The Blighted Stars

A tale of survival, conspiracy, and unexpected alliances

Megan E O'Keefe author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Little, Brown Book Group

Published:25th May '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The Blighted Stars cover

In The Blighted Stars, a revolutionary and her enemy must work together to survive on a dying planet while uncovering a galaxy-wide conspiracy.

In The Blighted Stars, a revolutionary and her enemy find themselves stranded on a dying planet, forced to confront their differences for survival. As they navigate the harsh environment, they must uncover a galaxy-spanning conspiracy that threatens humanity's future. Naira Sharp, a determined revolutionary, believes she has discovered the truth behind the destruction of habitable planets, pointing to the powerful Mercator family as the culprits behind the chaos. Her goal is to dismantle their control from within, but her plans take an unexpected turn when she crash-lands with Tarquin Mercator, the heir to the very dynasty she seeks to destroy.

Tarquin, who would rather study geology than manage a vast business empire, finds himself in a precarious situation. Tasked by his father to oversee a new planetary settlement, he is unaware of Naira's true intentions. Disguised as his bodyguard, Naira's mission is to sabotage the settlement, but survival on the desolate planet forces them to collaborate. Together, they must navigate treacherous landscapes and their own conflicting motives to uncover a plot that could alter the fate of their galaxy.

The Blighted Stars is the first installment in an exciting new space opera trilogy that combines intricate world-building with deep character development. With themes of rebellion, loyalty, and the complexities of power, this novel invites readers to explore a universe filled with danger and intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Brimming with unconventional gender dynamics and shifting identities, The Blighted Stars is character-driven science fiction at its best -a taut novel with human questions at its heart -- E. J. Beaton, author of THE COUNCILLOR
The Blighted Stars delivers a first-in-series that's 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
The Blighted Stars is 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
A brilliantly plotted yarn of survival and far-future political intrigue -- GUARDIAN on VELOCITY WEAPON
The Blighted Stars yields enjoyable adventure full of romantic tension and alien mystery -- WALL STREET JOURNAL
The Blighted Stars is everything I want in a book: lots of action, lots of character and lots of heart. Megan E. O'Keefe delights with every page, from her stunning action sequences set on alien planets to her exploration of the twisted pathways taken by the human heart. 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
Skilfully interweaves intrigue, action and strong characterisation -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on VELOCITY WEAPON

A well-written tale of space adventure, underhanded political dealings and AI rights all wrapped up in a fast-paced plot and a well-thought-out world. A must-read for fans of James S. A. Corey and Alastair Reynolds

-- THE BOOKBAG on VELOCITY WEAPON
The story's environmental themes are handled very well (O'Keefe gives the reader much to think about without sounding didactic); the characters are lively; and the writing is full of energy. A very promising series launch -- BOOKLIST
Emotional arcs and action sequences, vivid worldbuilding and interesting explorations of body printing and corporate servitude provide an immersive story . . . O'Keefe's latest has the intrigue, surprises and high stakes of her previous novels -- LIBRARY JOURNAL
Megan O'Keefe's new novel begins in the middle of a sudden attack on a spaceship and never once lets up, moving at breakneck speed through danger after deadly danger . . . I know it's a cliché to say 'You won't be able to put it down', but that's exactly the effect The Blighted Stars has on you! Riveting adventure at a rocketing pace, with engaging characters thrown in for good measure! -- Connie Willis, author of DOOMSDAY BOOK

ISBN: 9780356517377

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 36mm

Weight: 340g

512 pages