The war is ending, perhaps ended. For the castle and its occupants the troubles are just beginning. Armed gangs roam its lawless land where each farm and house supports a column of dark smoke. Taking to the roads with the other refugees, anonymous in their raggardness, seems safer than remaining in the ancient keep. However, the lieutenant of an outlaw band has other ideas, and the castle becomes the focus for a dangerous game of desire, deceit and death.

A Song of Stone demonstrates Iain Banks' unique ability to combine a gripping narrative with a soaring, voyaging imagination. Romping with brio from morality play to thriller and back again, he addresses the timeless questions of truth, betrayal, duty and loyalty, weaving them round a complex plot and into a seamless, spellbinding whole.