I don't read a lot of other sci fi. I did read William Gibson a while back. Iain Banks is superb. Black humour sewn deep into every book. I'm seeing his influence in Destiny, too. The exotic names could be Culture ship names. The Rasputin grimoire cards read like a Ship Mind (AI) communication. Even the term 'Possible OCP' in the arrival of the darkness one. That's 'outside context problem'. Something that happens when a new invader is so far ahead technologically that you don't have a prayer of understanding, never mind fighting them. Tanks versus arrows kind of thing. In short, they'll require your attention, but they're bloody worth it. Excession is the best in my opinion.

Ah thanks so much. Would you believe me if I said the OCP was something j always wondered at, and that the Rasputin cards are among my favorites? The Yuga and Voluspa references definitely hint at some fascinating story we haven't seen yet. I'm moving Banks up on my backlog now. Thanks!!