One of the things that make the Wheel of Time so good is its believable cultures. They make everything feel real. A Memory Called Empire has the in-depth culture, which really makes this futuristic world feel real. It's what I imagine moving to Mexico would feel like if you only took Spanish in Highschool. This is all wrapped up in a murder mystery.

This quickly evolves into an intense political thriller with high stakes and tough decisions.

It's a beautifully written novel, with themes of individuality, the greater good and personal sacrifice. A Memory Called Empire was fantastic.