sofipitch's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I do feel like this suffered a bit from middle book syndrome where it is setting up a lot for the finale. It still manages to feel like it's own book though. I'm just obsessed with the concept of the Lord of the Radch and how that will be dealt with. I cannot help thinking she is such a good representation of American politics, two sides in conflict with each other yet still the same, still complicit in it's colonialism. I was also starting to think Breq had too much of an outside saviour role but I think the book addressed it well.
Tisarwatt is babygirl. I did miss Seivarden, she wasn't in this as much. I also loved Translator Dlique, a shame they weren't in more of the book (<- my non smart person opinions)
Also adding this book to the ever growing list of "contemporary sci fi that features last minute amateur brain surgery". Is everyone okay?
Tisarwatt is babygirl. I did miss Seivarden, she wasn't in this as much. I also loved Translator Dlique, a shame they weren't in more of the book (<- my non smart person opinions)
Also adding this book to the ever growing list of "contemporary sci fi that features last minute amateur brain surgery". Is everyone okay?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Murder, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, Gun violence, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, and Xenophobia
Minor: Trafficking, Sexual violence, and Grief
coffeedog14's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
While not as heart-wrenching or heart-stopping as the first installment, and lacking in some of the cool action moments that book had, this is a much more mellow work that relies more on intrigue and delving into the heart of the corruption that is inherent to the Radch and its ideology. It didn't feel like it propelled the plot as much, mainly setting up characters and ideas for later, but it was fascinating while doing so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Trafficking, Bullying, Colonisation, Violence, Classism, War, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Gun violence, Child abuse, Medical content, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Religious bigotry, Adult/minor relationship, Deportation, Torture, Addiction, Genocide, and Rape
ricksilva's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
More character-driven than the first book, this story puts Breq in command of Mercy of Kalr, a small ship, assigned to protect a remote system as the civil war between the fractured Radch Emperor's factions intensifies.
This was great, from the details of the worldbuilding, to the political themes of justice in the face of colonialism, to the small details and character interactions. I loved the expanded cast of characters aboard Mercy of Kalr, and at the destination system.
There was some good political intrigue, and a nice setup for the third book in the series.
Builds on the world and themes established in the first book, but it stands alone surprisingly well.
This was great, from the details of the worldbuilding, to the political themes of justice in the face of colonialism, to the small details and character interactions. I loved the expanded cast of characters aboard Mercy of Kalr, and at the destination system.
There was some good political intrigue, and a nice setup for the third book in the series.
Builds on the world and themes established in the first book, but it stands alone surprisingly well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation and Police brutality
Minor: Sexual assault
ailsaod's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Read this because I was down about 'Winter's Orbit' being so good. It just made me down about having read two good books! The only problem I see with Leckie's books is that they are very quick to read!!
This book was admittedly very slightly less good than book 1 but it had an almost impossible act to follow! I see that a lot of people that weren't so keen on this book complain about the tea content of the story but I personally think it was very appropriate given the anti-imperialism themes. Leckie was having a great time dunking on the British Empire - as she should!
Another thing I enjoyed was Breq (an Ancillary pretending to be human) commanding humans, many of whom are trying to pretend to be Ancillaries. It is somewhat comical and I really liked Kalr Five in particular.
I'm really looking forward to book 3 (and also not because I don't want to finish this series!).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Racism, and Police brutality
Minor: Sexual harassment and Toxic relationship
toopunkrockforshul's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was worried this sequel wouldn't live up the the first book, which I loved so much. It definitely did and it was so lovely to be back with Breq. The narration style of this book is so well crafted and manages to create mystery and intrigue while also being engaging. One of those books that feels like seating down to a large meal, where you can just dig in and get lost in the world. Very excited for the next in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Slavery, Religious bigotry, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Violence, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
This book deals with a lot of difficult themes, and at its core is about the atrocities that empires and people with power commit against others
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