The world building is great. Tons of interesting ideas, including the »ancillaries« from the title.

The name »the Raj« sorry, »Imperial Radch« was a bit on the nose, tho. Let’s see * an empire * bent on conquest * living on goods gotten from the conquered realms * with the ruler (she/her) basically living forever * the are the only true civilization. You are either part of it or you are nobody * they drink tea

OK. A mix of the British Raj and China. The Aptitudes is more like the imperial examination/科舉.