The Stars Are Legion

Starred review from November 28, 2016
In a universe where the word for spaceship is the same as for world, two women struggle to escape a perpetual war in this dystopic yet hopeful space opera. Zan works to regain her memory of being the only survivor from a raid on a mystery ship, while stuck in a royal-court setting where she trusts no one but Jayd, her adoptive sister. Jayd, daughter and aide to the Lord Katazyrna, keeps her own secrets, including one that could turn Zan against her. Both are removed from their positions when the Katazyrna are ambushed by rivals, with Zan dropped down a recycler and Jayd taken as consort by the rival lord. Don’t be led astray by the gendered titles; this universe is populated entirely by women. Hugo-winner Hurley (Empire Ascendant) gives the reader little, with both protagonists unable or unwilling to explain much. As they encounter the surprising practices (including blood sacrifice, experimentation on live subjects, and hunting of genetic mutants) among the different layers of the world-ships, the reader shares their astonishment and anxiety. Hurley places herself squarely on the side of love and trust over hate and fear, even as she details how trust can be abused and love can be manipulated. She excels at keeping the reader involved and supportive of Zan and Jayd when they seem most lost, and even when they are most opposed to each other. This gripping book is both hard to read and easy to appreciate.

September 15, 2016
Tiring of a galactic war fought for centuries upon hundreds of world-ships, much-feared leader Anat makes a bid for peace by approaching her rival with the offer of daughter Jayd in marriage. From two-time Hugo Award winner Hurley.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2017
Hurley's latest stand-alone space-opera novel depicts the Legion, a group of organic spaceships or worlds orbiting around a shared sun, with the various lords of the slowly dying worlds competing for ever-dwindling resources. All of the inhabitants of the various worlds are women, with pregnancy and childbirth being automatic processes seemingly tied to the needs of their particular worlds. The bulk of the story follows Zan, an amnesiac continually sent by the lord of Katazyrna to try and capture the mysterious Mokshi, the only world to ever move from its place in the Legion's orbit. Another thread follows Jayd, a woman with intimate ties to Zan and her lost past, as well as world-altering plans for the Legion's future. As Zan explores not only space but the vast interior of Katazyrna itself, Hurley takes the reader on an exciting and at times breathtaking journey through the world of her creation. This novel is highly recommended for anyone looking for an inventive and engaging science fiction experience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)