Series: Machineries of Empire by Yoon Ha Lee ("Ninefox Gambit")

[Anna]

Buddy read for Raven Stratagem, Revenant Gun and Hexarchate Stories. May include spoilers for Ninefox Gambit, but please hide all other spoilers inside spoiler tags, and mark with which book/chapter/page it's about.

Ninefox discussions:
no spoilers
spoilers

[Anna]

Also check out the short fiction available online for free, all can be read as standalones:


Extracurricular Activities, Shuos Jedao back when he was a (living) hotshot spaceship captain

The Battle of Candle Arc, which is what it says on the tin, featuring Shuos Jedao

How the Andan Court, a flash piece about the nature of desire

The Robot's Math Lessons, on how a very young Cheris made friends with a servitor

[Anna]

Hexarchate faction cheat sheet

What faction are you? Take the test.

[Anna]

I need to go finish my current reads so I can jump into ALL OF THESE! It's not too much to reread everything for the second time? This year? Right?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Anna wrote: "I need to go finish my current reads so I can jump into ALL OF THESE! It's not too much to reread everything for the second time? This year? Right?"

Definitely not too much. It's like free refills at the restaurant. If you reread the same books in the same timespan, you just get that time back later. It is known.

[Ashley in Wonderland]

Allison wrote: "Anna wrote: "I need to go finish my current reads so I can jump into ALL OF THESE! It's not too much to reread everything for the second time? This year? Right?"

Definitely not too much. It's like..."

It is known. Eek! I’m so excited about this! I kinda wish I had time to reread Ninefox though.

[Ashley in Wonderland]

Are all the short stories listed above available to read on Tor? Or somewhere else?

[Anna]

The last two are on Lee's site, my links should point there, the first two should have links on the book pages.

[Ariana]

I'm not seeing an audio version of Revenant Gun available. Am I just looking in the wrong places?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Ariana wrote: "I'm not seeing an audio version of Revenant Gun available. Am I just looking in the wrong places?"

Hmm...it's possible that the audio will come out some time after the book does. They sometimes come out staggered. I don't see it either, so that's my guess!

[Ashley in Wonderland]

Thanks Anna!

[Ariana]

Allison wrote: "Hmm...it's possible that the audio will come out some time after the book does. They sometimes come out staggered. I don't see it either, so that's my guess!"

That makes sense! Thanks.

[Silvana]

Two in one thread? I guess everything about Revenant Gun should be in spoiler tags then. Hmm.

[Anna]

I thought that since there are just a few of us, it'd be easier having everything in one place.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Unless folks are planning to read RG without having read RS for some inexplicable reason, we can keep it here. Yes, Silvana, anything about RG will be tagged.

[Rachel]

Silviana - I get ya - If kinda like a RG free for all lol. And I didn’t have time for all thiscte-reading folks seem to do haha

[Anna]

A lot of people have only read Ninefox in January and need to read Raven before they can jump into Gun.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

And we still have 5 days before it's possible to talk RG at all! Join us while you can :D

[Anna]

Some people use the app and can't see spoiler tags? That sucks, one of the reasons I use the desktop site on my phone.

[Silvana]

There's that and also the fact I usually turn on the thread notif to see if there is any message I could reply to. I won't read/reply to RS discussion obviously. Ok, we'll see how it goes.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Oooh, I see. Yeah, because we only allow 1 thread per book outside of group reads, even if the books were separate we'd need the RG stuff in tags. A bit of a pain, but better than accidentally spoiling folks or NOT being able to discuss it as we go--or at least that's the theory!

[Anna]

Silvana wrote: "I won't read/reply to RS discussion obviously."

Why not? I assume you've read it?

[Silvana]

Yes, but I signed up for RG buddy read, not RS. And wasn't RG what was scheduled at the first place?

I will not be useful for RS discussion anyway, many details I forgot and I won't have time to reread.

Sorry, now I feel I am ruining this thread. I do prefer a separate thread but if everyone thinks other wise then it is fine. Carry on!

[Anna]

No worries, let's move on! :) Everyone decides which books they want to read, and everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion.

I started my relisten of Ninefox sometime in the very early hours today. I always listen to audiobooks when I'm trying to sleep, that's how I'm able to do rereads.

Adding cabbage to my shopping list.

[Jordan]

Going to (hopefully) finish Raven Stratagem by the end of the weekend and the join in for the Revenant Gun read when it comes out!

[Anna]

I finished Ninefox, starting Raven tonight. I haven't had time to cook what I planned, but I got all the necessary ingredients to make scallion pancakes, pickled cabbage/carrot, and obviously I always have rice and noodles (and rice noodles) in my pantry. I'm thinking of making summer rolls with lots of Kel vegetables and rice noodles, and obviously I'll be having tea with those. And I'll snack on the scallion pancakes. I hope I'll have time for all that tomorrow. I kind of wish I had time to bake some pastries, too, for Vahenz!

Anna wrote: "What faction are you? Take the test."

I've taken the test as many times as I've read the first book. I thought I was comfortably Liozh, but I got Shuos last time. And this time, too. I think I took it twice in January, and the other result was Nirai. Does this mean I'm a lying, cheating fox? I'll take the fox, but the rest doesn't feel like me at all! Although I do agree with:

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Anna wrote: "I finished Ninefox, starting Raven tonight. I haven't had time to cook what I planned, but I got all the necessary ingredients to make scallion pancakes, pickled cabbage/carrot, and obviously I alw..."

1. I want all of that. I'm going out for Japanese today and will do my best approximation with available dishes.

2. Iiii'm watching you back, lying nine-eyes.

[Anna]

Chapter two of Raven introduces ”rolled up seaweed things” so you should be good with Japanese :D

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Anna wrote: "Chapter two of Raven introduces ”rolled up seaweed things” so you should be good with Japanese :D"

Exactly the sort of thing you'd WANT me to think. I'm on to you.

[Ashley in Wonderland]

I read all those shorts and flashfics you posted above, Anna, and now I’m craving anything and everything by Yoon Ha Lee! I’m really excited about his MG book coming out next year, Dragon Pearl. I’m going to buy it for my daughter for her birthday. It comes out right before her birthday, the main character’s name is very similar to her name (it’s actually one of her nicknames), and it has foxes in it (or fox spirits? Fox magic?) and she loves foxes. Plus it’s a sci-fi space opera for kids written by one of my new favorite authors. I think it was meant to be on our shelf!

I started Raven Stratagem last night but haven’t gotten very far. We’re going to the pool now so it’ll have to be later (I don’t read at the pool or beach ‘cause I like to stay in the water!) I’m going to try to have it finished by next weekend so I can start Revenant Gun asap, but obviously I’ll be behind on starting RG.

[Anna]

Yes! I'm also dying to get my hands on Dragon Pearl! I keep checking the pub date periodically, it's been moved up at least a couple of times. I also liked The Fox's Tower and Other Tales which is filled to the brim with fox themed flash fiction! It wasn't as amazing as I was hoping for, but there were some gems. Worth checking out if you can get it from the library. I also highly recommend Conservation of Shadows to anyone who likes Ninefox. I read it after I first read Ninefox, and it helped me wait for Raven. They're not set in the same world, but some of the stories have a similar feel, and of course Lee's writing is always awesome. Some of the stories are available online:

Effigy Nights in Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 76 (I really like this one)
Flower, Mercy, Needle, Chain in Lightspeed Magazine, September 2010
A Vector Alphabet of Interstellar Travel on Tor.com

Also on Tor.com:
Combustion Hour
Variations On an Apple

I was coming to post that there are little jokes in Raven that make more sense if you've read Extracurricular Activities. It's nothing you'd know you're missing, but EA is great so everyone should read it anyway! There's one tiny thing that I don't like, otherwise it's perfect.

I'm sorry I'm so enthusiastic, I just love this world so much! I have some comments about Raven, but I need to eat something first. I've been out and about all day with my cute fox tote, and I realized I simply have to get a ninefox tote!

[Anna]

Raven, chapter 2.

(view spoiler)[ This is my third time reading and I still managed to be surprised by how vicious the Vidona are. That final touch of folding the remains, spooky. This chapter also does a magnificent job of showcasing Kel formation instinct.

Also, filthy Andan jokes! (hide spoiler)]

Raven, chapter 4.

(view spoiler)[ Still my third time reading, and the whole thing with Istradez and Mikodez creeps me out for a moment, before I remind myself that they're creche siblings, so not biologically related. I love their chemistry, not as partners in "bedroom gyrations", but as family.

Also, cats named after Shuos assassins, and hexarchs taking up container gardening! (hide spoiler)]

[Rachel]

Got an email from amazon saying Revenant Gun has shipped!!!!!

[Anna]

Rachel wrote: "Got an email from amazon saying Revenant Gun has shipped!!!!!"

I wonder if you'll get it today?


Raven, chapter 11.

(view spoiler)[ I agree with you Mikodez, that is an excellent use for courtesans. (hide spoiler)]

Raven, chapter 20.

(view spoiler)[ Ah Kujen, you're truly despicable. I love you! (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Raven, chapter 26.

(view spoiler)[ I love how the servitors are looking after Khiruev and trying to help her see that she can choose not to die.

Also, those pesky scarves made of modern fibers that'll strangle you! (hide spoiler)]

I finished. I will never get bored of the humor, the characters, the writing. I love everything!

(view spoiler)[ I want a novel about Jedao, Kujen, Mikodez, his green onion, and a bunch of cats named after Shuos assassins, maybe also throw in some servitors. They can go on adventures together, and just be their horrendous, lovable selves. (hide spoiler)]

I had my meal of summer/spring rolls (aka. "rolled up things") filled with Kel vegetables, and I made an orange juice based dipping sauce (because Cheris mentioned liking tangerines in Ninefox).

I'm ready for tomorrow! I'm going to try to go to sleep as early as possible, so that I can wake up to Revenant Gun having already downloaded to my Kindle.

[Rachel]

I expect to receive it tomorrow as Amazon plans for folks to all get it on release day. However I’m in the midst of too many books.....

[Anna]

I have it! Need to wake up properly, but I hope to start reading soon.

[Silvana]

I have it too! Can't wait to come back from the office.

[Silvana]

Anna wrote: "Raven, chapter 26.



I thoroughly enjoy your enthusiasm. RS is fantastic.

[Anna]

Revenant Gun, chapter 1.

(view spoiler)[ Okay, breathe, you can do this. Jedao is ALIVE! There are TWO Jedaos! This is exactly what I wanted, I knew Kujen would come through and bring Jedao back somehow. It doesn't seem to be going very well though, but that would've been too much to ask. I wonder who the body is, and why our/Jedao's attention is being brought to it. Unless it’s his original body?! Could it be? I guess it’s possible.

I also wonder what group this new Jedao will want to side with as soon as he’s up to speed. If he doesn’t recover his later memories (which he obviously has because of that Cheris flash), will he want to bring the Hexarchate down? The pivotal moment in his life hasn’t happened yet (Ruo is alive in his mind), so he hasn’t yet decided to destroy the Hexarchate. Is this going to be the Jedao we know and love against a Kujen-manipulated Jedao, who is just as brilliant, but with different objectives? I can’t wait to see!

And Mikodez has joined Cheris/Jedao! I love everyone!

From now on, anytime I forget something, or am late to something, or mess up anything, I'm going to blame memory vampires! (hide spoiler)]

RG, chapter 2.

(view spoiler)[ “Nirai Kujen: not just a secretive bastard, but an extraordinarily handsome one.“ <3 (hide spoiler)]

RG, chapter 3.

(view spoiler)[ A servitor obsessed with dramas! Related to Murderbot? And it’s creating fanfic! It ships an OTP! I knew to expect Cheris/Jedao when the poor thing wished it could have some new episodes. Imagine waiting 280 years to find out what happens in your favorite show! And people are complaining about Winds of Winter, doesn’t seem fair. (hide spoiler)]

edit: Added chapters 2 and 3, and a paragraph to chapter 1.

[Anna]

I just finished chapter 7, and I've already gotten some answers to those initial questions. I lost hours of reading time due to a tech problem I had to solve, but on the other hand it did force me to pace myself. I want to keep reading, but I've hit that 5PM slump and can hardly keep my eyes open. I guess it's time to take a shower, make a fresh vat of tea, and then read until I drop.

RG, chapter 6.

(view spoiler)[ "... his obsessive insistence on standardized formats." Is there no end to things to love about Kujen?! Which reminds me, in addition to all the other novellas, I also want one about the time period when Jedao and Kujen were hanging on Tefos as lovers! And I want Kujen's flatbread recipe, preferably with hidden secret codes added. (hide spoiler)]

The burning question at this point: (view spoiler)[ Who will the Andan heroine end up with in A Rose in Three Revolutions, the treacherous Shuos assassin, or the female Nirai engineer from season three? (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Yoon Ha Lee is doing an AMA on Reddit today!


"I am going to be writing a science fantasy novel for Solaris after the short story collection that I'm working on right now, but it's probably going to be a standalone."

Yes!

"There will be a short story collection, which I am working on right now (well, not right now right now, but you know what I mean). It will include a follow-up to Revenant Gun wherein (view spoiler)[Jedao and Cheris go on an adventure together (hide spoiler)]. There will be about half reprints and half new material."

That's probably not a spoiler, but since it says follow-up, better safe than sorry. I personally wish I hadn't seen that before finishing RG, but it's not going to ruin my reading experience. Anyway, the point is that there will be a short fiction collection in this world!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

!!!!!!!

My library doesn't have a copy of RG!!

It's okay. Don't panic. Don't panic.

*panics*

[Anna]

Neither does mine yet, but surely they'll get it sooner or later?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I am skeptical. Maybe? It's also not very expensive to get the ebook, so I might just go for it. I hate buying the set piecemeal though.

[Anna]

I'd originally thought I'd wait until RG became available on Overdrive, but I couldn't wait. Especially when I noticed that the price was so reasonable, and I didn't see it in the library system. I can usually see it immediately when they order the books, sometimes months in advance, so I took that to mean it was going to be a longer wait.

[Jordan]

Hopefully my copy is waiting for me in the mail when I get home from work today!

[Anna]

Hi, it's me again.


Jeng-zai aka. Hexarchate Tarot

Meaning of cards


"We've actually had a couple of game designers pitch a board game based on the battle system. Last I heard they were still trying to pick up a publisher for it."

I would buy it immediately and force everyone to play it!

[Silvana]

The book has an excellent start.
You were kept guessing, wait, when that happened?

Anna wrote: "Revenant Gun, chapter 3

..."

The servitor thing reminded me one of the Hugo nominees for short stories : Fandom for Robots they are so adorable.

I am still at 15%, start of chapter 5. I have to be going to work now *sigh

[Jordan]

Finished the first four chapters. So much going on so far! I can't wait to see where this goes.