Publishers Weekly
02/05/2024
In Cho’s cozy yet complex far-future debut, a space military known as the Alliance, based out of Korea, has emerged as the leading galactic power. On the evening of the Alliance’s annual gala, the scrappy crew of the Ohneul is scattered. After a difficult breakup, Ocean, Ohneul’s XO and a talented pilot, gives her captain the slip to spend the night shopping with an old friend, Teophilus “Teo” Anand, whose extraordinarily wealthy family produces the technology used by the Alliance. Meanwhile, Haven, who has unwittingly replaced a beloved crew member as the Ohneul’s new medic, is mysteriously shunned by Alliance members for being a “Death Hand.” When Haven and Ocean head out on a routine mission, Teo leaves with his own crew to escort an important diplomatic group—but when one of his father’s political plays goes badly wrong, the characters reunite under explosive circumstances. A vast and complicated political landscape undergirds the resulting adventure, which is full of slow-burn romance, tense negotiation, and close shaves. Every scene builds suspense and illuminates fascinating themes of exploitation, privilege, and identity, all held together by a sweet found family narrative. Ambitious and heartwarming, this is a treat. Agent: Amy Elizabeth Bishop, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Apr.)
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An Indie Next Pick
An Amazon Editors' Pick
Most Anticipated by Barnes & Noble, Lit Hub, Debutiful, and Gizmodo
“Ocean’s Godori navigates the space lane blazed by Becky Chambers and James S.A. Corey, but it manages to arrive at some exciting new destinations.” —Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post
"Space. Murder. Romance. Tradition and technology collide in this impressive debut, perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth." —B&N Reads, "Our Most Anticipated Books April 2024"
"Buckle up because this sci-fi will take you to places you never expected. Its plot moves with keen precision. The page-turner will bring readers to the edges of space while tackling the age of questions of who we are and what we are here for." —Debutiful
"Ocean's Godori is dark and dreamy and thrilling in a Blade Runner kind of way, but with an expansive love that thrums underneath the surface in the tradition of Becky Chambers. More, please." —Yume Kitasei, author of The Deep Sky
"The real strength of the book, however, is in the relationships between family and friends, the living and the dead, and the ways these threads of connection motivate and inform characters. This is an entertaining debut with satisfying cultural-background details for the characters and the world and plenty of room for development." —Booklist
“Full of slow-burn romance, tense negotiation, and close shaves. Every scene builds suspense and illuminates fascinating themes of exploitation, privilege, and identity, all held together by a sweet found family narrative. Ambitious and heartwarming, this is a treat.” —Publishers Weekly
“Fun, full of both heart and plot.” —Kirkus
“With its quirky band of spacefarers, this will appeal to fans of high-concept, high-appeal space opera.” —Library Journal
Library Journal
03/01/2024
DEBUT Disgraced sharpshooter Ocean serves on the Ohneul, the only ship in Korea's space Alliance that will take her. She's joined by new recruit Haven, who is equally shunned due to his profession, working with the dead. Not long into their mission, the Ohneul rescues Teo, one of Ocean's few friends, who has been framed for killing the rest of his wealthy family. Together, they, the Ohneul's crew, and a group of raiders with their own agenda must find who is really responsible and their own places in the world. With its quirky band of spacefarers, this will appeal to fans of high-concept, high-appeal space opera. The novel hints at romance by setting up an enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Teo and a charismatic raider, plus a love triangle that includes Ocean and Haven. It ends abruptly after the crew's confrontation with Teo's family's killers reveals a deeper ideological conflict, setting up more adventures to come. VERDICT Cho's debut is a quick read with a spark of romance and a cliffhanger that will frustrate some readers but leave others excited for what happens next.—Erin Niederberger
