Machineries of Empire

Lore & Background

The series is set in the Hexarchate, a galactic government led by six factions: Shuos, Kel, Nirai, Vidona, Rahal, and Andan. A seventh faction, Liozh, was destroyed for advocating democracy. The empire's power is tied to a calendar system; citizens' adherence enables exotic technologies that defy traditional physics. The main trilogy follows infantry captain Kel Cheris and the traitorous general Shuos Jedao, whose consciousness is preserved in a device called the black cradle. In Ninefox Gambit, Cheris is implanted with Jedao's consciousness to reclaim a fortress from heretics, eventually merging with him and deciding to overthrow the Hexarchate. Raven Stratagem sees Cheris (appearing as Jedao) commandeer a fleet, reset the calendar, and ally with Hexarch Shuos Mikodez against the remaining leadership. Revenant Gun takes place nine years later, with the former empire split into the Compact (following Cheris's calendar) and the Protectorate (following the high calendar). A new copy of Jedao, missing memories from after age 17, is created by Nirai Kujen. Cheris, Kel Brezan, and Kel Inesser plan to assassinate Kujen; Jedao ultimately kills Kujen, freeing sentient spaceships called moths. In the epilogue, Cheris becomes a math teacher. Glass Cannon, set two years later, follows Jedao as he recovers missing memories from Cheris and confronts the consequences of his past.

Reader's Guide

The Machineries of Empire series is significant for its innovative blending of hard mathematical concepts with folklore-inspired worldbuilding, creating a unique science fantasy setting where calendar adherence determines technological capability. The trilogy explores themes of ideological control, rebellion, and the ethics of consciousness preservation, particularly through the merged identities of Cheris and Jedao. The series received critical acclaim for its complex characters, intricate plotting, and the subversion of typical space opera tropes. Its legacy includes expanding the representation of Korean-inspired elements in Western science fiction and influencing discussions about the role of mathematics in speculative fiction. The short story collection Hexarchate Stories and the novella Glass Cannon extend the universe, providing additional context and closure. The series remains a notable example of how genre fiction can integrate cultural and mathematical motifs to critique authoritarian systems.

Did You Know?

• The series includes themes of Korean folklore and mathematics.
• The Hexarchate's technology relies on citizens' adherence to an imperial calendar.
• Spaceships in the series are called 'moths' and have both biological and artificial components.
• The novella Glass Cannon, included in Hexarchate Stories, functions as a sequel to the original trilogy.