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Translation State
- Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
- Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
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Translation State
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Summary
The mystery of a missing translator sets three lives on a collision course that will have a ripple effect across the stars in this powerful novel by award-winning author Ann Leckie.
Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade, they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they might want something else isn't "optimal behavior", is the type of behavior that results in elimination.
But Qven rebels. And in doing so, their path collides with those of two others. Enae, a reluctant diplomat whose dead grandmama has left her an impossible task as an inheritance: hunting down a fugitive who has been missing for over 200 years. And Reet, an adopted mechanic who is increasingly desperate to learn about his genetic roots - or anything that might explain why he operates so differently from those around him.
As a Conclave of the various species approaches - and the long-standing treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line - the decisions of all three will have ripple effects across the stars.
Masterfully merging space adventure and mystery, and a poignant exploration about relationships and belonging, Translation State is a triumphant new standalone story set in Leckie's celebrated Imperial Radch universe.
Critic reviews
"There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are few who ever could." (John Scalzi)
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What listeners say about Translation State
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Gosia Furmanik
- 21-08-23
So good!
It's so great to read a book where LGBT characters just exist, where that's not the main plot point or source of misery. Loved the casual representation here!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mark Booth
- 19-09-23
Brilliant
This was a bit slow to get started but drew me in and held me with the characters. I’ll never look at a Welsh person the same way after this but worth it!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Dawn
- 08-06-23
A welcome window (hmm…door maybe) into the world of Presger Translators
Ann Leckie does not disappoint with this addition to her body of work set in the universe of the Imperial Radch and the systems just beyond it. She manages to deliver clear characterisation of the three main characters (voiced in alternating chapters) as well as a number of supporting characters, while deftly spinning all the plates of inter system politics. Not only does she tell a tight, well paced story, but she manages to sprinkle in pertinent (and amusing) nods to the events and characters of the original Imperial Radch trilogy. The narration by Adjoa Andoh is, as ever, superb.
Although this certainly works well as a stand alone story, I would suggest that the listener’s delight would be even greater if they experience the previous books of the series first.
The only thing that could make this better, and I think this is true of sci-fi and fantasy audio books in general, would be to have a downloadable pdf glossary of place names and proper names (including honourifics and terms of address) for those listeners who prefer audio to print or e-books, but who would like to understand the spellings.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- our Family
- 16-09-23
Loved it!
Loved it and looking forward to more adventures in Radch space and getting to know more characters. ☺️
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Caddi
- 11-02-24
The characterisation of the alien, which though so different, was still sympathetic.
The atmosphere, the authenticity and the novelty of the translators race kept me ivested.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Henk van Vliet
- 23-12-23
Smart and fun science fiction, focused on identity, belonging and nature versus nurture
A fun book, with very well done narration in the audiobook. The characters are interesting and grow on you
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 09-04-24
Amazing
Inventive, deep and entertaining, as always from Ann Leckie. Loved to drive deeper into her world and enjoy new aspects of it.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- writerbytrade
- 18-01-24
Another great tale from Leckie but frustrating sometimes
Very much enjoyed this revisit to the always intriguing, extended world of the Radch — with some old friends and history popping in here and there. A great demonstration of how science fiction offers ways into exploring ongoing issues and debates back here on Earth. A criticism however, and a key frustration with the book, is the lack of subtlety in making some of those parallels even down to using many current terms which can make it all a bit too strained and obvious, and like being lectured at (via very likeable and fascinating characters, yes, but still, I’d rather be shown, not told. I kept thinking of how Ursula Le Guin explored not dissimilar issues with greater depth and subtlety precisely -- or Leckie in her ship trilogy -- because the reader's interpretation is left more open and the the writing consequently doesn't risk being shouty). I really enjoyed the overarching story though. Also do feel some ideas here felt borrowed from Martha Wells and Murderbot,.. perhaps a deliberate nod? But therefore, less original as a story device. Adjoa Andoh is always a class act, such a fantastic reader and makes all the characters such glorious individuals. One of my favourite readers. The accents were so well chosen (and...Welsh! Perfect!).
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- David Glease
- 10-09-23
Really enjoyable
A fun, well paced story with a great narration. An audiobook well worth a listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- kb.barr88
- 17-01-24
bought on a whim and loved every second
great story that slowly unwinds into a conversation of gender, politics and space battles. A fantastic escape
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