Translation State

"[A] rich exploration of self-identification and personhood serve as a fantastic introduction to Leckie’s world."

"Leckie’s humane, emotionally intelligent, and deeply perceptive writing makes this tautly plotted adventure feel fundamentally true while also offering longtime fans a much anticipated glimpse into the Radch’s most mysterious species. Readers will be thrilled."

"Another of Leckie’s beautiful mergings of the political, philosophical, and personal."

"Any SF reader who loves political skullduggery told through fascinating and empathetic characters will be captivated by Leckie’s latest foray into the Imperial Radch in all its complexity and corruption. Highly recommended."

"Leckie's ability to seamlessly weave in alternate conceptions of gender, identity, and alien experience remains as strong as ever, as does the propulsive and exciting tenor of her prose. An excellent addition to Leckie's already well-realized and often strange and exciting universe, this new novel is accessible, and essential, to new readers and old fans alike."

"In this book that’s part space opera, part coming-of-age tale, part body horror delight, Ann Leckie explores themes of power, gender identity, family, destiny and AI through charming characters, dramatic diplomacy and nail-biting action."

"I don’t want to spoil anything, so will simply say that the plot always goes where it should but not always where you’d expect. Along the way, Leckie asks big questions about trauma, power, and secrets. She answers them, too….I’ll put my marker down now that this book will be on most of the award slates at the end of the year. It’ll be well-earned.Translation State shows off Leckie’s skills masterfully."

"There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are few who ever could."

"[Puts] the question of an individual’s right to self-identification—both in terms of gender and species—at the heart of the narrative. . . .Daring, thoughtful novels like Translation State perform vital cultural work to open up new spaces so that we can all remove our disguises and shine like the princexes we were always meant to be."

"Once again, Leckie constructs an intricate science fiction backdrop, otherworldly yet comprehensible, and uses it to ground questions of family, selfhood, and fate. . . .Fans of philosophical science fiction will be enthralled."

"If you loved the explorations of identity and society in the Ancillary novels, you’ll enjoy this thoughtful and original look into what it means to belong."

"Leckie’s humane probe into power, identity, and communication is muscular and thought-provoking. This is an author at the height of her powers."