Consider Phlebas -

Horza is recruited by the Idirans to retrieve a "Mind" that has escaped a dying ship and hidden on Schar’s World—a holy planet that is part of a "Planet of the Dead" system. The plot is a fast-paced, sometimes episodic adventure that sees Horza manipulating his way through various dangerous situations, accompanied by a crew of mercenaries. Key Themes and Tone

Consider Phlebas focuses on the war's sheer brutality, featuring "deaths in the billions". Plot Overview Consider Phlebas

A technologically advanced, post-scarcity, anarchist, and hedonistic society run by altruistic super-intelligent AIs known as Minds. Horza is recruited by the Idirans to retrieve