Slow Gods

This epic and enthralling galactic adventure from Campbell Award winner North (The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August) introduces an endearing monster as its hero. Mawukana “Maw” na-Vdnaze’s “otherness” revives him each time he dies. He uses this longevity to pilot sentient ships, work that would cause many humans to go mad. Maw spends decades navigating dangerous star systems while intergalactic factions including the sinister Shine, the hive-minded Consensus, the enigmatic Accord, and the mysterious Slow jockey for universal domination. Now a binary star is about to go supernova and destroy the planet Adjumir, home of Maw’s lost love, Gebre. Unwilling to abandon his dying planet, Gebre sends Maw away, but not before entrusting him with an artifact that may save the universe. North’s worldbuilding is dizzying and dazzling, full of fascinating and convincing characters (human, AI, and other), and thought-provoking meditations on destiny, duty, and power. Add in a doomed romance and stirring action, and this immersive, inventive space opera proves a sheer delight. (Sept.)