Translation State
2023 • 312 pages
Ratings32
Average rating4.2
15
Ratings32
Average rating4.2
The mystery of a missing translator sets three lives on a collision course that will have a ripple effect across the stars in this powerful novel from a Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author. "There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are few who ever could." —John Scalzi Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade, they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they might want something else isn't "optimal behavior". I's the type of behavior that results in elimination. But Qven rebels. And in doing so, their path collides with those of two others. Enae, a reluctant diplomat whose dead grandmaman has left hir an impossible task as an inheritance: hunting down a fugitive who has been missing for over 200 years. And Reet, an adopted mechanic who is increasingly desperate to learn about his genetic roots—or anything that might explain why he operates so differently from those around him. As a Conclave of the various species approaches—and the long-standing treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line—the decisions of all three will have ripple effects across the stars. Masterfully merging space adventure and mystery, and a poignant exploration about relationships and belonging, Translation State is a triumphant new standalone story set in the celebrated Imperial Radch universe. "Leckie’s humane, emotionally intelligent, and deeply perceptive writing makes this tautly plotted adventure feel fundamentally true while also offering longtime fans a much anticipated glimpse into the Radch’s most mysterious species. Readers will be thrilled." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Another of Leckie’s beautiful mergings of the political, philosophical, and personal." —Kirkus (starred review)
Featured Series
3 primary books7 released booksImperial Radch is a 7-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2012 with contributions by Ann Leckie.
Reviews with the most likes.
Another excellent book by Ann Leckie. Unlike Provenance, which can be read independent of the Ancillary trilogy (though it is set in the same universe), this one needs to be read after those three, or I suspect it would not make much sense.
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.
