A Memory Called Empire

by Arkady Martine
A Memory Called Empire cover
Good Books rating 3.87
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4547
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781529001600
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2019-04-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives at the interstellar capital of the Teixcalaanli Empire, only to find her predecessor dead under mysterious circumstances. As she delves into the empire's dangerous politics, she must uncover the truth behind the murder while preventing her home station from being annexed. Mahit's journey is complicated by her hidden technological secret, which could either save her people or doom them. A Memory Called Empire is a gripping tale of intrigue, culture clash, and survival in a vast, alien empire. Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel, this debut by Arkady Martine is a queer space opera that has been praised by authors like Ann Leckie. It's the first in the Teixcalaan duology and is perfect for fans of epic science fiction.

Reviews
Superdoomed Planet · 2021-03-09
good 3.00

The book is a fun read with a unique blend of political intrigue and cultural exploration. The reviewer finds it engaging and well-written, though not groundbreaking.

The reviewer notes that the book is a fun read, with a unique blend of political intrigue and cultural exploration. They find the writing engaging and the story well-crafted, though they do not consider it groundbreaking. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to keep them interested throughout, making it a enjoyable read despite some predictable elements.

Quick quotes

    I'll pick up a popular, award-winning book surrounded by piles of excited reviews, and half the time I discover it's… well, okay.

    A fun read with a unique blend of political intrigue and cultural exploration.

    The writing is engaging and the story is well-crafted, though not groundbreaking.

Grimdark Magazine · 2021-02-21
excellent 4.50

The book is an expertly crafted science fiction fantasy that is shining, immersive, and should be read. The reviewer praises its depth and complexity.

The reviewer highly recommends this book, describing it as expertly crafted and immersive. They praise its depth and complexity, noting that it is a shining example of science fiction fantasy. The reviewer finds the story compelling and well-written, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. They appreciate the book's ability to draw readers in and keep them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine is an expertly crafted science fiction fantasy that is shining, and immersive and should be read.

    The story is compelling and well-written, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

    The book's ability to draw readers in and keep them engaged throughout is commendable.

Goodreads · 2019-03-26
brilliant 4.10

This is an intelligent and well-crafted engrossing science fiction story that combines amazing worldbuilding with the political intrigue and cultural depth. The protagonist's journey is both personal and political, making it a compelling read.

This review highlights the book's strength in worldbuilding and political intrigue. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the story, which blends personal and political elements seamlessly. They find the protagonist's journey particularly compelling, making it a standout in the science fiction genre. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to immerse readers in a richly detailed universe, which adds to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    This is an intelligent and well-crafted engrossing science fiction story that combines amazing worldbuilding with the political intrigue and cultural depth.

    The protagonist's journey is both personal and political, making it a compelling read.

    The book's ability to immerse readers in a richly detailed universe adds to its overall appeal.

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