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Ninefox Gambit

Book 1 in the series:The Machineries of Empire

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In a universe where math and weapons depend on the calendars and rituals observed by people, a math genius captain proposes a wild strategy to recapture a heretic fortress, and ends up inhabited by the ghost of a disgraced general. The rituals include torture, though it's never seen or described in any detail, and there's a lot of emphasis on protocol and different castes, as well as on the exotic effects of exotic calendrical weapons like the amputation gun. The story follows Captain Kel Cheris who is disgraced and given the chance to redeem herself by hosting the mind of a long-dead tactician, Shuos Jedao. Together, they form a new alliance that will change things in a universe where technology itself depends on belief.

Characters:

The characters are intriguing, particularly the dynamic between the resourceful soldier and the resurrected general, though secondary characters may lack depth, serving more as functional roles in the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines dense, imaginative vocabulary with clear character focus, crafting a surreal atmosphere that enhances the reader's engagement with a multifaceted and alien world.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a military captain who uses unconventional tactics to revive a legendary and dangerous general, aiming to reclaim a fortress from heretics in a complex society governed by a unique and convoluted system.

Setting:

The setting is a militaristic empire where reality itself is influenced by strict adherence to a calendrical system, creating both an exotic and grim backdrop for the unfolding conflict.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slowly as readers acclimate to the world but accelerates with engaging action and strategic developments, leading to a satisfying climax.
AT KEL ACADEMY, an instructor had explained to Cheris’s class that the threshold winnower was a weapon of last resort, and not just for its notorious connotations. Said instructor had once witnessed a...

Notes:

Ninefox Gambit is military science fiction with confusing and exotic worldbuilding.
The story is rooted in a peculiar type of mathematics called calendrical math.
The setting is controlled by a totalitarian regime called the Hexarchate, enforcing strict calendrical observances.
Characters within the Hexarchate belong to six factions, each with distinct roles in society.
Captain Kel Cheris, the protagonist, uses unorthodox strategies to navigate military conflict.
Cheris revives the ghost of Shuos Jedao, a legendary general, to aid in her military campaign.
The technology in the story appears almost magical, rooted in belief and mathematical constructs.
The novel explores themes of control, choice, and the nature of reality through a highly regimented society.
Readers have noted the challenging language and concept-heavy narrative, requiring focus to follow alongside character development.
Ninefox Gambit received multiple accolades including nominations for the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

High content warnings apply for violence, torture, and themes of genocide, as well as a mention of rape.

From The Publisher:

New York Times Best-Selling Author - Nominated for the 2019 Hugo Award for Best Series - Winner of the 2016 Locus Award - Nominated for the Hugo, Nebula and Arthur C. Clarke Awards

When Captain Kel Cheris of the hexarchate is disgraced for her unconventional tactics, Kel Command gives her a chance to redeem herself, by retaking the Fortress of Scattered Needles from the heretics. Cheris's career isn't the only thing at stake: if the fortress falls, the hexarchate itself might be next.

Cheris's best hope is to ally with the undead tactician Shuos Jedao. The good news is that Jedao has never lost a battle, and he may be the only one who can figure out how to successfully besiege the fortress. The bad news is that Jedao went mad in his first life and massacred two armies, one of them his own.

As the siege wears on, Cheris must decide how far she can trust Jedao - because she might be his next victim.

Ratings (19)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (3)

Reader Stats (43):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (19)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (1)

About the Author:

Yoon Ha Lee's novel Ninefox Gambit came out from Solaris in 2016 and quickly garnered massive critical acclaim and was short-listed for the Arthur C. Clarke, Hugo and Nebula Awards. It won the Best First Novel Award in the Locus Awards and the Reddit Fantasy Award. His story collection Conservation of Shadows was released by Prime Books in 2013. He lives in Louisiana with his family and an extremely lazy cat, and has not yet been eaten by gators.

 
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