On Vicious Worlds

One of the most exciting new voices in space opera returns with the thrilling sequel to the Philip K. Dick Award-winning These Burning Stars, the explosive space opera debut that launched the dangerous cat-and-mouse quest for revenge that will define a people forever. The Jeveni have finally found freedom on the distant planet Capamame, delivered from Kindom oppression through their alliance with stoic Cleric Chono, intrepid caster Jun Ironway, and Six, the wildly unpredictable manipulator who has outwitted the Nightfoot family. But when Six and Chono return to the Treble star systems, the dream of freedom meets a dangerous test. The Secretaries of the Kindom are intent on reclaiming power in the Treble, as well as control over the Jeveni. Meanwhile, Jun Ironway and Jeveni collector Masar Hawks struggle to protect Capamame from a population brimming with resentment, not to mention a faceless saboteur spreading mayhem and murder. As the two groups struggle to outwit their enemies, divergent battles wend toward a climatic reunion that will spark a revolution. But over it all hangs the cruel legacy of Esek Nightfoot, whose rippling effects may prove impossible to survive. Reader reviews: 'Did the impossible feat of being even better than book one. One of the best sci-fi books ever written' ----- 'This is the sequel I was hoping for, filled with tension, political intrigue, and action. The finale is going to be epic' ----- 'I fear I may never read a space opera as entertaining as this ever again' ----- 'I continue to stand in awe of Bethany Jacobs . . . the sequel to These Burning Stars is everything I had hoped for' ----- 'I can't say enough about how much I love this series, but as ever, that is more expressed in shakingscreamingcrying and memes than uh . . . useful words . . . If there's any science fiction you should be reading right now, it's this series' ----- Praise for These Burning Stars: 'An exciting start from a fresh talent, offering emotional and political complexity plus plenty of interplanetary action' Kirkus (Starred Review) 'Readers who love smart thrillers and explosive sf won't want to miss this book' Booklist (Starred Review) 'Plotted like a chess match, confident and surprising as Jacobs moves each piece thoughtfully across her board . . . If Jacobs' second entry is anything like the first, we'll have so much more to discover across her universe in the years to come' BookPage (Starred Review)

Bethany Jacobs