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A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine

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In A Desolation Called Peace, did you enjoy ...

... the intricate exploration of alien cultures and the challenge of understanding the truly unfamiliar?

Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

If you were fascinated by the alien threat and the ways Mahit and Three Seagrass struggled to communicate across radical differences, you'll love Ninefox Gambit. In this novel, Kel Cheris must navigate a rigid, mathematical society and partner with an unpredictable, possibly mad general to confront an enemy whose worldview is as baffling as it is dangerous. The book delivers a unique look at how societies and minds can be fundamentally alien.

... the multi-layered political intrigue and shifting alliances?

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

If you enjoyed the web of political maneuvering between the Teixcalaanli Empire and its adversaries, you'll be enthralled by Ancillary Justice. Breq, a former starship AI in a human body, must navigate galactic politics, hidden agendas, and shifting loyalties as she seeks justice. The tension between personal motivation and imperial power is palpable, and the plotting is just as sharp.

... the detailed, immersive worldbuilding that brings complex societies to life?

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

If you found yourself swept up in the elaborate customs, language, and history of Teixcalaan, The Goblin Emperor will immerse you in another rich, meticulously constructed world. Follow Maia as he navigates the Byzantine court politics and social expectations of the Elflands, learning to rule among intrigue and tradition.

... the use of an ensemble cast to explore relationships and perspectives across cultures?

The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

If you loved following Mahit, Three Seagrass, and the broader cast as their relationships and loyalties evolved, you'll enjoy The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. The story focuses on a diverse crew of the Wayfarer spaceship, each with their own secrets and arcs, as they bond and confront challenges together while traversing the galaxy.

... the philosophical questions about language, identity, and what it means to be human?

The Left Hand Of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

If you appreciated the way A Desolation Called Peace delved into questions of identity, communication, and the boundaries of self and other, The Left Hand of Darkness offers a masterful meditation on these themes. Follow Genly Ai as he attempts to bridge profound cultural and biological divides on the planet Gethen, raising questions that echo Mahit's journey.

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