Ancillary Justice (Imperial Ranch #1)

Summary:

On a remote, icy planet, the soldier known as Breq is drawing closer to completing her quest.

Once, she was the Justice of Toren - a colossal starship with an artificial intelligence linking thousands of soldiers in the service of the Radch, the empire that conquered the galaxy.

Now, an act of treachery has ripped it all away, leaving her with one fragile human body, unanswered questions, and a burning desire for vengeance. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

This is one of those books that didn’t have anything specifically wrong with it, but it also wasn’t life-changing.  The world-building in this one is definitely a more extreme science fiction than other people might have a taste for, but would definitely appeal to fans of Heinlein.  The setup is mostly focused around Ancillaries who are an enacting body for a military starship.  Breq is an Acillary who is operating a bit independently.  Her perspective can be confusing because there is a lot that is left out or meant for you to figure out over time.  And, well, she’s part of a starship which means that she doesn’t think  exactly the same way as a human might.

Breq did win me over in making me intrigued to continue the series, but it won’t be a rush.  The style of writing lacks urgency and I think that’s the major drawback of the story.  I never felt like I had to pick up the next in the series or find out what happened next.

Warning: Contains repeated violence and sexual content.

Rating: 3 stars!

Who should read it? Science Fiction fans looking for something completely unique.

Want to read the whole series?

• Ancillary Sword (Imperial Radch #2)

• Ancillary Mercy (Imperial Radch #3)