The Blighted Stars

Megan E. O'Keefe

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Paperback

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English

Orbit
08 August 2023

Space opera; Science Fiction

Series: Devoured Worlds

When a spy and her mortal enemy crash-land on a dying planet, she must figure out how to survive long enough to uncover the deadly, galaxy-spanning conspiracy that landed them there. The Blighted Stars is the first book in an epic new space-opera trilogy from the author of the Philip K. Dick-nominated Velocity Weapon.

She's a revolutionary. Humanity is running out of options. Habitable planets are being destroyed as quickly as they're found, and Naira Sharp thinks she knows the reason why. The all-powerful Mercator family has been controlling the exploration of the universe for decades, and exploiting any materials they find along the way under the guise of helping humanity's expansion. But Naira knows the truth, and she plans to bring the whole family down from the inside.

He's the heir to the dynasty. Tarquin Mercator never wanted to run a galaxy-spanning business empire. He just wanted to study geology and read books. But Tarquin's father has tasked him with monitoring the settlement of a new planet, and he doesn't really have a choice in the matter.

Disguised as Tarquin's new bodyguard, Naira plans to destroy the settlement ship before they land. But neither of them expects to end up stranded on a dead planet. To survive and keep her secret, Naira will have to join forces with the man she's sworn to hate. And together they will uncover a plot that's bigger than both of them.

'Character-driven science fiction at its best - a taut novel with human questions at its heart'

E. J. Beaton, author of The Councillor

'Smart, incisive and utterly gripping. Megan E. O'Keefe's masterful storytelling will draw you into a complex, brutal, yet hope-charged world, break your heart, and leave you begging for more'

Rowenna Miller, author of Torn

'A delightfully twisty space opera filled with unique worldbuilding and deft explorations of humanity, family and power. Add in a dash of rebellion and a hint of romance, and I'm hooked - I can't wait for the next book!'

Jessie Mihalik, author of Hunt the Stars

'This is space opera for the ages, wrapped in complicated and delicious layers of family and loyalty and science and love and duty. I couldn't put it down!

Karen Osborne, author of Architects of Memory

By: Megan E. O'Keefe
Imprint: Orbit
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 36mm
Weight: 360g
ISBN: 9780356517377
ISBN 10: 0356517373
Series: Devoured Worlds
Pages: 544
Publication Date: 08 August 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Megan E. O'Keefe was raised amongst journalists, and as soon as she was able joined them by crafting a newsletter which chronicled the daily adventures of the local cat population. She has worked in both arts management and graphic design, and has won Writers of the Future and the Gemmell Morningstar Award. Velocity Weapon, the first novel in her Protectorate series, was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award for Best Novel. Megan lives in the Bay Area of California.

Reviews for The Blighted Stars

"Brimming with unconventional gender dynamics and shifting identities, The Blighted Stars is character-driven science fiction at its best - a taut novel with human questions at its heart -- E. J. Beaton, author of THE COUNCILLOR The Blighted Stars delivers a first-in-series that's smart, incisive, and utterly gripping. Megan E. O'Keefe's masterful storytelling will draw you into a complex, brutal, yet hope-charged world, break your heart, and leave you begging for more -- Rowenna Miller, author of TORN The Blighted Stars is a delightfully twisty space opera filled with unique worldbuilding and deft explorations of humanity, family and power. Add in a dash of rebellion and a hint of romance and I'm hooked - I can't wait for the next book! -- Jessie Mihalik, author of HUNT THE STARS A brilliantly plotted yarn of survival and far-future political intrigue -- GUARDIAN on VELOCITY WEAPON The Blighted Stars is everything I want in a book: lots of action, lots of character and lots of heart. Megan E. O'Keefe delights with every page, from her stunning action sequences set on alien planets to her exploration of the twisted pathways taken by the human heart. This is space opera for the ages, wrapped in complicated and delicious layers of family and loyalty and science and love and duty. I couldn't put it down!"" -- Karen Osborne, author of ARCHITECTS OF MEMORY Skilfully interweaves intrigue, action and strong characterisation -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on VELOCITY WEAPON A well-written tale of space adventure, underhanded political dealings and AI rights all wrapped up in a fast-paced plot and a well-thought-out world. A must-read for fans of James S. A. Corey and Alastair Reynolds -- THE BOOKBAG on VELOCITY WEAPON The story's environmental themes are handled very well (O'Keefe gives the reader much to think about without sounding didactic); the characters are lively; and the writing is full of energy. A very promising series launch -- BOOKLIST Emotional arcs and action sequences, vivid worldbuilding and interesting explorations of body printing and corporate servitude provide an immersive story . . . O'Keefe's latest has the intrigue, surprises and high stakes of her previous novels -- LIBRARY JOURNAL"