a memory called empire by arkady martine

The world-building in this story flows like rain flowing to the ocean. I think that what is so exceptional about A Memory Called Empire, and why it won the Hugo award for best novel and a finalist for the Nebula for the same category is that instead of superficially glancing at the culture, it is intensely immersive.

Authors delve deep enough historically and sociologically to have a general understanding of that culture enough to be as respectful and authentic as they can in the depiction with varying degrees of success. They usually only “pay lip service” to that culture. Often you read science fiction and fantasy novels that are based on or influenced by a particular culture. “Released, I am a spear in the hands of the sun.” The Nahuatl language group is currently spoken by close to two million people in central Mexico and was spoken by the Aztecs. When you read this book you will notice the incredible care and detailing that went into the language and worldbuilding of the Teixcalaani Empire with obvious influences from the pre-colonial/conquest Aztec Empire as well as influences from the Nahuatl languages. in medieval Byzantine, global, and comparative history at Rutgers University. She has many prestigious degrees, one of which is a Ph.D. The city planning part thrilled me to no end as I once upon a time was also a city planner. Martine is by profession a historian and city planner. Right from the first pages of the story, you know that you are reading something different, and doing a little research into author Arkady Martine I instantly knew why.

“This book is dedicated to anyone who has ever fallen in love with a culture that was devouring their own.” It is shining, and immersive and should be read, and read often. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine is an expertly crafted science fiction fantasy novel that incorporates real-world cultures into the intricate Aztec Empire influenced mythos.

A memory called empire by arkady martine