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A Desolation Called Peace

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About this listen

A Desolation Called Peace is the spectacular space opera sequel to A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, winner of the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

An alien terror could spell our end

An alien threat lurks on the edges of Teixcalaanli space. No one can communicate with it, no one can destroy it, and Fleet Captain Nine Hibiscus is supposed to win a war against it.

In a desperate attempt to find a diplomatic solution, the fleet captain has sent for a diplomatic envoy to contact the mysterious invaders. Now Mahit Dzmare and Three Seagrass - both still reeling from the recent upheaval in the Empire - face an impossible task. They must attempt to negotiate with a hostile entity, without inadvertently triggering the destruction of themselves and the Empire.

Whether they succeed or fail could change the face of Teixcalaan forever.

'All-round brilliant space opera, I absolutely loved it' - Ann Leckie on A Memory Called Empire

'A cutting, beautiful, human adventure . . . The best SF novel I've read in the last five years' - Yoon Ha Lee on A Memory Called Empire

 Military Science Fiction Space Opera Fiction

Critic reviews

A Memory Called Empire perfectly balances action and intrigue with matters of empire and identity. All-round brilliant space opera, I absolutely loved it (Ann Leckie on A Memory Called Empire)

A cutting, beautiful, human adventure about cultural exchange, identity, and intrigue. The best SF novel I’ve read in the last five years

(Yoon Ha Lee on A Memory Called Empire)

An intricate, layered tale of empire, personal ambition, political obligations and interstellar intrigue. Vivid and delightfully inventive

(Aliette de Bodard on A Memory Called Empire)
An elegant and accomplished example of the subgenre of subtle scheming with a background of stars. A delightful read. I couldn’t put it down (Jo Walton on A Memory Called Empire)
An exceptional first novel recommended for fans of Cherryh, Leckie, Banks, and Asimov (Elizabeth Bear on A Memory Called Empire)
A cunningly plotted, richly imagined tale of interstellar intrigue that does something new with space opera (Ken MacLeod on A Memory Called Empire)
All stars
Most relevant
A good story with science fiction ideas that keep developing and a strong feeling for the culture.

excellent science fiction

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An enjoyable read, if a little less taught than the first book. definitely worth a read/listen.

Good follow up

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These books are so rich and detailed and full of possibility, we need a whole universe full ❤️

Outstanding once again

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I am a big fan of this genre and this sequel is top notch. War and peace but in a galaxy far far away

Solid space opera

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Phenomenal performance brings this excellent novel to life. A pleasure to listen to. I particularly liked the mirrored and reflected themes throughout, with strongly defined characters and an engaging story. Highly recommended.

Another excellent novel by Arkady Martine

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