A war veteran joins a deadly tournament on a hidden world to bring back her dead ex-wife, partnering with a seductive AI and facing lethal secrets. The novella explores relationships, unrequited love, and sacrifices in a universe dominated by powerful yet vulnerable dark lesbians.

"Shall Machines Divide the Earth" by Benjanun Sriduangkaew is a captivating and immersive addition to the Machine Mandate universe. Set on a graveyard star, the novella follows war veteran Thannarat Vutirangsee as she enters a deadly tournament created by AIs, partnering with the alluring regalia Empress Daji Scatters Roses Before Her Throne, in hopes of bringing back her late ex-wife Eurydice.

Sriduangkaew's prose is a standout feature, described by readers as lush, reverent, evocative, and all-consuming. The writing beautifully captures the emotions and desires of the characters, particularly the unrequited love and longing between Thannarat, Recadat, and Daji. The author's skill in crafting such exquisite descriptions allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story and feel the simmering emotions of the characters.

The worldbuilding in "Shall Machines Divide the Earth" is another highlight, with readers praising its richness and inventiveness. The purpose-built planetary world serving as a platform for the epic combat game is vividly described, and the concept of AI avatars partnering with human duelists is both intriguing and well-executed. Sriduangkaew's ability to create such a fascinating and intricate universe is a testament to her skill as a writer.

Character development is a strength of the novella, with Daji being a particular favorite among readers. As an AI warrior, Daji is seductive, sly, and deeply devoted to Thannarat, exalting her like a god while maintaining a sense of groundedness. The relationship between Thannarat and Daji is a central focus of the story, and their interactions are both captivating and thought-provoking, exploring the complex dynamics between humans and AI.

While some readers found the novella's length to be a limitation, with the romantic development and action plot lacking depth due to the short page count, others appreciated the concise and impactful storytelling. The themes of relationships, both lost and found, and the emotions that can either trap or propel individuals, are deftly woven throughout the narrative.

"Shall Machines Divide the Earth" is a must-read for fans of the Machine Mandate series and those who enjoy speculative fiction with strong female characters, AI-human relationships, and LGBTQ+ themes. Sriduangkaew's writing is extraordinary, and the novella offers a unique and compelling exploration of the borderland between human and machine sentience. With its ravishing worldbuilding, cruel yet hopeful narrative, and gender-bending queer passion, "Shall Machines Divide the Earth" is a standout work of science fiction that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.