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tdavidovsky's review against another edition
5.0
In a world where gods have the power to manipulate truth and reality through speech alone, nothing and no one can be trusted. Such a setting is perfect for a thrilling (and queer) political intrigue, and Ann Leckie absolutely delivers, telling a story that feels like William Shakespeare's plays merged with Judith Butler's essays.
Mawat (loosely inspired by Hamlet) is a total tool who probably has a very punchable face. Eolo (loosely inspired by Horatio), Mawat's anxious but highly competent aide, is an absolute treasure. The dynamic between the two is very entertaining as they navigate a complicated succession crisis that involves local politics, usurping family members, powerful deities, and foreign conflict, all narrated by a ponderous minor god who likes to deliver delightful philisophical asides about language, power, and civilization. It's a very focused story, but by involving a couple of formidable deities who have witnessed all of human history (and who can change it if they want to), Leckie causes the stakes and setting to still feel somewhat epic in scope.
Mawat (loosely inspired by Hamlet) is a total tool who probably has a very punchable face. Eolo (loosely inspired by Horatio), Mawat's anxious but highly competent aide, is an absolute treasure. The dynamic between the two is very entertaining as they navigate a complicated succession crisis that involves local politics, usurping family members, powerful deities, and foreign conflict, all narrated by a ponderous minor god who likes to deliver delightful philisophical asides about language, power, and civilization. It's a very focused story, but by involving a couple of formidable deities who have witnessed all of human history (and who can change it if they want to), Leckie causes the stakes and setting to still feel somewhat epic in scope.
directorpurry's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Confinement
Moderate: Transphobia and Death
forroan's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.25
I thought i’d be thrown by the 2nd person voice, but I ended up enjoying it. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the way the plot was going; I just wish it had gotten to the point a little faster so that it didn’t end so soon! overall a very enjoyable read, but I would’ve enjoyed a bit more depth.
silodear's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Wow!
deziginer's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
rmgmorrow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
This book hits like an avalanche--very slow to build, and very deadly to end. I adore it. I recommend a reread. Recommended for anyone who is willing to deal with a nontraditional narration, pretty much without further conditions.
kivt's review against another edition
4.0
Gave this four stars when I first read it, now that I'm getting around to typing up notes I might only give it three. It was a good read because Leckie is good at writing, but not especially exciting. I did enjoy the experience of reading it, though.
turrean's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I need to know what happened next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Murder, and War
jowithtwoiis's review against another edition
DNF. Couldn't get into it. I like her scifi better.
karrama's review against another edition
5.0
Excellently done first person with nuance as gods vie for control of a people and place, and the people defend themselves.