Space operas, a subgenre of science fiction, are renowned for their epic scale, high adventure, and starkly moral narratives. These stories typically feature vast interstellar empires, alien civilizations, and thrilling space battles, combining grand narratives with dramatic and often melodramatic elements set against expansive, futuristic backdrops. At their heart, space operas emphasize grand cosmic journeys, both physical and spiritual. Star Wars is one of the most famous space operas.

Iain M. Banks’s Consider Phlebas is an example of this genre. On the surface, it embodies many classic space opera elements: a sprawling galactic conflict, alien cultures, and cinematic action sequences. The novel incorporates vibrant imagery of distant planets, colossal spaceships, and astonishing technology. The clash between the Culture and the Idirans drives the plot, providing a grand scale that enhances the story’s dramatic tension. However, Consider Phlebas also subverts many traditional space opera tropes, offering a fresh take on the genre’s conventions.

A notable departure from classic space opera is the moral ambiguity of its protagonist. Whereas traditional space operas often feature clear-cut heroes who represent good against evil, Consider Phlebas presents Horza, a member of a fanatical religious group waging war against a seemingly utopian society.