I will read anything where the description is, “It’s like X in space!” so when I heard Cleopatra and Caesar IN SPACE, I was instantly intrigued. Even though I knew basically nothing about their story. But I’m always fascinated by reimaginings and also space so match made in heaven? Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Princess Altagracia has lost everything. After a bloody civil war, her twin sister has claimed not just the crown of their planet Szayet but the Pearl of its prophecy, a computer that contains the immortal soul of Szayet’s god. Stripped of her birthright, Gracia flees the planet—just as Matheus Ceirran, Commander of the interstellar Empire of Ceiao, arrives in deadly pursuit with his volatile lieutenant, Anita. When Gracia and Ceirran’s paths collide, Gracia sees an opportunity to win back her planet, her god, and her throne…if she can win the Commander and his right-hand officer over first.
But talking her way into Ceirran’s good graces, and his bed, is only the beginning. Dealing with the most powerful man in the galaxy is almost as dangerous as war, and Gracia is quickly torn between an alliance that fast becomes more than political and the wishes of the god—or machine—that whispers in her ear. For Szayet’s sake, and her own, Gracia will need to become more than a princess with a silver tongue. She will have to become a queen as history has never seen before—even if it breaks an empire.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Stars Undying is a chunky SF about empires, bargains, and alliances. It’s about the power which can save us, which elevate us, and which cause our downfall. Told in dual POV, The Stars Undying truly allows us to sink into both Ceirran and Altagracia. It’s one of the strongest pieces of this book because while there’s tons of action, adventure, and scheming, what kept me reading were the characters. I became entranced by Altagracia’s quest for power and the interaction with the colonial powers. I definitely liked her better than Ceirran, but mostly because it was harder for me to truly see through his eyes.
To see the risks, dangers, and stakes. Not to mention, I always love an underdog and as she has to fight back for her power, Altagracia was an instant favorite. There are some parts of this epic SF that feel a bit slower than others, which can make reading a slower experience. So I had to adjust my expectations since this book seems to be like half characters half scheming. Another element I enjoyed was how Robin explores who has the right to rule.
Overall,
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Is it about who is better suited to rule? About who has the ear of the gods? Who has the most alliances and power to tip the balance? The Stars Undying examines this theme throughout both Cierran and Altagracia’s lives. As they chase power and legacies, expectations and survival. With the epic amount of history to cover, I am intrigued in the sequel especially because of the ending and the queer relationships within this space reimagining.
It’s a balancing act between power plays in chambers not on streets and the necessity of observing so far away to see all the pieces as the individuals are obscured. Find The Stars Undying on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.