Winter's orbit by Everina Maxwell

An ALA Alex Award (2022) winner, Winter’s orbit is an engrossing space opera that is a feel-good read. When Prince Taam dies in a space shuttle accident, the Iskat Emperor considers that it is imperative that his widower Jainan from the planet Thea, is married immediately to keep relations stable. Prince Kiem, a disreputable cousin is chosen but when it appears that Prince Taam’s death may have been murder, the pair must join forces to uncover secrets that could lead to an interplanetary war.

First published on Archive of Our Own (AO3), a place for fanfiction and other fanworks, Winter’s Orbit was taken up by traditional publishing. It ticks all the boxes for readers of science fiction and those who like a slow burning romance mixed with inter-planetary relations. The world building is fascinating and the politics involving the planets is riveting. When Prince Kiem finds out that Jainan is being investigated for the murder of Taam, he must begin to leave his careless lifestyle and use his contacts and confidence to find out what is happening. There are some very exciting moments as the pair trace clues to Taam’s actions with the Kingfisher mining project and the reader will be compelled to quickly finish the book to find out what has happened.

In the interview at the end of the book, Maxwell cites Lois McMaster Bujold (Vorkosigan saga) and Ann Leckie (Ancillary Justice) as influences, and readers may enjoy books by both those authors.

Readers who want a satisfying, easy to read book about space politics, action and romance will not be disappointed. I immediately went on to read Ocean’s echo, also set in the same world.

Themes: Same sex marriage, Murder, Loyalty, Space warfare.

Pat Pledger