A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine | Review

[@Hyzentley]

The worldbuilding is so good in this book. I also love all the exploration of identity and culture. As a German, the way Teixcalan, while being culturally very different, expands mostly by its cultural media, eerily reminded me at my own relationship to the USA - especially how completely self absorbed Teixcalan citizens are and totally think their culture is the center of the universe, while everybody else is so aware of how they are not the center of the universe. That is something you notice in most interactions with Americans if you are not from the USA, it was so well described and then exaggerated. And god, Mahit and Three Seagrasses romance! They were so cute, and it progressed so naturally, but also I was so wary that this would not go there and be actually queer, but then it was, and I am delighted. And the other queerness!

[@romilitant]

Wow such a well articulated review. I really enjoyed the book and am in awe of what the author accomplished through this story. How can one dream of a story like this? Let alone write it out...

[@LetsReadSFF]

This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. That's so good to hear.

[@writershootsfilm]

I loved the friendship between Reed and Petal - it was much needed comic relief at times. Yes, you’re right, this could be a stand alone. If you’re interested more in Teixcalaan, honestly, that empire to me read like Aztec history, and their glyphs are probably just Aztec glyphs. Look into the Nahuatl language & Aztec history to grok what Arkady Martine had in mind for Aztecs in space.

[@nice4hat]

Can't wait to read this book after watching your review.

[@henryyhenryy]

I am DEFINITELY adding this to my TBR! Thanks! 😊

[@TheBookFinch]

Yes! My library has this, so I put in a hold right away! :)

[@Kalanadi]

WOOO! :-D

[@derella]

I'm so excited to read this! Waiting until Atlas Alone because I know the second it arrives I will have to drop everything else for it.

[@lindseybartlett7853]

I'm currently reading this (less than 150 pages left), and enjoying it. Due to my weird reading mood/head-space it has been slow going though. I didn't realize this was going to be part of a series, but that doesn't surprise me. Thanks for the review! :)

[@michaelfeeney6108]

Great review. And that cover! Amazing.

[@jfvirey]

The Imago concept sounds very much like the Trill symbionts from Star Trek Deep Space 9 (or the Vulcan katras, for that matter.)

[@Kalanadi]

Yes! I had forgotten about the Trill, it's very similar

[@Student_of_human_condition]

The imago was one of the best concepts in this book. If you liked the concept of the culturally advanced morally righteus (roman) empire, you should definately read asimovs foundation trilogy.

[@gattmolson]

thanks for the great review, loving this book!

[@chrisafp071]

I haven't read it but I will now! Thanks

[@ToddsBookTube91]

Todd here. I saw this book at Barnes & Noble. I might give it a try.😊

[@BookNookNoggin]

The talk of memory reminds me of Dune and the way the Bene Geserit share ancestor memories.

[@Kalanadi]

Yeah - I can kind of see the similarity, though I don't remember actually how the Bene Gesserit do their remembering (well, "spice" is the answer to everything, probably ^_^)

[@sanchalighosh748]

So I went ahead and bought the book after listening to your review, and ended up devouring it over a weekend. This book is glorious! I am so fascinated by Teixcalaan, and the characters that I immediately ordered A Desolation Called Peace (Teixcalaan #2) and am already half way through it. Are you reviewing the second book as well? Would love to hear your thoughts. Also, looking forward to more Space Operaa and Sci Fi recommendations from you.

[@ingwerschwensen8115]

Interesting review of an obviously exciting and smart book. Ordered it immediately. Thanks.

[@Kalanadi]

I hope you enjoy it! :-)

[@AlokTalekar]

Just read this yesterday. And yes yes yes - it was great. I particularly enjoyed the world building. Culturally the empire was similar to China (reminded me of Under heaven by guy gavriel Kay). There were a few plot holes which can be easily overlooked for quality of writing which takes you on this emotional ride of solving a murder mystery. Looking forward to the next book. I was surprised that they didn't have more people with the device on the planet - embassy with just the ambassador is not that common. Also lack of gender explorations when carrying a different gendered person in your head was another angle that the author thankful didn't explore as it's become a troupe at this point.

[@Kalanadi]

I noticed that too about gender - in fact, gender didn't seem to be discussed at *all*, or else I missed it (I was very enraptured by other things, and all the feels). A lot of the Empire's terminology/language reminded me of Aztec or Mayan languages and place names, as well as the "sun god / emperor" aspect. That was so cool and different!

[@aloktalekar6749]

​@@Kalanadi don't know much about aztec / mayan culture. The empire to me is like Galactus - a marvel comic character - who is pretty much a primordial force of nature and the embodiment of insatiable hunger.He devours entire planetary systems for subsistence.

[@Greengiraffe10]

Oooo, I want to read this so much!

[@crisalvarez2448]

If you'd like to hear Arkady Martine talk about A Memory Called Empire the link to the interview is wp.me/p7CDU9-4Z1

[@cefwyn7878]

Sounds like my cup of tea😆

[@jimnyenhuis560]

Sold!

[@RichardBarclay]

I pronounced a lot of words from this book differently from you. Mahit with a short i, imago with a soft g, etc.

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

I'm in the middle of this now, and I'm not loving it. The big reason is I'm struggling to follow and connect with it. I don't read a lot of space operas. Part of that is I read by audio, and they're harder to follow.

[@HasteWriting]

Heck yeah! Absolutely yes that Teixcalan has weaponized its culture, made it alluring. Love your ramble on the worldbuilding. I also wanted to (and did) gush about this novel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ope0Y319mdynrM0

[@chymerexdesign]

I feel like your review is great but has a lot of spoilers

[@zeenuf00]

I got about 10 pages into this book before I couldn't stand the pretentious, self-consciously poetic writing style. Blech. Just tell a story. $11 wasted.