Review: Sci-Fi Standalone

Orbit US

Ann Leckie

5+ Stunning scifi standalone in the universe of the Imperial Radch. The location of this story is a faraway ice planet far away from the core of the trilogy. Oppression and occupation of a people, imposing language. Both cultures are so different and hard to mix, they are stubborn and intransigent, one culture doesn't even have core words that can be translated, for example, the Radchaai don't have the word father. This and food are forms of stealing, denying, and oppressing them. Diverse Povs make a collective story, there are pivotal characters that can be considered main or even favorite, but it's the collection of their perspective, goals, difficulties, and actions that make the whole story. I like Johnr a lot because he was abused by his people and sold to another culture, because of this he had been in cryonic suspension for 30 years. For him, no time has passed, but home as he knew it is ravaged by occupation and he is their "slave" (kinda).

One character is going to become one of the saints (mummyfied in the chambers of the deep planet that venerates the radiant star). This gave me nostalgia for classic Katherine Kurtz with the Camber series. Very different stories, just nostalgia. Awesome vibes.

Another awesome concept is that at a certain age, they decide to become male or female, the inverse of the anime Simoun where all were born female and picked later who to be.

This is my first time reading this author and it made me want to read all by this author. So cleverly written, spectacular control of characters, plot, and pacing.

"Because food -- is so essential a part of what makes you feel safe and secure, and even confirms who you imagine yourself to be."

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