A review by coffeedog14
Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie

challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

While not as heart-wrenching or heart-stopping as the first installment, and lacking in some of the cool action moments that book had, this is a much more mellow work that relies more on intrigue and delving into the heart of the corruption that is inherent to the Radch and its ideology. It didn't feel like it propelled the plot as much, mainly setting up characters and ideas for later, but it was fascinating while doing so.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Trafficking, Bullying, Colonisation, Violence, Classism, War, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Gun violence, Child abuse, Medical content, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Religious bigotry, Adult/minor relationship, Deportation, Torture, Addiction, Genocide, and Rape