The Sol Majestic

Starred review from April 15, 2019
Much like the kitchen in which it’s set, Steinmetz’s culinary space opera is filled with variety. At its heart, it’s a complex, chaotic, and mystifying coming-of-age story of a young man becoming a lover, an aesthete, and an activist. When 16-year-old Kenna comes to Savor Station, a waystation deep within the stars, he’s starved both physically and spiritually. His parents are devoted to the dying religion of Inevitable Philosophies, which expects devotees to find their own guiding philosophies by age 15; Kenna hasn’t found his, and isn’t sure he will. Then he stumbles upon the Sol Majestic, a universally famous restaurant run by a small creative genius, Paulius, and his sharp-angled business partner, Scrimshaw. Paulius sees a spark in Kenna and makes a project of helping him sort himself out. As Kenna becomes accustomed to life aboard the station, he finds his purpose as part of the kitchen brigade, and soon finds ways to give back to the people who introduced him to the wonder that is food. Steinmetz (The Uploaded) elevates his story with lush details and vividly rendered characters, crafting a memorable love letter to the nourishment of body and soul as well as the dignity of work and service. Agent: Evan Gregory, Ethan Ellenberg Literary.

Starred review from May 1, 2019

Kenna is traveling with his parents across the galaxy, looking for enlightenment, his Inevitable Philosophy--and a good meal. Near starvation, Kenna ends up winning a meal at the exclusive Sol Majestic restaurant. The head chef, Paulius, finds inspiration in Kenna's search for his philosophy, beginning a journey to end in Kenna's Wisdom Ceremony--whether he finds his Inevitable Philosophy or not. In the kitchen, Kenna discovers individuals joined in their love of food and creativity: Scrimshaw, the holder of the purse strings; impassioned Paulius; beautiful broth-stirrer Benzo. As Kenna learns more about Paulius and strikes up a friendship with Benzo, he realizes that the path to becoming a Prince of the Inevitable Philosophies involves not only his mind but his heart as well. VERDICT With this intersection of sf and culinary narrative, Steinmetz (The Uploaded) serves up a charming coming-of-age tale with an appealing cast of unforgettable characters.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2019
People make reservations years in advance for the expensive, inspiring restaurant The Sol Majestic on Savor Station. One table is reserved for anyone who can answer the deceptively simple question: why do you love food? Kenna's life is upended when he stumbles into the queue for that table. He is the child of Inevitable Philosophers who care more about finding supporters for their faith than they do about their slightly disappointing child. Kenna is old enough to have a Philosophy of his own, and yet none has been forthcoming. At The Sol Majestic, though, the labor and artistry of food?both fine dining and fundamentals?form the center for Kenna's education. Soon, he has agreed to participate in the head chef's feast in the tradition of Inevitable Philosophy, chosen a mentor chef, and learned unexpected and marvelous things about how people and the station function in both ordinary and extraordinary situations. The setting is excellent, and the background and characters are compelling. It's an entertaining ride, and Kenna's journey to enlightenment is both thrilling and comforting.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)