A Hole in the Sky

This promising first installment of a new space opera trilogy, originally published as an audiobook in 2021, from British Science Fiction Award winner Hamilton (the Salvation trilogy) takes place aboard the Daedalus, a generation ship large enough to support an Earth-like habitat. Seventeen-year-old Hazel is honored to be the flower girl on Cycling Day, a disturbing yearly ceremony in which Daedalus residents over the age of 65 are recycled (read: killed) “to make room for the new generations.” Her special day is interrupted by the capture of three Cheaters—villagers who escaped recycling—one of whom tells Hazel that the habitat is running out of air. Hazel almost dismisses the older woman’s words—until an accident paralyzes her brother, Frazer. As he’s no longer able to work, he’s set to be recycled. Instead, Hazel flees with him, seeking out the hidden community of Cheaters. There, Hazel encounters revelation after revelation about the true history of her world as she struggles to help her brother and save everyone on the ship. The twists are frequent and thrilling, though it somewhat strains credulity that Hazel manages to escape so many deadly scrapes unscathed. Still, readers ready to suspend disbelief will be continually surprised and delighted. Agent: Antony Harwood, Antony Harwood Literary. (Jan.)