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These Burning Stars

The Phillip K. Dick Award winner
4.13 goodreads logo

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( 4,533 ratings, 1,011 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs is a gripping tale set in a vividly imagined universe where political intrigue and personal vendetta collide. The narrative weaves together the journeys of disparate characters, each grappling with their own secrets and ambitions against the backdrop of a galaxy on the brink of chaos. With elements of mystery and expansive world-building, it challenges its characters to navigate their roles in the unfolding conflict that threatens their world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're drawn to intricate world-building and complex character relationships in a Sci-Fi & Fantasy setting. With its rich narrative and elements of mystery and intrigue, it offers a compelling dive into a universe filled with political manoeuvres and personal quests. If you enjoy stories that blend cosmic adventure with the depth of human (and occasionally non-human) emotions, this might be the perfect read.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A powerful space opera debut that sets a gripping cat-and-mouse quest for revenge against the sweeping portrait of a galactic empire on the verge of collapse. Perfect for fans of Ann Leckie and Arkady Martine.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Vivid, violent and visceral: an impressive debut – Kate Elliott, author of Unconquerable Sun WINNER OF THE PHILIP K. DICK AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE LOCUS AWARD FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL 5 hundred thousand freaking beautiful, burning stars!! I freaking loved this so much – Reader review

Jun Ironway, hacker, con artist, and only occasional thief, has got her hands on a piece of contraband that could set her up for life: evidence that implicates the powerful Nightfoot family in a planet-wide genocide seventy-five years ago. The Nightfoots control the precious sevite that fuels interplanetary travel through three star systems. And someone is sure to pay handsomely for anything that could break their hold.

Of course, anything valuable is also dangerous. The Kingdom, the ruling power of the three star systems, is inextricably tied up in the Nightfoots' monopoly – and they can't afford to let Jun expose the truth. They task two of their most brutal clerics with hunting her down: preternaturally stoic Chono, and brilliant hothead Esek, who also happens to be the heir to the Nightfoot empire.

But Chono and Esek are haunted in turn by a figure from their shared past, known only as Six. What Six truly wants is anyone's guess. And the closer they get to finding Jun, the surer Chono is that Six is manipulating them all – and that they are heading for a bloody confrontation that no one will survive unscathed.

One of the best SF books I've read. Period – Michael Mammay, author of Planetside Intricately plotted and tightly paced . . . Space opera fans will eat this upPublishers Weekly A multi-layered saga full of courtly intrigue and indelible characters, Bethany Jacobs' These Burning Stars warps readers across the galaxy on a devilishly fun thrill rideBookpage A fast-moving novel of action and intrigue, which Jacobs pulls off with vivid energy, bringing her threads together in an explosive conclusionLocus Reader reviews: 6/5?? This book is quite literally the definition of perfection to me – Reader review I feel like I just overdosed on emotions. This book is extraordinary . . . 5 stars and I only wish I could give it more – Reader review It is a crime that this book isn't more popular, and I will be throwing myself at the feet of Bethany Jacobs for the next in the series – Reader review I cannot seem to find the words to convey how much I enjoyed this book. The only thing I can say is . . . holy shit – Reader review What kind of intergalactic masterpiece did I read? – Reader review

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of These Burning Stars highlight it as a bold debut, appreciating its intense and visceral narrative. It is praised for intricate plotting, complex characters, and dynamic worldbuilding, creating a thrilling space opera full of political intrigue, revenge, and interstellar adventure. The book is hailed as a fantastic read for science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, comparing it to works by Ann Leckie and Alastair Reynolds.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356520070

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 448

About the Author

Bethany Jacobs is a former college instructor of writing and science fiction, who made the leap to education technology. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, trying out new recipes, and snuggling in bed with a TV show she's already watched ten times. She lives in Buffalo, New York, with her wife and her dog and her books. These Burning Stars is her debut novel.

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