Reviews

Translation State by Ann Leckie

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tburns44's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

3.0

mckayhart's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense 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

4.5

rajs's review against another edition

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4.0

This book gives us a lot more information about the Presger Translators. It also ties back in to Ancillary Mercy, and mentions the events of Provenance a couple times. This and Ancillary Justice are probably my favorite two books from Leckie. I'm looking forward to the release of Lake of Souls (her book of short stories)

lottie1803's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

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3.75

This was my first book by Ann Leckie, and while I wasn’t familiar with the Imperial Radch universe, that didn’t stop me from getting completely sucked into this world. Translation State explores identity on so many different levels, and it does so in a way that feels deeply and wonderfully queer.

We follow three main characters whose lives become entangled through a mix of fate, politics, and personal choices. There’s Enae, who while grieving is tasked with a heavy inheritance: to track down someone who’s been missing for over 200 years. Enae’s journey is emotional—grappling with the loss of hir grandmaman and the challenge of doing a job that others have failed at. I really felt for hir, especially as ze wrestles with the consequences of hir well-intentioned actions toward Reet.

Then there’s Qven, who gave me aromantic/asexual vibes. It makes sense, given their future is tied to whomever their partner ends up being, but Qven’s rebellion against this predetermined path is compelling. They don’t want to accept their prescribed future and this resonated with me.

And finally, Reet, who finds himself trapped in a game played by his biological race. I liked how he’s a reluctant prisoner in his own story, slowly figuring out his place in a world he didn’t ask to be part of.

These characters are so different, yet their stories collide in powerful ways. The novel is about finding yourself, breaking free from societal expectations, and understanding where you truly belong, even when the journey is anything but smooth. It’s not just a space adventure—it’s a layered exploration of identity, belonging, and relationships.

Overall, Translation State was a fascinating and enjoyable read. It wasn’t always an easy ride, but the characters and themes kept me hooked, even as someone unfamiliar with Leckie’s other work.