A review by ha1yan
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

mysterious 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

4.0

The science fiction worldbuilding was the highlight of A Memory Called Empire. I think some parts of the political tension dragged on for too long. It felt as if Arkady Martine introduces a variety of characters just for the purpose of throwing the reader off an otherwise simple mystery. I wish there were more non-political interactions between Mahit and Three Seagrass to build up their chemistry. Their romance took me by surprise! Characters are really important to me, and Mahit and Three Seagrass just didn't give me enough flavor. I found I wasn’t as invested in their dynamic as Yskandr and Nineteen Adze’s or even Three Seagrass and Twelve Azalea’s.
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