Ancillary Mercy

Pros: fast paced, shows results of addiction and mental illness, interesting story

Cons: surprised Seivarden kept her position

New problems regarding the undergarden on Athoek Station and Queter's interrogation on the planet occupy Breq, fleet captain, commander of Mercy of Kalr, last ancillary of Justice of Toren, One Esk Nineteen. When she gets word of four ships entering the system she suspects they've been sent by the enemy version of the Radchaai's split ruler, Anaander Mianaai.

Picking up immediately where Ancillary Sword left off, this book begins with Breq trying to clean-up the loose ends of the previous book. When the enemy ships arrive in the system, things heat up fast, with several desperate plots to even the odds and take out this clone of the Lord of the Radch.

While the opening's a bit slow, reminding you of the events of the previous book, things pick up quickly and propel you through the rest of the story. It's a fast read.

I was impressed that the author dealt with more repercussions of Seivarden's addiction and depression and the results of Tisarwat's manipulations. It's great to see a book show that traumas leave scars that take years to heal, and that someone can have good and bad times, depending on circumstances. Having said that, I'm surprised Seivarden was able to keep her position, considering the breakdown she has. It's obvious she's not capable of dealing with the pressures of command.

While this book can't wrap up everything going on in the universe, it does give a sense of resolution for the primary characters of the series.