Although set in Leckie's Imperial Raadch universe, this novel introduces a whole new set of characters and is somewhat more accessible than it's predecessors. But neither is it quite as satisfying. ( )

I liked it, because I also like the Ancillary trilogy. I don't recommend this unless you've read that trilogy and liked it, especially the last two books. Provenance relies very heavily on the world-building of the Ancillary books and has that same 'corner of the universe' vibe.

And it's confusing on gender issues. I really liked what Leckie did with the Ancillary books, but I'm not a fan of how she handled it in Provenance. I couldn't figure out what she meant half the time, and quite frankly also couldn't be bothered. So I read over it, which was fine for following the story.

The story had some pacing issues for me in the beginning, but then it did take off. I didn't quite get the friendships that are portrayed; Tic seems a bit too helpful for no reason I can see. To me, the main character is not that engaging. But also that I took as a given, and I enjoyed the whole story and the strange aliens (loved the Geck ambassador). ( )

Enjoyable; a fascinating look at Leckie's universe from a new angle with some real poignancy at times, despite some fantastic contrivances. Definitely worth reading for fans of the Ancillary series. ( )

After the two inbetweenie shorts we're back to novel length stories in the Imperial Radch Universe.

In this story we find ourselves on a planet outside of the Radch empire who are having a bit of a political squabble with some neighbours over the jump gates in their neighbourhood, and also quite a bit of a political squabble amongst themselves.

Our protagonist, Ingray, is trying to show her mother that she's better than her brother because they're competing for her inheritance, but Ingray keeps blundering through, making mistakes, because she's unearthed a can of worms that others have set in motion.

In some ways there's a continuation of the Imperial Radch Trilogy in that people are talking about the upcoming Conclave with the Presger.   The Geck have already sent an ambassador, who has gotten itself sidetracked chasing down a Geck fugitive, which just happens to fall right in Ingray's path, turning her plans upside down as well.   But, as everyone says, it'll be a very long time before the Conclave happens, and i think this is Ann's way of saying there'll be a lot more of these side stories before we get to the Conclave.   I do hope so because this is a wonderful universe that Ann has created and it's nice to get out and explore it's many cultures and life forms.

All in all though, Provenance has been a really good story.   There's plenty going on and Ingray is a wonderful protagonist to follow this story through.

Next up, Ann has written Translation State, also in this universe.   Which i'm diving straight into eagerly.

Bye for now. ( )

Pros: tons of politics!, several interesting alien species, excellent world-building

Cons: heavily character driven, so if you don’t like Ingray the book may be a slog

Ingray Aughskold has hatched a cunning plan to beat her foster brother and gain their mother’s notice - and perhaps be named her heir. Unfortunately for Ingray, that plan starts to unravel immediately as she discovers she’s broken the wrong man out of prison and it turns out her transport ship was stolen from aliens. Her life is about to change in many unexpected ways.

This is a heavily character driven story. I found Ingray intriguing, and wanted to know why she was making so many bad decisions. Seeing her owning up to her mistakes and try to make things right was satisfying. The side characters are also fascinating, with goals that often conflict with hers.

The world-building is excellent. Tyr Siilas station, the planet Hwae, the very alien Geck, and more recognizable but still alien Omkem. Each group has their own very different culture and language. One of my favourite parts of the book was towards the end where Ingray needs to use a translation software to help with a language she doesn’t know and it translates profanity as ‘fiddlesticks’ and complex phrases as near gibberish. Very realistic.

There’s a lot of politics in the book, which I loved. I find it fascinating seeing why people make certain decisions and how those decisions affect their world. It was especially interesting here as the politics crossed so many boundaries. Deeper purposes were constantly being revealed as Ingray learned more about what was happening and how the plans of others intersected with her own.

There are 3 (at least 3) genders, so be prepared for e/eir pronouns.

The book did feel a bit slow at times, I often have trouble maintaining interest in character driven books, wanting more plot to pick up the slack, but it was very enjoyable. ( )