The Blighted Stars

The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O'Keefe is an exhilarating beginning to an epic space-opera trilogy that promises to capture your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in a future where humanity is desperately seeking new homes amidst the stars, this thrilling novel intertwines mystery, adventure, and nuanced character drama to deliver a captivating story of survival and intrigue.

When a revolutionary spy and her mortal enemy crash-land on a dying planet, they must navigate treacherous terrain and their thorny relationship to uncover the truths that have led them there. Naira Sharp, a determined and fierce revolutionary, suspects the powerful Mercator family of a conspiracy that threatens humanity’s future. As planets capable of sustaining life are destroyed at an alarming rate, Naira goes undercover to expose the Mercator’s treachery from within.

On the other side, Tarquin Mercator, heir to the vast and influential Mercator empire, is reluctantly thrust into a leadership position he never wanted. With dreams of studying geology and living a quieter life, Tarquin finds himself tasked with overseeing the colonisation of a new planet. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn when their settlement ship crashes, and he is forced to rely on his untrustworthy new bodyguard to survive.

Thrown together by fate, Naira and Tarquin must put their enmity aside as they navigate a hostile environment, uncover hidden truths, and unravel a galaxy-spanning conspiracy. The tension between their conflicting goals and burgeoning desire forms the heart of this complex and immersive narrative.

Naira, driven by her revolutionary zeal and haunted by her past, battles the harsh elements and her feelings for Tarquin as she endeavours to bring justice. Tarquin, burdened by family expectations and a sense of duty, grapples with his uncomfortable truths and his growing respect for Naira. Together, they unearth secrets that could shake the very foundations of humanity’s expansion across the stars.

The first book in Megan E. O'Keefe's new trilogy, The Blighted Stars is a masterful blend of rich world-building, complex characters, and a twisting plot that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. O'Keefe’s narrative prowess is on full display, making this a must-read for fans of character-driven science fiction.

"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