Imperial Radch (Series)
I read through the Imperial Radch trilogy (Ancillary Justice, Ancillary Sword, and Ancillary Mercy) during the first half of 2024. However, the books are not necessarily new; they were published between 2013 and 2015 by author Ann Leckie. I found the book completely by chance at a local bookshop in Champaign, Illinois, called “The Literary” (which I highly recommend visiting, as the shop also features a bakery, bar, and several comfortable places to sit and read a good book!).
I loved this series and read the entire series in just a month and a half, and I am certainly not the only one to enjoy the world that Leckie built. Ancillary Justice, the first book in the trilogy, is the only book ever to win the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards, in addition to claiming the BSFA award and Locus award for best first novel.
What made this series so enjoyable is the creative way that Leckie weaves complex and controversial sociopolitical issues into her world. In this series, much of the galaxy has been colonized by the Imperial Radch, with an all-controlling leader who has cloned hundreds of versions of herself to administrate her empire. The colonization efforts of the Radch form the basis of the series, as core plot points derive from the impacts of imperial colonization on independent cultures. That said, the reach of the Radch empire makes its way into all facets of the story, much like imperialism does in our modern society. Breq navigates cultural norms and faux pas’ throughout the story, trying to present herself in a way that members inside and outside imperial society will understand. Some of these cultural norms are subtle, such as how all Radch citizens wear gloves. Others, however, impact the story and comment on social issues, such as the treatment of religion and gender. In the Imperial Radch, gender does not exist, and all characters are referred to with feminine pronouns regardless of their biological sex. The use of feminine pronouns already subverts the norms of a genre that generally prioritizes men. But this characteristic of the universe has a much more profound effect, showing what a world may look like when gender isn’t a factor in daily life. Finally, Leckie portrays an intriguing religious structure, where church members govern significant parts of society, and the religious figures of colonized societies are incorporated into an ever-expanding pantheon.
The story follows an AI named Breq on a journey of vengeance spanning space and time. Once in control of an entire ship with a full complement of (formerly) human bodies that she could operate at will, a conflict between forces much greater than Breq alone reduces the AI’s consciousness to a single body. After years of searching, Breq now knows who hurt her and has the tools necessary to exact her revenge. Along the way, she will forge unlikely friendships, explore enticing worlds and space stations, and confront some very human challenges.
The Imperial Radch trilogy is undoubtedly a must-read for sci-fi fans and those who enjoy stories that comment on the sociopolitical issues of our time. Below is a list of the books in order, including their provided summary and a link to purchase. If this article motivated you to purchase the series, let me know your thoughts!
Book One: Ancillary Justice
Author: Ann Leckie
Publisher: Orbit Books
Genre: Science-Fiction
Pages: 386
Writing quality: 5/5
Strength of characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Summary
On a remote, icy planet, the soldier known as Breq is drawing closer to completing her quest.
Once, she was the Justice of Toren - a colossal starship with an artificial intelligence linking thousands of soldiers in the service of the Radch, the empire that conquered the galaxy.
Now, an act of treachery has ripped it all away, leaving her with one fragile human body, unanswered questions, and a burning desire for vengeance.
Book Two: Ancillary Justice
Author: Ann Leckie
Publisher: Orbit Books
Genre: Science-Fiction
Pages: 359
Writing quality: 5/5
Strength of characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Summary
Seeking atonement for past crimes, Breq takes on a mission as captain of a troublesome new crew of Radchai soldiers.
Breq is a soldier who used to be a warship. Once a weapon of conquest controlling thousands of minds, now she has only a single body and serves the emperor.
With a new ship and a troublesome crew, Breq is ordered to go to the only place in the galaxy she would agree to go: to Athoek Station to protect the family of a lieutenant she once knew - a lieutenant she murdered in cold blood.
Book Three: Ancillary Mercy
Author: Ann Leckie
Publisher: Orbit Books
Genre: Science-Fiction
Pages: 330
Writing quality: 5/5
Strength of characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Summary
For a moment, things seemed to be under control for Breq, the soldier who used to be a warship. Then a search of Athoek Station's slums turns up someone who shouldn't exist and a messenger from the mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq's old enemy, the divided, heavily armed, and possibly insane Anaander Mianaai—ruler of an empire at war with itself.
Breq could flee with her ship and crew, but that would leave the people of Athoek in terrible danger. Breq has a desperate plan. The odds aren't good, but that's never stopped her before.