In many ways a “classic” space craft and planets sci-fi. But Leckie managed to take that foundational idea and add some incredibly innovative elements to it, both circling the idea of human identity. First, the dominant population of humans have no gender, or at least they are all “she”. As a reader, there are times when you assume everyone is a woman or girl simply because of our habitual understanding of English pronouns. Other times, Leckie subtly gives clues that this person may not be easily defined as any gender, or has behaviour traits that are stereotypically male (even then, you aren’t entirely sure). Leckie says that the only other author she knew who had tried this in this way was Ursula LeGuin in The Left Hand of Darkness. I have to say both did it masterfully. (She also mentions Delany but he does it a bit differently.) 

Layering upon that is the concept of self as an individual. The protagonist is a ship, embodied in the form of dozens (hundreds?) of human(?) bodies who simultaneously take in and share information. I had to re-read the first bit a few times before I really understood this concept, but it’s core to the rest of the story so I’m glad I did. 

This is an action-packed sci-fi novel, so don’t get the idea that she’s only exploring themes. Instead she weaved these into the mystery/thriller/adventure, as well as a healthy dose of world-building history and political backdrop. Honestly just a fantastic read. I’m just starting the second in the trilogy now.