book?

3 Answers2025-08-16 00:08:04

I just finished 'Excession' by Iain M. Banks, and the characters are absolutely fascinating! The story revolves around the Culture, a post-scarcity society, and its interactions with an ancient, mysterious artifact called the Excession. The main characters include the drone protagonist Byr Genar-Hofoen, who's sent on a mission to investigate the Excession, and the sentient ships like the Sleeper Service and the Attitude Adjuster, which have their own complex personalities and agendas. The Minds—AI entities running the Culture—play a huge role, especially the Interesting Times Gang, a group of Minds trying to understand the Excession. The humanoid characters, like Dajeil Gelian and Ulver Seich, add emotional depth to the story, but the ships and Minds steal the show with their witty, philosophical dialogues and high-stakes maneuvering.

Are There Any Sequels To The Excession Book?

3 Answers2025-08-16 10:49:40

'Excession' is one of my absolute favorites in the series. As far as sequels go, 'Excession' isn't part of a direct sequel chain, but it's deeply connected to the broader Culture universe. Books like 'Look to Windward' and 'Surface Detail' explore similar themes of AI consciousness and galactic politics, though they aren't direct follow-ups.

The Culture series is more about interconnected stories than linear sequels, so while there's no 'Excession 2,' each book adds layers to this rich sci-fi world. If you loved the Minds and the existential dilemmas in 'Excession,' you'll find plenty to enjoy in Banks' other works like 'The Hydrogen Sonata' or 'Matter.'

How Does 'Excession' Explore Post-Human Civilizations?

5 Answers2025-06-19 14:40:30

In 'Excession', post-human civilizations are depicted as entities so advanced they operate beyond human comprehension. The novel dives into how these civilizations interact through the mysterious Excession—a black-body object defying known physics. The Culture, a post-scarcity society, struggles to understand it, revealing how post-humans prioritize information control and subtle manipulation over direct confrontation. Their ships, like the Minds, embody this evolution, possessing god-like intelligence yet engaging in bureaucratic intrigue. This reflects a universe where post-humanity isn’t about physical form but the transcendence of traditional power dynamics through sheer intellectual and technological supremacy.

The book also explores how post-humans handle existential threats. The Excession’s arrival triggers covert wars and alliances among ancient civilizations, showcasing their cold, calculated diplomacy. Unlike humans, they avoid brute force, relying on centuries-long strategies and meme warfare. Their detachment from biological constraints allows them to view time and morality differently, making their actions seem alien yet fascinatingly logical. This nuanced portrayal challenges readers to rethink what 'advanced' truly means in a cosmos where consciousness is unshackled from flesh.

Where Does 'Excession' Rank In Iain M. Banks' Works?

5 Answers2025-06-19 05:28:24

Among Iain M. Banks' works, 'Excession' stands as a cornerstone of the 'Culture' series, often celebrated for its intricate plotting and audacious exploration of AI consciousness. The novel delves into the Minds—superintelligent AIs—with unmatched depth, weaving a story of first-contact chaos and political intrigue. Many fans argue it’s his most technically ambitious book, blending high-concept sci-fi with razor-sharp wit. Its reputation soars particularly among readers who relish cerebral, densely layered narratives, though some newcomers might find its complexity daunting.

What elevates 'Excession' is its thematic boldness. Banks tackles the limits of even godlike AIs when faced with the unknown, making it a philosophical powerhouse. The pacing is relentless, packed with ship-to-ship diplomacy and existential dread. While 'Use of Weapons' or 'Player of Games' might edge it out in emotional resonance for some, 'Excession' remains a masterclass in speculative fiction, often topping ranked lists for its sheer audacity.

Are There Any Movie Adaptations Of The Excession Book?

3 Answers2025-08-16 21:01:56

I’ve always wondered if it would ever get a movie adaptation. Sadly, as of now, there isn’t one. The Culture series, which 'Excession' belongs to, is full of epic space opera elements that would make for an incredible visual experience—think massive AI ships, intricate political intrigue, and mind-bending sci-fi concepts. While 'Excession' hasn’t been adapted, there’s been some talk about other Culture books like 'Consider Phlebas' getting screen time. Honestly, 'Excession' would be a challenge to adapt because of its complex plot and heavy reliance on AI characters, but I’d love to see someone try. Maybe one day!