Space Opera

by Catherynne M. Valente

Book Overview

2019 HUGO AWARD FINALIST, BEST NOVEL

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets the joy and glamour of Eurovision in bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente's science fiction spectacle, where sentient races compete for glory in a galactic musical contest...and the stakes are as high as the fate of planet Earth.

A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented--something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.

Once every cycle, the great galactic civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix--part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Species far and wide compete in feats of song, dance and/or whatever facsimile of these can be performed by various creatures who may or may not possess, in the traditional sense, feet, mouths, larynxes, or faces. And if a new species should wish to be counted among the high and the mighty, if a new planet has produced some savage group of animals, machines, or algae that claim to be, against all odds, sentient? Well, then they will have to compete. And if they fail? Sudden extermination for their entire species.

This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick, and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny--they must sing.

Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes have been chosen to represent their planet on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of Earth lies in their ability to rock.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1481497499
• ISBN13: 9781481497497
• Release Date: April 2018
• Publisher: S&s/Saga Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A great book, and a book about how humans can both stay the same and change

Ever watched Eurovision and thought to yourself: "they could have done more with that act"? Then this is the book for you! In a vocal battle for the fate of humanity, an aging rock star and what's left of his group are forced to work together to save all humans, or face extinction.

A unique adventure and a really fun read

For fans of Galaxy Quest and other parodical sci-fi, this book is for you. The concept is so outlandish and yet so realistic, and although the has-been rock stars that the story centers around are honest to their arrogance, they are still deeply relatable. Valente does an amazing job with worldbuilding, and with multiple worlds to boot. Looking forward to the sequel!