by Arkady Martine
Published 2019
Winner of the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel A Locus, and Nebula Award nominee for 2019 An NPR Favorite Book of 2019 An Esquire Best Sci-Fi Book of All Time A Guardian Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of 2019 and “Not the Booker Prize” Nominee A Goodreads Biggest SFF Book of 2019 and Choice Awards Nominee "A Memory Called Empire perfectly balances action and intrigue with matters of empire and identity. All around brilliant space opera, I absolutely love it."—Ann Leckie, author of Ancillary Justice 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. Arkady Martine's debut novel A Memory Called Empire is a fascinating space opera and an interstellar mystery adventure. "The most thrilling ride ever. This book has everything I love."—Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky Also by Arkady Martine: A Desolation Called Peace Rose/House At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
These are AI narrators you can listen to with your own EPUB on ElevenLabs or Fish Audio. How does it work?
Top voices for narrating this book
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“Lauren B's smooth, intense tone perfectly captures Mahit's determination and underlying tension, ideal for a sci-fi narrative.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“This voice offers a steady, articulate, and thoughtful presence, resonating with Mahit's intelligent and measured approach to complex situations.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Mona's deep, resonant, and calm delivery brings a sophisticated gravity to Mahit, fitting her role as an ambassador navigating an empire.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Blair's emotionally grounded and persuasive quality aligns well with Mahit's resourceful nature, capable of conveying both intensity and curiosity.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant
“Kelly's warm, soothing yet spirited cadence with thoughtful pauses lends itself to Mahit's reflective and curious inner monologue.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
A Teixcalaanli cultural liaison, elegant and sharp-witted. Her voice should be sophisticated and articulate, reflecting her imperial upbringing and intellectual prowess.
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Elise's sophisticated European British voice, with its warm and composed tone, perfectly embodies Three Seagrass's elegant and sharp-witted imperial persona.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant
“Elizabeth's clear, warm, and friendly British English voice provides a pleasant and articulate foundation for the cultural liaison's dialogue.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Classy
“Clara's soft, friendly, and clear British voice offers a classy and professional sound, suitable for a refined Teixcalaanli official.”
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Classy
“Kim's high-pitched, feminine voice with a refined mid-Atlantic accent conveys a sophisticated, cosmopolitan air, fitting Three Seagrass's intellectual prowess.”
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Alexandra's clear, polished, and natural RP British voice brings a warm, sophisticated, and subtly commanding presence to the character.”
Mahit's deceased predecessor, whose personality and memories are stored in an imago. His voice, when heard, should be experienced as an echo, perhaps slightly detached or haunting, yet still authoritative.
Male · Middle-Aged · Educational · Narration · Deep · Serious · +3 more
“Alhaitham's deep, professional, and calm delivery provides a foundation for Yskandr's authoritative presence, even as an echo.”
Male · Old · Narration · Documentary · Serious · Measured · +3 more
“COLD CASE's serious and measured professional tone works well for the slightly detached and mysterious quality of Yskandr's voice.”
Canadian · Middle-Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Barclay's measured, assured, and quietly compelling tone lends itself to Yskandr's role as a wise predecessor, inviting trust and reflection.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Modulated
“Reuven's deep, resonant baritone with a measured, modulated timbre evokes ancient wisdom, perfect for Yskandr's haunting yet authoritative imago voice.”
Male · Old · Educational · Narration · Calm · Serious · +3 more
“This voice's calm, serious, and measured philosophical quality suits the detached yet impactful nature of Yskandr's memories and guidance.”
A powerful and manipulative figure within the Teixcalaanli imperial court. Her voice should exude authority and a subtle menace, reflecting her political power and cunning.
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Intense
“Clarice's bold, expressive, and intense voice is ideal for Nineteen Adze, conveying her political power and cunning with a dramatic flair.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Jasmine's warm, kind, and conversational tone, with a natural storytelling quality, can be subtly twisted to reveal the manipulative side of Nineteen Adze.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Modulated
“Veda Sky's chilling and intense tone would bring a haunting, subtly menacing quality to Nineteen Adze, reflecting her dark influence.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Neutral
“This voice's measured and distant quality can portray Nineteen Adze's manipulative nature with a cool, detached precision.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Sad
“Shannon B's sarcastic and exhausted attitude could offer a unique, world-weary interpretation of Nineteen Adze's cunning and power.”
A Teixcalaanli official, perhaps more pragmatic or direct than others in the court. His voice should be grounded and professional, but capable of conveying suspicion or intrigue.
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Educational · Calm · Professional · +3 more
“Elon's calm, professional, and serious tone with a measured delivery is perfect for Twenty Cicada, capable of conveying intrigue and suspicion.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Leoni Rutherford's deep, warm, and controlled tone provides a professional and grounded presence, fitting for a Teixcalaanli official.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Atlas's deep, rich, and professional resonance brings a serious and impactful quality, suitable for an official capable of intrigue.”
African American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Mature
“Edwin's calm, steady, and warm tone conveys a sense of maturity and professionalism, ideal for a pragmatic official.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Spartan's calm, grounded baritone with measured pacing and clear diction provides a professional and serious voice for Twenty Cicada.”