I just finished reading Radiant Star which is a stand-alone novel in Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch Universe, which takes place on an insignificant rouge planet known as Aaa, that has only one city, Ooioiaa. This planet is a frozen wandering world that does not orbit a star, but has a limited biosphere beneath the ice that is maintained by geothermal energy. This novel takes place during the Radchaai Civil War.
In this interesting setting, there is a civilization and a religion that revers the Radiant Star which apparently appeared far in the past. This Star is worshipped in its Temporal Location by two remaining sects (once there were three). This seemingly insignificant world has been taken over by the Imperial Radch, who see that at some point in its future it will move into a position that may have military importance. There is a Radchaai Governor that is somewhat disliked by the local authorities, but there is little they can do against the military might of Radchaai Ancillaries. So there is an uneasy situation, but mostly stable. That is until the gates that connect systems begin to fail.
Left to its own devices, the situation on the Planet Aaa begins to degenerate. When Sea Blight causes significant disruption of the food supply, things get significantly worse. The various factions struggle to survive and to gain advantage. We follow various Citizens who live through these turbulent times.
These various characters are interesting, as are the different cultures and classes they represent. Each of these threads weave together a story that seems like more than the sum of its parts. It’s a remarkable setting and the culture of the residents of Ooioiaa is different and unique. It’s an interesting story that occurs on the periphery of the Radch Empire.
