Against a Dark Background is a novel about a woman who is a mercenary, an antiques hunter, and a noble. Sharrow's family is no longer rich. Her grandfather Gorko amassed a fortune, and her father gambled it away. There is nothing left for her and her half-sister Breyguhn.

The Lady Sharrow is the last of the female Dascen line, involved in a blood feud with the cult known as the Huhsz. Her female ancestor stole a Lazy Gun from the Huhsz, and they believe their messiah cannot be born until either it is returned or all the female Dascens are dead. They have acquired hunting permits, the legal right to find her within a year and assassinate her.

Her cousin Geis has money and offers to help her but she won't submit to his obsession. For years he has attempted to seduce her, but she loathes him, especially after his attempted rape of her when they were teenagers. Breyguhn loves him, but she isn't what he wants.

There is plenty of adventuring in this book, and clever stories, and there are many instances that are quite poignant. Iain Banks writes with a dark and cynical humour, which is often perfect for the situations he describes. He makes it very easy to relate to Lady Sharrow, through all of her adventures, and she is a very human, and difficult, character.

Another interesting and deeply enjoyable novel by a brilliant author.