Republished with modification.
I was curious to read Ann
Leckie's Ancillary Justice. As you may know it received both Hugo and
Nebula awards (and some other awards as well), I thought it should something special.
Well, the book is really very
engaging. For me, a good science fiction novel should be able to
clearly articulate "realistic" possibilities. Book features
three main concepts: (a) "clan" based feudal hierarchy of
Radch empire, (b) artificial intelligence (AI) that exist on both
individual and systemic network level, (c) psychological issues of
the Lord of the Radch.
The most interesting novelty of the
book is the personality of the Lord of the Radch, Anaander
Mianaai, that exists in multiple identical bodies across Radch
empire. It appears that Radch Empire had been pursuing very militaristic path,
constantly on the move to conquer new planets and galaxies. At some
point, though, it encounters highly advanced alien race of Presgers.
And suddenly, Radch empire stops its expansion and peace is established.
However, for some reason, most likely under psychological pressure,
some of Anaander Mianaais copies starting to sabotage its own peace
policies. The story about Anaander Mianaai's personality has some
resemblance to Hal's personality in "2001: A Space Odyssey"
whose AI personality cracked and went insane under mutually
incompatible orders.
I will recommend this book.
posted by David Usharauli
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