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Ancillary Justice

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Ann Leckie

Ancillary Justice

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Space • Far Future

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Ancillary Justice follows Breq, the last functioning segment of the AI consciousness of an interstellar warship called Justice of Toren, on her quest for revenge. The novel alternates between Breq's present, as she travels to remote Nilt, and flashbacks of her life as part of Justice of Toren, unveiling a deep civil conflict within the ruling Radchaai empire, led by Anaander Mianaai.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

129,498 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie is a highly praised debut in the science fiction genre, admired for its intricate narrative and compelling use of language and gender. Readers appreciate its innovative concepts and thoughtful world-building, though some find the complex structure and pronoun usage challenging. Overall, it’s considered a fresh, ambitious addition to sci-fi.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ancillary Justice?

Fans of intricate world-building, complex characters, and explorations of artificial intelligence, similar to those found in Frank Herbert's Dune or Iain M. Banks's Culture series, will be captivated by Ann Leckie's Ancillary Justice, which offers a fresh take on space opera and examines themes of identity and imperialism.

4.1

129,498 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Breq/Justice of Toren/One Esk Nineteen

The protagonist, who originates as the AI of the Radchaai ship Justice of Toren, is forced to cope with a new identity after surviving a catastrophic event as a single ancillary body.

A former Radchaai officer from an aristocratic family who struggles to adapt to a changed world after waking from a thousand-year suspension.

The ruler of Radchaai space, who exists in multiple bodies and oversees the vast empire with her divided consciousness.

An officer known for her intelligence and compassion, overseeing the occupation of a territory on Shis’urna under Justice of Toren’s command.

A commander from the influential house of Awer, known for her critical stance on Radchaai politics.

The head priest and leader of the Orsian people, who navigates the precarious relationship with the Radchaai occupation diplomatically.

Initially a child in Lieutenant Awn’s household, she later reappears on Omaugh Palace station with connections to Skaaiat.

A doctor with a collection of cultural artifacts who resides on a non-Radchaai station and harbors a disdain for Radchaai practices.

An unnamed child from Nilt who crosses paths with Breq, showing an unexpected human connection to Breq’s character.

The captain of Justice of Toren during the events on Shis’urna, notable for her detached manner.

A captain onboard Mercy of Kalr with connections to reactionary opinions within the Radchaai.

The AI of Omaugh Palace station, which keeps a vigilant watch over Breq’s actions and maintains allegiance to the current ruling authority.

A ship with an AI consciousness that interacts with Breq, showing signs of memory manipulation similar to Justice of Toren.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Space • Far Future

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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