Translation State

ByAnn Leckie

Release Date: 2023-06-06
Genre: Science Fiction

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 241 Ratings

Description

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". It'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)

Reviews

Not her finest work
4
By Passepartout
This is another story set in the Imperial Raadsch universe that looks more closely at the Presger (an idea only touched on in the Ancillary Trilogy). There’s some good stuff here and the core theme of identity is well intended and her point is well made but in the end it’s just not entertaining.
And then?…
3
By l-xihente
Again, another great development of characters and inclusion of the gender question without prefacing and moralizing. The story kept you turning pages but the final chapters were disappointing once you reach the end and this book is my least favorite of her works. Trying not to spoil the end here - the conclusion seemed to be rushed and convenient which is unfortunate. Overall a good read that, like a dinner with small portions, left me looking for more.
Top shelf space opera, casually gender bent as always
4
By SafeTinspector
It got a little silly after a very strange start, but stuck the landing. I do adore the sci-fi world building of this series and the societal structures the author has invented. If you haven’t read the Ancillary series, you should. There are lots of different ways of being invented and explored here.
Meh, it's typical "Anglo" sci-fi
3
By PetroleumSun
I knew this was doomed when it started to bog down and I began skipping pages.
Some good ideas …
3
By iheartjoo
… buried under chapters of unending juvenile sniveling.