by S. B. Divya
First published 2023
Jayanthi grows up as the only human child among alloy parents, watching her posthuman family explore the galaxy while humanity remains trapped on Earth. When scientists discover Meru, an uninhabited world that could support human life, Jayanthi sees her chance to prove that humans deserve freedom from their five-century quarantine. She partners with Vaha, an inexperienced alloy pilot seeking to establish an independent reputation. Together they travel to Meru to assess whether humans can colonize this new planet without repeating the destructive patterns that led to their original confinement. The mission tests both travelers in ways they never anticipated. Jayanthi must demonstrate that humans have evolved beyond their reputation for greed and environmental destruction. Vaha struggles with the technical challenges of the expedition while navigating complex relationships with other alloys who doubt the mission's wisdom. As they work together on Meru's surface, Jayanthi and Vaha develop a deep partnership that transcends the historical divide between their species. Their success could reshape the future relationship between humans and alloys throughout the galaxy.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, space-opera
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Meru, Earth
Period: Future
432 pages · Paperback · 47North