A review by gardens_and_dragons
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

adventurous mysterious tense 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? No

4.5

A layered and complex space opera centered around a murder mystery. It explores inherited memories, the legacy of empire and lived experiences of those absorbed in it, and identity. 

Honestly it was fantastic sci-fi regardless of the political machinations- the technology, world building and culture are fully fleshed out and you are able to be swept away as much as Mahit is with the Teixcalaanli empire, but also understand how it is terrible even if it beautiful. 

I’ll give it a few days - might be a 5 star from me, but I think it falls just short because it does have some weird issues. One is with pacing in the middle. 
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