WINTER’S ORBIT

RELEASED 4 FEBRUARY 434 pages | Paperback/ebook

Author Everina Maxwell

Publisher Orbit Whodunnit, conspiracy thriller, space opera and queer love story, Winter’s Orbit is one of those rare beasts in science fiction: a story truly propelled by the characters. Which, when the lead characters are as vivid, engaging and frustrating as the ones here, makes for a lively read. And that’s frustrating in a good way – you want to bash their heads together because you care.

A backwater, vassal conglomerate of planets is preparing for the renegotiation of terms with the galactic empire that rules it, but internal politics are threatening the relationship. So a wayward prince from one of the planets, Kiem, is forced into a political marriage with his recently deceased brother’s ex-husband, Jainan, an uptight dignitary from another, worryingly fractious planet. Initially, neither are keen on the match, especially when an investigation into Kiem’s brother’s death reveals some ugly truths.

As a space opera it’s fairly standard fare, though helped by a quirky approach to worldbuilding (the local birdlife provides a running joke). As a whodunnit and political thriller it’s more fun. But it’s as a redemptive love story that it excels, partly thanks to a healthy dollop of sardonic humour. It’s also refreshing how matter-of-factly all the queer relationships and non-binary characters are drawn.