Teixcalaan Series Books in Order By Arkady Martine
Our memory is a more perfect world than the universe; it gives life back to those who no longer exist.”
― Arkady Martine, A Memory Called Empire
- A Memory Called Empire (2019)
- A Desolation Called Peace (2021)
What is Teixcalaan about?
Teixcalaan Series is set in a vast interstellar empire that is known as the Teixalaanli Empire. The main focus of the series is the relationship between the Empire and the smaller, more independent space stations and the worlds on the outskirts.
We learn all about the relationships between the Teixcalaanli Empire and the rest of the universe through the new to the capital city of the Empire, ambassador of the small space station, Lsel Station, Mahit Dzmare. She is an admirer of the Teixcalaanli culture. And is there to investigate the mysterious death of her predecessor, Tskandr Aghavn. With the use of an “imago machine” which Mahit has secretly within her brain, she is able to access recordings of Yskandr’s memories and consciousness, but shortly after her arrival on Teixcalaan, the machine malfunctions.
While Arkady Martine, the author of the series, has made it clear that this series is a duology, she tweeted in February of 2022 explaining more about her intentions of what may follow:
for the record: A MEMORY CALLED EMPIRE (Teixcalaan #1) and A DESOLATION CALLED PEACE (Teixcalaan #2) are a duology. Two books! One complete arc! There will (eventually) be more Teixcalaan. More Teixcalaan will not be direct sequels.
Who is Arkady Martine?
Arkady Martine is the pen name of Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, and she is an American historian of the Byzantine Empire, city planner and an author of speculative fiction. She is published under both names under a number of different categories, which include but not limited to; border politics, risk communication and the edges of the world.
She’s a barbarian, but don’t hold it against her. She’s brilliant.”
― Arkady Martine, A Desolation Called Peace
The Order
WARNING: There may be spoilers for some of the books mentioned. These are taken from the official descriptions but can sometimes spoil parts of previous books. So please be careful!
- A Memory Called Empire (2019)
Teixcalaan Series #1
144,230 words, 462 pages, 23 chapters, 9hrs 40mins to read
6,270 average words per chapter, 20 average pages per chapter
Published by Tor
4.13 out of 5 on Goodreads
Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives in the center of the multi-system Teixcalaanli Empire only to discover that her predecessor, the previous ambassador from their small but fiercely independent mining Station, has died. But no one will admit that his death wasn’t an accident—or that Mahit might be next to die, during a time of political instability in the highest echelons of the imperial court.
Now, Mahit must discover who is behind the murder, rescue herself, and save her Station from Teixcalaan’s unceasing expansion—all while navigating an alien culture that is all too seductive, engaging in intrigues of her own, and hiding a deadly technological secret—one that might spell the end of her Station and her way of life—or rescue it from annihilation.
- A Desolation Called Peace (2021)
Teixcalaan Series #2
152,540 words, 496 pages, 22 chapters, 10hrs 10mins to read
6,933 average words per chapter, 22.5 average pages per chapter
Published by Tor
4.34 out of 5 on Goodreads
An alien armada lurks on the edges of Teixcalaanli space. No one can communicate with it, no one can destroy it, and Fleet Captain Nine Hibiscus is running out of options.
In a desperate attempt at diplomacy with the mysterious invaders, the fleet captain has sent for a diplomatic envoy. Now Mahit Dzmare and Three Seagrass—still reeling from the recent upheaval in the Empire—face the impossible task of trying to communicate with a hostile entity.
Whether they succeed or fail could change the fate of Teixcalaan forever.
The problem with sending messages was that people responded to them, which meant one had to write more messages in reply.”
― Arkady Martine, A Memory Called Empire
Overall
Teixcalaan Series is an incredible read that is praised by critics and readers alike. The way Martine is able to deftly navigate and build up a richly developed world, filled with complex characters and does not shy away from thought provoking themes makes for an incredible read. She creatively blends science fiction with political intrigue and cultural examination that will keep you hooked throughout.
If you have enjoyed any of Arkady Martine’s work and want to learn more about her or any other of her work, then feel free to check out her website. Don’t forget, if you like any of Martine’s work, then give her a follow on Twitter and Instagram!
Which one is your favourite or most looking forward to picking up next?
Let us know!
Happy reading!
Total Word Count in Teixcalaan Duology and more!
- Total words: 296,770 words
- Total pages: 958 pages
- Total chapters: 28 chapters
- Total reading time: 19hrs 50mins
More of the same, but different:
For More of Anything:
Things to Note:
- Word count is an approximation.
- Amount of pages may differ due to different publications, font style and/or size etc.
- Time spent reading is generally an approximation based on the word count and the average reading time. The average reader will read 250 WPM (Words Per Minute).
- This is the original publisher of the books.
- The current Goodreads score at the time of writing.
- For more information on word lengths and what they mean, check out our handy guide here.
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