"The Old Drift" by Namwali Serpell is a sweeping and ambitious novel that spans generations and continents, exploring the intertwined lives of three families in Zambia. Set against the backdrop of colonialism, technological advancements, and political upheaval, the story delves into themes of love, power, and identity. From the early days of the British settlers to the rise of an experimental town and the emergence of a new generation, Serpell weaves a rich tapestry of characters and narratives, offering a thought-provoking exploration of history, race, and the impact of human actions on the world.

In the final installment of a science fiction trilogy, the universe is still reeling from the aftermath of a vast interstellar war, where calendrical mathematics dictate the nature of reality itself. An artificial intelligence with the memories of a brilliant tactician is resurrected in a cloned body to serve a faction seeking to maintain its dominion over the remnants of the shattered empire. Meanwhile, a soldier who has survived against all odds must navigate the shifting allegiances and political machinations of various factions, as they all converge on a looming, final confrontation that could reshape the fabric of society and the very stars they inhabit. With intricate world-building and complex characters, the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the cost of war.