A Memory Called Empire was a book I stalled on and had to restart, but was such a great read. It's so different from what we get in most space opera, but once I was in, it didn't let go. It took a while to start A Desolation Called Peace, but that one was an equally great ride that I couldn't put down. I'm hoping there will be a third entry!
Ah, it's possible saw the name on reddit or HN, or maybe even twitter. I haven't been active in a decade either 😀
Or it could be someone else, with same or similar name.