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laurarhds's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mallott's review against another edition
5.0
I am so happy with this trilogy. A great conclusion that brings many of the background themes to the fore: love and emotional dependence, chauvinism and class, what it means to be “human,” etc. As Kenneth and I were discussing over the weekend, it’s a sci-fi universe wherein the genderless society is arguably not the most interesting idea that it explores. Also, it picks up the pace compared to “Ancillary Sword” with a greater deal of action, though I had no problem with the tea parties and politicking of that book, which continues into this one.
And as things spiral out of control, various characters who have been trying to suppress their feelings and personalities are given to revealing themselves more openly, which is really a treat. Best (or most entertaining) of all, there’s the comical yet unsettling character of Translator Zeiat, raised by deeply foreign and dangerous aliens and deeply curious about everything.
I’m just so into these books now. Argh, why can't she have more out there?
And as things spiral out of control, various characters who have been trying to suppress their feelings and personalities are given to revealing themselves more openly, which is really a treat. Best (or most entertaining) of all, there’s the comical yet unsettling character of Translator Zeiat, raised by deeply foreign and dangerous aliens and deeply curious about everything.
I’m just so into these books now. Argh, why can't she have more out there?
notebooksandlaptops's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
kat_sanford's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
suriserendipity's review against another edition
5.0
Holy shit holy shit the perfect conclusion to an amazing series. Slammed into my top 10 series ever list.
(more coherent review to come in the future, maybe? but the important takeaway is READ THESE)
(more coherent review to come in the future, maybe? but the important takeaway is READ THESE)
simonbb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
masterofdoom's review against another edition
5.0
Finishing this wonderful trilogy alongside a great cup of oolong tea was one of the most perfect reading experiences of my life. This third book was everything I've expected, but Leckie still managed to surprise me with a marvelous low key ending. I don't think I've read a science-fiction novel like this, that puts galactic empires, artificial intelligence or alien civilizations completely in the orbit around the individual being.
wgsaraband's review against another edition
5.0
Ancillary Mercy is a satisfying conclusion to this wonderful trilogy.
I believe that Ancillary Justice, the first book, creates a problem of expectations with the series. It seems like you are getting into a vast space opera, with massive space battles and complex politicking. However, while the first book provides the base for this broad setup, the following books have narrowed it down to the individuals in this story, and Ancillary Mercy delivers greatly in that regard.
This is the novel where many of the questions about AI, and morality, are answered, or at least expanded upon. It is a delight to read the characterization, the interactions, and to be surprised with the outcomes.
I get it why some people are disappointed by this series. I really do. But I just see it for the brilliant series that it is.
I believe that Ancillary Justice, the first book, creates a problem of expectations with the series. It seems like you are getting into a vast space opera, with massive space battles and complex politicking. However, while the first book provides the base for this broad setup, the following books have narrowed it down to the individuals in this story, and Ancillary Mercy delivers greatly in that regard.
This is the novel where many of the questions about AI, and morality, are answered, or at least expanded upon. It is a delight to read the characterization, the interactions, and to be surprised with the outcomes.
I get it why some people are disappointed by this series. I really do. But I just see it for the brilliant series that it is.
omnipresent_photon's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
brainstrain91's review against another edition
4.0
A fitting end to a remarkable trilogy.
As in "Ancillary Sword", Leckie is laser-focused on the social dynamics of Breq and her crew. She wraps the reader in a warm, familiar blanket as she shows their closeness and their squabbles. If the reader wasn't totally invested in these characters, this focus might feel misplaced, but it would misunderstand the novel to think these scenes aren't important. Especially to Breq, who has finally regained a small part of what she lost.
Between Translator Zeiat's child-like mania and Sphene's morbid wit, the novel is repeatedly laugh-out-loud funny, often at the most unexpected times. And they both prove essential to the plot in the odd but satisfying climax.
Leckie has a problem with tension in this installment. There is plenty of implied, impending threat, but it rarely materializes. In the end, none of the major characters were more than mildly inconvenienced, apart from Breq (who isn't human, and is the main character, so we never really fear for her life).
I had heard Sword and Mercy were the weaker books of the trilogy. And after the phenomenal "Ancillary Justice," I can see why a reader might be disappointed. But I'm not in the least. More than anything, this is a story about the family we choose. Leckie sets this family against entrenched aristocracy, racism, and an immortal emperor - and they win. It's awesome.
As in "Ancillary Sword", Leckie is laser-focused on the social dynamics of Breq and her crew. She wraps the reader in a warm, familiar blanket as she shows their closeness and their squabbles. If the reader wasn't totally invested in these characters, this focus might feel misplaced, but it would misunderstand the novel to think these scenes aren't important. Especially to Breq, who has finally regained a small part of what she lost.
Between Translator Zeiat's child-like mania and Sphene's morbid wit, the novel is repeatedly laugh-out-loud funny, often at the most unexpected times. And they both prove essential to the plot in the odd but satisfying climax.
Leckie has a problem with tension in this installment. There is plenty of implied, impending threat, but it rarely materializes. In the end, none of the major characters were more than mildly inconvenienced, apart from Breq (who isn't human, and is the main character, so we never really fear for her life).
I had heard Sword and Mercy were the weaker books of the trilogy. And after the phenomenal "Ancillary Justice," I can see why a reader might be disappointed. But I'm not in the least. More than anything, this is a story about the family we choose. Leckie sets this family against entrenched aristocracy, racism, and an immortal emperor - and they win. It's awesome.