Publishers Weekly
02/27/2023
The dense second installment to Elliott’s Sun Chronicles series, an epic gender-swapped retelling of the life of Alexander the Great, lives up to the promise of its predecessor, Unconquerable Sun, delivering delicious space opera action webbed with intricate court intrigue. Princess Sun, heir to Queen-Marshal Eirene of the Republic of Chaonia, has trained her entire life to become a leader, lessons she both takes on and chafes against. When she’s unexpectedly called to take up her mother’s mantle on the eve of an ambitious attack against both the hated Phene Empire and the Rider Council, she has only tenuous support from the rest of the government but the wholehearted backing of her seven Companions. Elliott alternates between a handful of point-of-view characters to create a nuanced exploration of this fraught political landscape. Phene pilot Apama, for example, proves a perfect foil to both Sun and Companion Persephone, who is herself an unwitting party to a long-held Chaonian secret. The result is a byzantine plot enhanced with lovingly detailed action sequences, romance, and moral and philosophical questions about personhood and duty. It’s a lot, but readers who stick with it will be richly rewarded. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Unconquerable Sun
“Non-stop action! Space battles! Intrigue! This is the kind of space opera that I love best—but Elliott does it even better. ”—Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author
"Intricate and thrilling, Kate Elliott's Unconquerable Sun reframes history's most legendary conqueror in a brand new galaxy, lights the fuse, and blasts off on an edge-of-your-seat adventure perfect for fans of Arkady Martine and James S.A. Corey." —Emily Skrutskie, author of Bonds of Brass
"Brilliant battles, exciting intrigue, and heroines I would follow through hell—this is the gender-bent space opera of my dreams." —Yoon Ha Lee, Hugo award-winning author of Ninefox Gambit
“A maelstrom of palace intrigue, interstellar back-stabbing, devious plots, treachery, blistering action, ferocious confrontations—and a heroine for the ages... Enthralling, edge-of-your-seat stuff hurtling along at warp speed. Grab!”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Rich with history, tongue-in-cheek humor, cultural references, and vibrant characters, this highly entertaining series launch will have readers clamoring for more.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Fans of Lois McMaster Bujold and N. K. Jemisin will find this a candidate for instant re-reading as soon as the last page is turned.” —Booklist, starred review
Library Journal
★ 12/01/2022
Princess Sun knows she has the intelligence and strength to command the fleets of the Republic of Chaonia, along with her mother, Queen-Marshal Eirene. And all talents are needed because even with the defeat of the Phene Empire's invasion force, the Empire continues to be a formidable foe. When the Queen-Marshal surprises her leaders with an attack on the Karnos System, tragedy thrusts Sun into the role she has been preparing for all of her life. But with doubtful military leaders, undermining politics, and the alien Empire's power, Sun will have to decide if she'll follow her mother's plans or create her own path for the future. The multiple points of view between Sun, Companion Persephone, and Phrene Lieutenant Apama At Sabao highlight the gray areas of empiric expansion and those conquered. While again a lengthy book, the exposition is balanced with action and keeps readers engaged throughout. VERDICT The second "Sun Chronicles" book (after Unconquerable Sun) continues the complex action and intrigue from the first volume. Expansive space opera at its finest.—Kristi Chadwick
