DigeeBooks

"[An] all around brilliant space opera, I absolutely love it." (Ann Leckie, on A Memory Called Empire)

A Desolation Called Peace is the spectacular space-opera sequel to Arkady Martine's genre-reinventing, Hugo Award-winning debut, A Memory Called Empire.

An alien armada lurks on the edges of Teixcalaanli space. No one can communicate with it, no one can destroy it, and Fleet Captain Nine Hibiscus is running out of options.

In a desperate attempt at diplomacy with the mysterious invaders, the fleet captain has sent for a diplomatic envoy. Now Mahit Dzmare and Three Seagrass - still reeling from the recent upheaval in the Empire - face the impossible task of trying to communicate with a hostile entity.

Their failure will guarantee millions of deaths in an endless war. Their success might prevent Teixcalaan’s destruction - and allow the empire to continue its rapacious expansion.

Or it might create something far stranger....

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

In the captivating sequel to the Hugo Award-winning novel, "A Memory Called Empire," Arkady Martine takes readers back to the vibrant and complex Teixcalaanli Empire in "A Desolation Called Peace." Set ten years after the events of the first book, the story centers around Three Seagrass, a young woman who has been tasked with a crucial mission: to negotiate peace between the Teixcalaanli Empire and their rebellious territories at the edge of space.

Three Seagrass, now a seasoned diplomat, must navigate a treacherous political landscape filled with conflicting loyalties, deep-seated resentments, and a growing sense of unrest. The weight of the empire's future rests on her shoulders as she attempts to forge a lasting peace, while also dealing with her own personal struggles and unraveling the mysteries that still haunt her from the previous book.

Martine weaves a spellbinding tapestry of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and personal growth in "A Desolation Called Peace." She deftly explores themes of identity, cultural preservation, and the complexities of power structures, all while keeping readers enthralled with the rich world-building and intricate plot.

Throughout the novel, Martine delves deeper into the fascinating alien culture of the Teixcalaanli, showcasing their unique customs, beliefs, and social dynamics. The reader is immersed in a vividly imagined universe, where language, history, and technology intertwine to create a truly immersive experience.

With its stunning prose, thought-provoking themes, and unforgettable characters, "A Desolation Called Peace" is a tour de force in science fiction. Arkady Martine has crafted a sequel that surpasses the first book in every way, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this remarkable series.