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  • Translation State

  • Written by: Ann Leckie
  • Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
  • Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

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Translation State cover art

Translation State

Written by: Ann Leckie
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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Publisher's 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 from a Hugo and Nebula award-winning author: "There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can" (John Scalzi).

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". I's 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 grandmaman has left hir 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.

©2023 Ann Leckie (P)2023 Orbit

What the critics say

"Andoh expertly navigates the emotional depths of the three main characters, each of whom comes from a background in which they have not felt valued or part of their community. . . .As all three claim their identities and start to heal, Andoh’s performance resonates in profound way.”—AudioFile (Starred Review)

What listeners say about Translation State

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Science fiction with a unique perspective

Loved the story. I’m looking for more work by this author as I write this. The reader is extraordinary. The accents wonder to hear. You’ll love it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Reminds me what science fiction is capable of

I’m so happy I discovered Ann Leckie! I was beginning to despair of ever finding new sci-fi that wasn’t slightly dressed-up YA. If the Ancillary series was about slavery, autonomy and freedom, this one is about family, identity and what binds us together. Thought-provoking, fun, and a great narration performance by Adjoa Andoh.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

Ann Leckie never disappoints. Also the narrator elevates this into something truly special. All around a wonder experience

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another great novel from Ann Leckie

A really interesting exploration of ideas, along with fun and adventure - what I want out of SF and have come to expect from Leckie. Also very creative aliens; no tall blue-skinned humanoids here. The Presgars are wild.

Overall, I really enjoy Leckie’s writing style and Adjoa Andoh’s performances bring the characters to life. Highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Narrator was the best AND worst part of this book.

SPOILERS

The narrator is a talented performer. The desire to make distinct voices for characters led the narrator to creating some voices that were wonderful to listen to - unique and distinctive - and some voices that were so grating that they could not be listened to with headphones at all. The narrator was still the best thing about this book though.

Here’s the spoiler part - you’ve been warned.

The story could be best described as whiny, whiny, whiny characters having a bunch of meetings about self-identity followed by a brief puzzle in an escape room. That’s it. Seriously. You learn a bit about translator biology but I had to really press to complete listening to this one.

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