Ancillary Sword is the sequel to Ancillary Justice and it is the second book in the trilogy.

Breq is now (again?) in command of a star ship, but times have changed. She's not connected as she was before and is she really in control?

The entire story takes place in the Athoek station and planet and is smaller in scope than the previous book. It's about the local history and culture and the reasons why things are the way they are. It's not so much about the galaxy and the aliens that live in it.

Although the story is still interesting it feels a bit preachy from time to time and the parallels with our earth are obvious and intended. Combined with the smaller universe, I greatly preferred the first book, but I'm still looking forward to reading the next in the series.