Staff Pick
Swoon-worthy queer sci-fi romance, perfect if you want to yell at your book "just kiss already!" This isn't your sweeping space opera, but has plenty of political intrigue, a murder mystery, and the arranged marriage trope at its finest. This story will grab you until the very end. Recommended By Carly J., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A Sunday Times Bestseller!
"Sparks fly" (NPR) in Everina Maxwell's gut-wrenching and romantic space opera debut.
Prince Kiem, a famously disappointing minor royal and the Emperor's least favorite grandchild, has been called upon to be useful for once. He's commanded to fulfill an obligation of marriage to the representative of the Empire's newest and most rebellious vassal planet. His future husband, Count Jainan, is a widower and murder suspect.
Neither wants to be wed, but with a conspiracy unfolding around them and the fate of the empire at stake they will have to navigate the thorns and barbs of court intrigue, the machinations of war, and the long shadows of Jainan's past, and they'll have to do it together.
So begins a legendary love story amid the stars.
Like Ancillary Justice meets Red, White and Royal Blue, Winter's Orbit is perfect for fans of Lois McMaster Bujold.
"High-pitched noises escaped me; I shouted, more than once, 'Now kiss!'...in a world so relentlessly uncertain, there's a powerfully simple pleasure in the experience of a promise kept." — The New York Times Book Review
Review
"Maxwell's witty dialogue, tender characterizations and portrayal of diverse gender identities should quickly win her a devoted fanbase." — Shelf Awareness
Review
"This exciting adventure is sure to win Maxwell many fans." — Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
"A fun, sexy space adventure with protagonists that made me laugh out loud. I devoured it." — S. A. Chakraborty, bestselling author of The City of Brass
About the Author
EVERINA MAXWELL is the author of Winter's Orbit. She lives and works in Yorkshire, where she collects books and kills houseplants.