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A review by rainbowbookworm
Translation State by Ann Leckie
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.
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.