Book Log 2021 #53: A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine

This sequel to A Memory Called Empire sees the Teixcalaan empire threatened by an alien armada, with which they cannot communicate. The empire sends Three Seagrass, now a high-ranking official, to see if she can make a connection. Along the way she recruits her former charge, the nominal Lsel ambassador to the empire, to help her. The ambassador, however, is given her own orders, putting her personal and professional loyalties in conflict. 

Most of this book takes place on board spaceships and stations, which may be a little disappointing if you wanted to spend more time on Teixcalaan's fascinating homeworld, but it's an excellent story that explores themes such as identity, personhood, and loyalty.  Both books are highly recommended, and I'll admit to being a little impatient for a third.