The King Must Die - by Kemi Ashing-Giwa (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of The Splinter in the Sky comes a pulse-pounding blend of science fiction, dystopian adventure, and space opera as the daughter of imprisoned rebel instigators teams up with the heir of a power-drunk emperor to save the empire...or destroy it in the process.

Fen's world is crumbling. Newearth--a once-promising planet gifted by the all-powerful alien Makers--now suffers from failed terraforming, leaving its people on the brink of collapse. Fen, a skilled mercenary bodyguard, has spent her life working under a cunning magistrate, entangled in the politics of an empire that shattered her family. Her parents, labeled rebels, remained her only tether to hope--until the ruthless Sovereign executed them and marked Fen for death.

With nothing left to lose, Fen escapes with a single map and an old quarterstaff, embarking on a dangerous quest to seek out the last remnants of the rebellion. But the underground insurgents may be even more dangerous than the Sovereign's army. At the center of it all stands Alekhai, the Sovereign's heir--a brutal, power-hungry force of destruction. Though he embodies everything Fen despises, his dangerous plans might be the empire's last chance at survival...or the final push to its doom.

Perfect for fans of fast-paced dystopian adventures, intergalactic intrigue, and morally complex heroes, Newearth's Doom weaves an unforgettable story of rebellion, survival, and impossible choices. Will Fen save her world--or ensure its destruction?

Review Quotes

"A breathtaking space opera debut... Delving into serious sociopolitical matters without ever losing the shine of hope, this tense adventure packs a punch."
--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Highly recommended for fans of N. K. Jemisin's Inheritance trilogy and Rebecca Roanhorse's Between Earth and Sky series."
--Booklist, Starred Review

"The Splinter in the Sky is an engrossing novel that captures, in impressive prose, the deep discomfort of living under occupation. Kemi Ashing-Giwa's present-tense writing pulls readers deep into Enitan's rich inner life, behind the mask she is forced to wear in order to survive."-- "Book Page"

"The Vaalbarans' personal and political oppression of the Korikese calls to mind European conquests across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania... A strong debut with soft SF elements offering major crossover appeal for fantasy aficionados."
--Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

About the Author

Kemi Ashing-Giwa was born and raised in Southern California, where she grew up on a steady diet of sci-fi and fantasy. She has an undergraduate degree in integrative biology and astrophysics from Harvard University and is currently a PhD student in the Earth and planetary sciences department at Stanford University. She is the author of the novel The Splinter in the Sky and the forthcoming novella This World Is Not Yours.