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Ancillary Sword

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description Ancillary Sword Overview

Ancillary Sword is a 2014 science fiction novel by Ann Leckie and the second volume in the Imperial Radch trilogy, following Ancillary Justice. It continues the story of Breq, the sole surviving human-bodied ancillary of the destroyed starship Justice of Toren, as she travels to Athoek Station. The novel uses space opera to examine empire, class, identity, artificial intelligence, and political responsibility.

help Ancillary Sword FAQ

Is Ancillary Sword a sequel?

Yes, Ancillary Sword is the second book in Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch trilogy, published in 2014. It directly continues the story from Ancillary Justice, which won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards in 2014.

Who is the main character in Ancillary Sword?

The protagonist is Breq, the sole surviving human-bodied ancillary of the destroyed starship Justice of Toren. In Ancillary Sword, Breq has been promoted to Fleet Captain by the Radch emperor Anaander Mianaai and is given command of the warship Mercy of Kalr, sent to the Athoek System.

Do I need to read Ancillary Justice before Ancillary Sword?

It is strongly recommended to read Ancillary Justice first, as Ancillary Sword assumes familiarity with the Radch empire's culture, the ancillary system, and Breq's backstory. The trilogy's distinctive use of the pronoun 'she' for all characters and its political complexities build directly on concepts established in the first novel.

What is the Imperial Radch trilogy?

The Imperial Radch trilogy consists of three novels by Ann Leckie: Ancillary Justice (2013), Ancillary Sword (2014), and Ancillary Mercy (2015). The series explores themes of identity, colonialism, and artificial intelligence through the story of Breq and the expansionist Radch empire.

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