Radiant Star

Biographical Note:
Ann Leckie is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, Arthur C. Clarke, and British Science Fiction Award winning novel Ancillary Justice. She has worked as a waitress, a receptionist, a rodman on a land surveying crew, and a recording engineer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Review Quotes:
"Hugo and Nebula Award winner Leckie collects 18 stories for a stunning showcase of her talents. Leckie plays with tone... but in every borrowed style (and in the style that is deeply her own), the detailed worlds, intelligent plotting, and clear-eyed compassion make these stories stand out. ... Leckie's fans will treasure this."-- Publishers Weekly on Lake of Souls (Starred Review)

Review Quotes:
"[A] rich exploration of self-identification and personhood serve as a fantastic introduction to Leckie's world."-- Polygon: Best of the Year on Translation State

Review Quotes:
"Leckie's humane, emotionally intelligent, and deeply perceptive writing makes this tautly plotted adventure feel fundamentally true while also offering longtime fans a much anticipated glimpse into the Radch's most mysterious species. Readers will be thrilled."-- Publishers Weekly on Translation State (Starred Review)

Review Quotes:
"Another of Leckie's beautiful mergings of the political, philosophical, and personal."-- Kirkus on Translation State (Starred Review)

Review Quotes:
"Any SF reader who loves political skullduggery told through fascinating and empathetic characters will be captivated by Leckie's latest foray into the Imperial Radch in all its complexity and corruption. Highly recommended."-- Library Journal on Translation State (Starred Review)

Review Quotes:
"Leckie's ability to seamlessly weave in alternate conceptions of gender, identity, and alien experience remains as strong as ever, as does the propulsive and exciting tenor of her prose. An excellent addition to Leckie's already well-realized and often strange and exciting universe, this new novel is accessible, and essential, to new readers and old fans alike."-- Booklist on Translation State (Starred Review)

Review Quotes:
"In this book that's part space opera, part coming-of-age tale, part body horror delight, Ann Leckie explores themes of power, gender identity, family, destiny and AI through charming characters, dramatic diplomacy and nail-biting action."-- NPR Books on Translation State (Best of the Year)

Review Quotes:
"I don't want to spoil anything, so will simply say that the plot always goes where it should but not always where you'd expect. Along the way, Leckie asks big questions about trauma, power, and secrets. She answers them, too....I'll put my marker down now that this book will be on most of the award slates at the end of the year. It'll be well-earned. Translation State shows off Leckie's skills masterfully."-- Locus on Translation State

Review Quotes:
"There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are few who ever could."-- John Scalzi

Review Quotes:
"[Puts] the question of an individual's right to self-identification--both in terms of gender and species--at the heart of the narrative. . . .Daring, thoughtful novels like Translation State perform vital cultural work to open up new spaces so that we can all remove our disguises and shine like the princexes we were always meant to be."-- Los Angeles Review of Books

Review Quotes:
"Once again, Leckie constructs an intricate science fiction backdrop, otherworldly yet comprehensible, and uses it to ground questions of family, selfhood, and fate. . . .Fans of philosophical science fiction will be enthralled."-- Shelf Awareness

Review Quotes:
"If you loved the explorations of identity and society in the Ancillary novels, you'll enjoy this thoughtful and original look into what it means to belong."-- Wall Street Journal

Review Quotes:
"Leckie's humane probe into power, identity, and communication is muscular and thought-provoking. This is an author at the height of her powers."-- Publishers Weekly on Lake of Souls (Best of the Year)

Review Quotes:

"Unmissable... Tense, affecting, and layered."

"Perfectly showcases Leckie's tremendous talent for finding small, tender, human stories even in the most expansive of settings. It's an unexpected and delightful turn for the series."

"Leckie's latest showcases the ruthless pragmatism and efficiency the Radch is known for, explores issues of colonialism and colonization from both sides, and tells a cracking good story of political shenanigans and skullduggery in desperate circumstances... Highly recommended for readers looking for more of the Radch and for fans of politically charged sci-fi."

"A skillfully rendered, thoughtful offshoot of the original story."

"[A] lightfooted tale of religious intrigue and Terry Pratchett-esque misadventure, beneath the surface of a sunless planet way out in the empire's boonies."

Review Citations:

• Publishers Weekly 02/23/2026 (EAN 9780316290357, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
• Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026 (EAN 9780316290357, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
• Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 91 (EAN 9780316290357, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
• Booklist 04/01/2026 (EAN 9780316290357, Hardcover)