Ancillary Mercy

Imperial Radch, #3

by Ann Leckie

Paperback, 330 pages

English language

Published Dec. 26, 2015 by Orbit.

ISBN:: 978-0-356-50242-7

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(8 reviews)

For just a moment, things seem to be under control for the soldier known as Breq.

Then a search of Athoek Station's slums turns up someone who shouldn't exist — someone who might be a refugee from a ship that's been hiding beyond the empire's reach for three thousand years.

In the meantime a messenger from the alien and mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq's enemy, the divided and quite possibly insane Anaander Mianaai —ruler of an empire that's at war with itself.

Anaander is heavily armed and extremely unhappy with Breq. She could take her ship and crew and flee, but that would leave everyone at Athoek in terrible danger.

Breq has a desperate plan. The odds aren't good, but that's never stopped her before.

2 editions

Michael Gouker reviewed Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie (Imperial Radch, #3)

Review of 'Ancillary Mercy' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Wow! What a great finish. Now I understand the reason Leckie delved so deeply into the colonialist theme, especially the conflict between the Xhai and Ychana. She established a template for fairness she later applies to the AIs themselves. Really smart worldbuilding and narrative development! My favorite characters were Translator Zeiat, Leftenant Tisarwat, and (best of all) Seivarden!

moving to outside.ofa.dog reviewed Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie (Imperial Radch, #3)

Review of 'Ancillary Mercy' on 'LibraryThing'

5 stars

Strong end to a fantastic trilogy. Along with developing everything that Sword set up, it does a fantastic job of deploying comedy. I can think of very few other writers who've managed to have real laugh-out-loud comic relief that not only doesn't detract from all the serious things in the book but actually develops the plot and builds the world further.

I really want to read more about the Presger, and to read a book or short story that looks at Breq through other characters' eyes.