Some Desperate Glory

Simon reviewed Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

Review of 'Some Desperate Glory' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Continuing my Hugo reading after a lengthy gap, and far too late to actually vote.

Is this MilSF? Or an antidote to MilSF? Eh, I don't care. It's a nice exploration of a humanity that has met the galaxy, tried to conquer the galaxy, and lost. Of living in a fascist micro-state with a charismatic leader. Of somebody coming to realise they have been brought up in a cult. Also, it's a book about faliure and understanding. And on top of that a decent, engrossing, SF plot. It's not always nuanced, or subtle, but it doesn't need to be. Good for our times.

A worthy nominee (winner, I think?) that I'm glad I read, but not at "I must immediately read everything else they wrote" level.

Content warning for non-graphic sexual assault of teenagers, described (tellingly well) from the victim's perspective.

Amber Herbert reviewed Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

A Space Opera with Lots to Unpack

5 stars

Some Desperate Glory is a space opera set after Earth's destruction. Gaea Station, home to a radical group of warbreed humans, has pitted itself against the majo race, the ones who annihilated their homeland. Without spoiling anything, the novel is a whirlwind of moral turmoil, intergalactic politics, and the Wisdom's immense power over all of existence.

Valkyr, our ornery and entitled protagonist, is tough to love but easy to understand. While there were times I wanted to throttle her for being so short-sighted and petty, I often felt she desperately needed a hug. Mags and Avi were fun characters, and I believe their presence really rounded out Valkyr's dominating personality. However, Yiso (the majo prisoner), was my absolute favorite of them all.

It took me about 100 pages to really get into the story, but after that I was hooked. The novel is formatted into five parts, and by the …

Some Desperate Glory is a space opera set after Earth's destruction. Gaea Station, home to a radical group of warbreed humans, has pitted itself against the majo race, the ones who annihilated their homeland. Without spoiling anything, the novel is a whirlwind of moral turmoil, intergalactic politics, and the Wisdom's immense power over all of existence.

Valkyr, our ornery and entitled protagonist, is tough to love but easy to understand. While there were times I wanted to throttle her for being so short-sighted and petty, I often felt she desperately needed a hug. Mags and Avi were fun characters, and I believe their presence really rounded out Valkyr's dominating personality. However, Yiso (the majo prisoner), was my absolute favorite of them all.

It took me about 100 pages to really get into the story, but after that I was hooked. The novel is formatted into five parts, and by the false peak, I couldn't put it down. The science behind the tech is wonky, fascinating, and certainly absurdist if given much thought... but it's still done with finesse and ingenuity.

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys space operas, crazy space tech, or complicated friendships.