Member Review

The Red Scolar's Wake by Aliette de Bodard

Thank you Netgallery and Orion Publishing Group/Gollancz for an ARC for an unbiased review.

Did someone say space pirates? Hold on, it gets better. Did someone say queer Space pirates?
I'm in!
Ah, but did it deliver?

Yes. If like me you love space opera style stories, this totally delivers. Add in the queer element and it made a solid storyline even better.

So what made it so good?
Firstly, I love how the whole character of Rice Fish is based off Ching Shih/Zheng Yi Sao (also confirmed by the author via a tweet) as this just makes it all the more rewarding.

We have sentient ships, romance, bad ass women, pirates, and space all rolled into one storyline that didn't miss a beat. Okay, perhaps initially it took me a little time just to be clear who was who, but once I had that sorted out, it truly didn't miss a beat.
I think the most unexpected development was the children. Not only as they were polar opposites, but also then how they played into the story, and on how choices were made. They enhanced the whole thing for me, as they allowed us to glimpse into other aspects of thoughts and feelings for the main protagonists.

The descriptions throughout were full of imagery that brought the whole thing alive. It enriched the story beautifully. The overall themes were consistent and apt. It was thrilling, emotive, angsty at times, and let us not forget the romance element that weaved through it all.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. Would I gift this book? Absolutely.
Queer, space opera piracy at its finest!

5/5 stars 🌟