Ancillary Mercy

At its best, science fiction is able to use a broad canvas to explore very human concerns. And the Imperial Radch trilogy -- and especially Ancillary Mercy -- really is science fiction at its best.

Ancillary Mercy is a superb finale to an excellent trilogy and a remarkably good novel in it's own right. And while this story arc comes to a very satisfying conclusion, there is clearly a great deal of space for more stories to be told in the same universe. I sincerely hope that Leckie finds the time to tell some of them.

Strong end to a fantastic trilogy. Along with developing everything that Sword set up, it does a fantastic job of deploying comedy. I can think of very few other writers who've managed to have real laugh-out-loud comic relief that not only doesn't detract from all the serious things in the book but actually develops the plot and builds the world further.

I really want to read more about the Presger, and to read a book or short story that looks at Breq through other characters' eyes.

Strong end to a fantastic trilogy. Along with developing everything that Sword set up, it does a fantastic job of deploying comedy. I can think of very few other writers who've managed to have real laugh-out-loud comic relief that not only doesn't detract from all the serious things in the book but actually develops the plot and builds the world further.

I really want to read more about the Presger, and to read a book or short story that looks at Breq through other characters' eyes.

Each time I sit down with one of Leckie's books this happens. About a chapter in, the prose makes me so happy I know I'm going to have to dole the pleasure out to myself gently. A few hours later, I find myself covered in cats at the end of the book going back to the first chapter and considering starting again.

I adore Leckie's writing, both in terms of the words themselves, their play on the page, and the characterization and construction throughout. This final book in the Ancillary series was both a logical progression from the first two, and an utterly satisfying completion of the series.

Easily the best science fiction / social construct stuff I've read in years, and likewise one of the very best stories I've read, period.

Excellent on re-read, too.

Great conclusion to the trilogy.
Leckie has said that she's through with Breq's story, but I hope she has many others to tell in this universe.

Good continuation and growth of the identity-exploring space adventure series.