A fun book, and certainly an easier read than Ninefox Gambit. Lee still makes the reader do a lot of the work, but the first few chapters do contain some strategic exposition to get us up to speed.

I thought the stratagem in question was pulled off pretty effectively, making for a tense and engaging read. The hexarchate is perhaps not the most menacing antagonist, and there were moments when I wish I had a better sense of the rules of the world, but it was still an entertaining mix of political and military strategy. Khiruev and Brezan, our protagonists in this volume, are competent and sympathetic, and I genuinely want to know what happens next to them.

I think I love the Kel, despite not generally being a fan of military SF. This entire book hinges on the fact that the Kel power structure is absurdly easy to hijack, and while I find this a bit silly, it's a flavor of silly that is extremely on-brand for the Kel. Really this series could just be one continuous Kel joke and I would enjoy it.

I did miss the elements of horror that permeated Ninefox Gambit. There are effective moments here—a man folding up like origami, the weird semi-organic constructs in the Hofn ships—but on the whole I did not have the same visceral sense of the brutality of this world. Mikodez, of course, is a bleak character, but I found his arc slow and difficult to engage with, and perhaps because I bounced off him, I just did not find the hexarchs very compelling.

I do enjoy the tone of these novels—not exactly grimdark, as the novels have a pretty clear sense of morality, but certainly a world where there aren't good choices available. I'll be interested to see how the trilogy concludes.

Rereading this series was the right decision, I’m so glad. Just like during my first read, I enjoyed the second book of The Machineries of Empire much more than the first. There are more memorable characters, the plotting is tighter, and the intrigues abound. It also helps that the reader is more familiar with this universe ;), and the world building is done more seamlessly. Thanks to the latter, you appreciate the details. I’ve been in other book universes with cool spaceships’ names, but Yoon Ha Lee’s should have one of the top spots: Hierarchy of Feasts, Beneath the Orchid… Also, how about space battle formations called Knives Are Our Walls or Mountains Never Whisper? Awesome!

Chapter one lands you right in the middle of the action. I like Brezan’s voice and his story arc is quite fascinating (I had also forgotten nearly all of it). Serving the hexarchate is not a great choice to make; yet I could understand Brezan’s reasoning:

“...it was that the hexarchate was a terrible place to live, but it would be an even worse one if no one with a conscience consented to serve it.”

You cannot help but love watching Cheris/Jedao being badass. There are so many great conversations with a twist in this book (not to mention space battles!). General Khiruev’s storyline was also something I managed to forget. How could I? It’s heartbreaking!

I find that I’m fond of Mikodez – meaning that when you are exploring a vipers’ nest you might say “they are all scary, but *that* scary viper is more interesting to watch.” So I need to put in some Mikodez quotes, obviously:

“I don’t object to atrocities because of ethics, which we are never taught at Shuos academy anyway… I object to atrocities because they’re terrible policy.”

“Are you trying to make me feel guilty?” Mikodez said incredulously. “That only works on people with consciences, so both of us are immune.”

About 40% in, I had an idea that Mikodez was this universe’s fiendishly twisted version of Cliopher. (Those in the know, do you agree? ;) It’s weird and interesting how completely different books end up shaking hands in your head.)
“I do my job,” Mikodez said, “because after all the trouble I went through to get it, it would be irresponsible not to.”

I loved how all the plot threads came together by the end, with the bigger picture revealed. I’m looking forward to my reread of book 3! ( )

After being thoroughly confused by the first book in this series, some strange force still made me come back to this universe. And I'm glad I did, as this second book was much easier to connect to, possibly mostly due to familiarity with the universe. But be that as it may, I enjoyed it much better this time around, and could actually connect with the characters, and understand (roughly) what was going on around them.

I also feel that the author improved his writing considerably in this book, and I am now looking forward to the third part of the trilogy! ( )

As with book one of the series, this was a fascinating story of space warfare and political shenanigans, with complex mathematics driving many of the choices. The math is hinted at, and there are some very clever methods of hand-waving that really, math isn't quite that magic--at least as we know it.

Significant continuity from the first, but the resolution of the cliff-hanger right at the end of book 1 doesn't resolve quite the way that is hinted at. ( )

So this one managed to surpass the first book in almost every way that matters. And I loved the first book. But this one? This one is incredible. Trans and non-binary characters everywhere. Some opting for future sci-fi versions of HRT and Gender-affirming surgery, some not. All of them accepted and treated as their true gender without question.

And beyond that, the story is brilliant, the characters are full and interesting and have amazing arcs through the story. Reveals are handled beautifully and keep the story engaging and exciting. Everything about this is just so well done, I can't wait to pick up the 3rd one and see how this ends. ( )