Set in the universe of Leckie's Ancillary/Radch books, which I loved, this is a standalone novel that explores identity issues while also exploring the nature of the alien Presger aliens, specifically the Presger Translators. Told in three alternating POVs, the main characters come to life, and despite their differences, they each want to be their authentic selves.

Enae, on her own for the first time since her grandmother's death, takes on a diplomatic job and is tasked with finding a fugitive missing for two centuries. Reet, a mechanic adopted as a baby by a human couple, longs to find any info about his birth parents, discovers more than he bargained for. And Qven, the only one of the three who has a first person pov in their chapters, is a rebellious would-be Presger Translator who wants a different life than the one they were created for. It's no surprise that these three characters cross each other's path, leading to a confrontation that puts the treaty between the Presger and humans at risk.

The story is fairly basic, especially when compared to the Imperial Radch trilogy. But the usage of a wide variety of personal pronouns, along with a discourse on what it means to be human, as well as three likable protagonists, elevates the story. I hope Leckie continues to write in this universe. ( )

This is one of those gripping books that I couldn't put down. The three main characters are all doing their best with the hands they are dealt, in a variety of situations that are both excitingly weird and sci-fi and alien and yet deeply human. It is deliciously warm and fuzzy and woke, with themes of found family and choosing who you are, and recovering after assault. It is also great to be back in the complex Radchaai universe. ( )

Set in the Imperial Radch world this is a story of Qven, created to be a Presger Translator who is going to make a match some day and become an intermediary between the Presger and humanity. It's an upbringing that is strange and very alien there's a veneer of humanity pressed into it. Chance brings them into contact with Enae, a diplomat who is sent on a mission she isn't expected to solve, to find someone who went missing over two hundred years ago, it's a job to reward her for putting up with Greatmaman for a long time. Meant as a sinecure, it's an opportunity to travel the universe and have some enjoyable experiences. Only she finds Reet, an adopted mechanic who has always felt out of place in his world what happens to the three of them will change things forever.

I didn't realise when I reserved this that it was in fact part of the Imperial Radch universe which I have only read the first book of the series. It did make me want to read some of the other titles in the series. ( )

2024 book #22. 2023. Searching for an alien which disappeared 200 years ago, Enae finds that alien's grown child, living as a human. An interstellar incident kicks off. Part of Leckie's "Imperial Radch" series. Not being familiar with the series, this was a bit of a hard read. ( )

Another intriguing work from Leckie. This is a standalone set in the Radach universe a little bit after the conclusion to the sword trilogy.

As is common with her work, pronouns are somewhat optional and can be confusing. By default the Radach refer to everyone as she, whereas the other political factions have other conventions which are not fully explained - but it was generally very clear who was being referred to. We follow two humans and one of the Preseger's 'Translators' who are intermediaries between the alien and humankind. Enae is the grand-daughter of a prestigious family, but when they fall on hard times she is sent off on a 'errand' into local space. Being of dedicated personality she takes it more seriously than expected and soon meets Reet. He is an orphan adopted into a loving family of an oppressed underclass and have never quite felt he has fitted into any of the social circles he moves in. Interspersed with these two stories, we have the very weird Qven, who is growing up and learning the boundaries of 'acceptable' behaviour which doesn't include eating anyone. Somewhere half-way through the plot Reet is deemed to be potentially Preseger, and abruptly rushed to the Radach Central facility. Enae and his family pursue with lawyers in tow, and Reet meets Qven.

It is weird, and in places weirder than Ancillary Sword. The AI do feature, as do the other aliens. It is also slightly gruesome as the Preseger have a very odd way of replicating and interacting with other species. Well worth reading though. ( )