He exercises his descriptive powers, and a sardonic sense of humor. His human characters are often deeply flawed, but powerfully motivated. His vision of an alternate world is mythical.

I think some of his other books are stronger, but if you didn't like that one, you might not like any. Also: avoid his straight fiction (Ian Banks versus Ian M. Banks).

You *might* like The Player of Games, but it's a stretch.

Not every author is for every body. I love Banks.