Translation State

I enjoyed reading this latest book by Ann Leckie. Even though it's part of a series, the story stands just fine on its own. I was able to jump right in without having read the previous books.

Leckie's writing style is smooth and easy to follow. The plot moves along at a brisk pace, and I was intrigued by the cast of characters. Each one has a distinct voice that comes through clearly. Their world and relationships are complex, but Leckie gives just enough detail without overdoing the backstory or terminology.

The heart of the story focuses on three main characters trying to figure out where they belong. While dealing with larger power struggles in the galaxy, they also face more personal conflicts. In the end, they realize that loyalty and sacrifice are what brings a family together — not necessarily who you're related to biologically.

There's a nice mix here balancing the action-driven sci-fi plot with these resonant emotional notes about found family. Even as the book wrapped up, I felt invested in the characters and interested to see where Leckie takes things next.

For sci-fi fans who appreciate well-constructed worlds and nuanced relationships, I strongly recommend this book and series. The author has crafted something special — exciting yet heartfelt. I'm looking forward to whatever she writes in this universe next.

This is YA. Why isn't it classified as such on Goodreads? It would've been nice to know ahead of time, to set my expectations.Anyhow, it was fun at times, even sweet. Lots of complex mental states. Interesting side threads on the nature of consciousness, but nothing as sophisticated or thought-provoking as [b:Ancillary Justice 17333324 Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch #1) Ann Leckie https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1397215917l/17333324.SY75.jpg 24064628]. And, Leckie has been reading [b:Murderbot 32758901 All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1) Martha Wells https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631585309l/32758901.SY75.jpg 53349516], and those bits of influence worked really well here.The pronouns were irritating beyond belief: a complete U-turn from the wonderful pronouns of her first books. But I get it, it's YA, and as I predicted we get to learn Very Important Lessons later in the book. (And it was okay. The book is infused with well-done kindness). YA isn't my thing, but this is a book I would totally recommend to any teenager.

I'm not sure how to describe this. Maybe: cozy found-family story, with body horror, that explores what it means to identify and be identified? The pronouns are a trip; I'm not sure I ever really got the bottom of what the difference is between them all. I guess it does a good job of driving home the message that, in a diverse universe, insisting on a binary choice is a little nonsensical.

This novel is in the same universe as Leckie's other books, but I've honestly completely forgotten what they are about and I still enjoyed this one. The cool (or maybe a bit gross? idk) plot point of this book is that there's this alien race where to reach adulthood you have to merge with another so you end up with one consciousness across 2 bodies. Then there's some politicy stuff and some action so overall was a pretty fun read.

4.5 stars tempted to round up because of that feel-good ending. (I’m a sap.)

It was good! Well written, great characters. Perfect ending.

But what it really says to me is that I need to read The Imperial Radch trilogy.

I’m sure my reading of this book would have been much elevated if I had prior understanding of this universe.