Better than the first book!

I had a feeling it was much better than the first book and now when I think about it, maybe it's because I needed the whole first book to be able to immerse in that universe and understand it and fall in love with it, to get used to the weird names, traditions and the way how she calls everyone a "she".

It might have less action than in the first book but what kept me involved and fascinated was the development of characters and especially the main hero, of course. The way she sees humans, the depth of it, also the humorous and smart logic everywhere, the emotions...!

I understand it was "politics" all over the place but I hate politics and I loved this story. So - I think if you loved the main hero a lot in the previous book, the way she thinks and acts, then give this book a chance even if you dislike politics.

What frustrated me in the first book, here worked amazing - there are secrets everywhere and they are revealed one by one slowly and whenever you think the book calmed down and could (only could but didn't ever) get a bit boring, something always pops up and stirs the peace.

I didn't think at all before grabbing the third book to listen on!

The performer was amazing! I found out there is only one voice and accent she used in the previous book that I disliked. And as that nation wasn't present here, the rest of her voices I liked a lot. And she was amazing at displaying the emotions!

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Interesting extrapolation on the first book

This is an enjoyable continuation of the concepts developed in the first book. The story is sufficiently strong but leaves a lot to be told in book three. The most interesting plots here are domestic but some tension builds. A good narrator and an original concept. G

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Not as good as the first book

I was really pleased with the depth of story and characters in the first book, which set a high expectation in the second. However I sadly didn't find the story to be of the same place. It didn't have the same excitement or purpose. Still I stuck with it hoping that it would pick up. However it didn't.

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Good, but not as good as the first.

i loved the first book, and this one does not have the same suspense and mystery of the first. still a very enjoyable read though.

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interesting mix of sci-fi and cultured world build

This book builds on the world of the first in a well thought out unique way. Perhaps similar to Asimov or Star Trek DS9, in detail to culture.

This books is less scifi space opera and more detective, which may sadden some.

Excellent narration.

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Good not as good as book 1

I compared this to Enders Games but not really even close but it has a very rewarding finale!

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Great story

I miss Iain Banks, but now I've got Ann Leckie. Enough said. She's a great new discovery for those who like intelligent hard fiction.

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Good performance makes up for the lack of story

Would you try another book written by Ann Leckie or narrated by Adjoa Andoh?

narrated by Adjoa Andoh - yes
written by Ann Leckie - probably not

What does Adjoa Andoh bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Accents of the characters bring them to life

Was Ancillary Sword worth the listening time?

it was an OK listen, bought it after listening the first book. probably should have stopped after the first (which i enjoyed)

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A comedy of Manners a galaxy far far away

The beauty of this sf adventure is the concentration on interactions and petty politics. This seems like the best of early novels from Austin or Bronte, but there is no comprimise in the science fiction. Most of the novel sf themes were introduced in the first of this trilogy so it is surprising that this investigation into problems in a star system is so compelling. Fleet Captain Breck does have some secret powers and weapons which gives her just the right edge. I suspect it would be best not to start with this book, but read Ancilliary Justice first because some of the facets of the unuverse critical to this trilogy are best revealed slowly.

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Ann Leckie is the best SciFi writer out there

The second book in the Ancillary series sees the action move away from the centre of the Imperial Radch to the backwater of Athoek Station, where Breq, the former Ancillary, now the adopted cousin of Anaander Mianaai, the Lord of the Radch, finds corruption at the highest levels.

As a follow-up to Ancillary Justice, it has continuity of characters, but a complete change of pace, focusing on character, morality and world building. It's a wonderful listen.

As ever, Adjoa Andoh narrates sublimely, with a full range of voices and emotions.

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