The mystery of a missing translator sets three lives on a collision
course that will have a ripple effect across the stars in this powerful
novel from a Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author.
"There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are
few who ever could." --John Scalzi
Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade,
they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and
eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the
dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they
might want something else isn't "optimal behavior". I's the type of
behavior that results in elimination.
But Qven rebels. And in doing so, their path collides with those of two
others. Enae, a reluctant diplomat whose dead grandmaman has left hir an
impossible task as an inheritance: hunting down a fugitive who has been
missing for over 200 years. And Reet, an adopted mechanic who is
increasingly desperate to learn about his genetic roots--or anything
that might explain why he operates so differently from those around him.
As a Conclave of the various species approaches--and the long-standing
treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line--the decisions
of all three will have ripple effects across the stars.
Masterfully merging space adventure and mystery, and a poignant
exploration about relationships and belonging, Translation State is a
triumphant new standalone story set in the celebrated Imperial Radch
universe.
"Leckie's humane, emotionally intelligent, and deeply perceptive
writing makes this tautly plotted adventure feel fundamentally true
while also offering longtime fans a much anticipated glimpse into the
Radch's most mysterious species. Readers will be thrilled."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Another of Leckie's beautiful mergings of the political,
philosophical, and personal." --Kirkus (starred review)
