A review by cryosphinx
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

challenging dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I've had this on my TBR for awhile but decided to read it after it won the Hugo (for whatever that's worth nowadays...)

At first, I wasn't sure what I was expecting, I didn't know much about it other than it was space opera adjacent and the book premise from the cover. The main character, Kyr, was super frustrating and she was horrible to the point that I was NOT rooting for her. But after a bit you realize that's definitely what the intent was. Tesh wants you to be uncomfortable and see through the eyes of this person who has such strong beliefs. It twists the story on it's head about half way through and I was hooked. 

The world building is good, it's emotional, and deals with a lot of big issues and is jammed packed. It's well executed, the redemption arc is one for the ages. I wish there had been a little more at the end to really bring the whole thing together. It kind of wraps up and ends quickily.
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