Arkady Martine continues her fine Teixcalaan space opera in fine style. Once more Mahit Dzmare finds herself at the pivot point of the action, this time as negotiator/translator between the Empire, Lsel Station and the dread alien threat beyond the Far Gate which was the unknown other in this novel's predecessor.
The aliens are depicted in an credible and chaotic manner, the secret to their language, communication and interactions with both themselves and others being key to the plot. Meanwhile, factions on Lsel Station, and factions both back on the Empire home planet City and in the Teixcalaan Fleet serve to muddy the waters. Yaotlek Nine Hibiscus must deal with rebellious Fleet Captain Six Moonrise. Information operative Three Seagrass must decide just how much she wants to trust Mahit. Emperor in Waiting Eight Antidote indulges in some spying practice at the behest of his teachers.
There is continual tension between the seemingly endless political and tactical and emotional discussions among the characters, and the potential for destructive death in the blackness of space, and monstrous crimes perhaps to be enacted to save the Empire.
A heady mix, and a satisfying read.
The aliens are depicted in an credible and chaotic manner, the secret to their language, communication and interactions with both themselves and others being key to the plot. Meanwhile, factions on Lsel Station, and factions both back on the Empire home planet City and in the Teixcalaan Fleet serve to muddy the waters. Yaotlek Nine Hibiscus must deal with rebellious Fleet Captain Six Moonrise. Information operative Three Seagrass must decide just how much she wants to trust Mahit. Emperor in Waiting Eight Antidote indulges in some spying practice at the behest of his teachers.
There is continual tension between the seemingly endless political and tactical and emotional discussions among the characters, and the potential for destructive death in the blackness of space, and monstrous crimes perhaps to be enacted to save the Empire.
A heady mix, and a satisfying read.