For those not familiar, Ann Leckie has written a series of science fiction novels focusing on an intergalactic empire crumbling under its own weight as it's forced to confront its history of atrocities. The first three novels (Ancillary Justice, Ancillary Sword, Ancillary Mercy) form a trilogy of utopian science fiction (think Star Trek the Next Generation with a dash of Master and Commander). Lots of philosophical discussions about racism, individuality, and free will, punctuated by super-slick violence between warriors with personal force fields, and spaceships enhanced by AIs. The protagonist and their allies are highly-competent and committed to justice.
Radiant Star is the latest novel taking place in the same universe. The events of the other books trigger a cascading series of failures in the remote city of Ooioiaa, exposing the local religious, mercantile, and political elites as pathetically venal and incompetent.
There is no super skilled hero operating here to save the city from collapse. Instead Radiant Star is a page-turner about human frailty, and the small acts of desperate heroism and generosity that seem pointless in the moment, but just might add up to salvation. (And if what you really want is an AI that is quite possibly insane, there is indeed one operating in the margins of the story. It collects things.)
Radiant Star is available for preorder now. The audiobooks in the series are performed by Adjoa Andoh, and are also excellent. Enjoy them for free in the Libby app.