Translation State, Ann Leckie
Translation State, Ann Leckie
13 Rating(s)
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Translation State

Author: Ann Leckie

Narrator: Adjoa Andoh

Unabridged: 12 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 06/06/2023


Synopsis

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 and Nebula award-winning author: "There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can" (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 Leckie's celebrated Imperial Radch universe.

About Ann Leckie

The record-breaking winner of the Hugo, Nebula, Arthur C. Clarke and British Science Fiction Association Awards for her debut novel, Ann Leckie lives in St Louis, Missouri, with her husband, children and cats. You can find her website at www.annleckie.com or chat to her on Twitter at @Ann_Leckie.


Reviews

Goodreads review by ancientreader on March 10, 2023

So few of my usual tags make sense here. Main character of color? Check, only of course in Ann Leckie's future worlds the category hardly applies since most humans are some variety of brown and many persons are not even human. Humor? Check, except for how the existence of baby Presger Translators is......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on May 30, 2023

3.5 Stars This is an enjoyable space opera set in the same universe as the Imperial Radch trilogy. This one is most comparable to Ancillary Sword and Ancillary Mercy. Like those books, this one has a light hearted cozy quality. I typically prefer darker stories, but Ann Leckie has a talent for writin......more

Goodreads review by BJ on August 20, 2023

This was the August read over at SFF Hot from the Printers and at Beyond Reality, a goodreads group double whammy! I’m hoping both discussions pick up a little as the month ends, because there is so much here I want to talk about! Translation State has the best aliens I've read in a while. Truly ali......more

Goodreads review by Chloe on May 09, 2023

The first thing I need to say is that this is a somewhat standalone book taking place after the Imperial Radch trilogy. The second thing that I need to say is that I loved this SO MUCH MORE than the original trilogy. This is the story of an alien who got lost, and the ramifications of it on people h......more

Goodreads review by Elle on March 04, 2025

Ann Leckie’s science fiction is pitch-perfect – an incredible world, a strong set of lead characters, and a complicated, interesting plot are rounded out by a fascinating study of the complexity of relation between entirely different groups, with entirely different systems of power, and a study of t......more


Quotes

"Andoh expertly navigates the emotional depths of the three main characters, each of whom comes from a background in which they have not felt valued or part of their community. . . .As all three claim their identities and start to heal, Andoh’s performance resonates in profound way.”—AudioFile (Starred Review)