The Genesis of Misery

In Neon Yang's debut novel, The Genesis of Misery, a queer and diverse array of pilots, princesses, and prophetic heirs engage in high-tech space battles and political machinations. Misery Nomaki, raised on a remote moon colony, is a fraud who must master the holy mech they are destined for to convince the Emperor of the Faithful that they are the real deal. The novel explores the nature of truth, the power of belief, and the interplay of both in the stories we tell ourselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: St Martin's Press

Neon Yang's The Genesis of Misery is a captivating space-fantasy novel that has been nominated for a Goodreads Best Science Fiction Choice Award and selected as a Top 10 Book of 2022 by the New York Public Library. Set in a futuristic world filled with high-tech space battles and political machinations, the story follows a diverse ensemble of characters, including queer and diverse pilots, princesses, and prophetic heirs. This novel blends elements of Joan of Arc meets Gideon the Ninth with a touch of Pacific Rim, creating a mind-blowing rollercoaster ride of a space opera.

The protagonist, Misery Nomaki, is a young person who has been chosen as a warrior to lead their people to victory in a holy war. However, Misery knows they are a fraud, as they were raised on a remote moon colony and do not believe in any kind of god. Their angel is a delusion brought on by hereditary space exposure. Despite this, Misery's survival depends on mastering the holy mech they are supposedly destined for and convincing the Emperor of the Faithful that they are the real deal.

As Misery delves deeper into their charade, they begin to question their convictions. What if this, all of it, is real? The Nullvoid Chronicles is a reimagining of Joan of Arc's story given a space opera, giant robot twist. It explores the nature of truth, the power of belief, and the interplay of both in the stories we tell ourselves.

Neon Yang's writing is immersive and electrifying, transporting readers to a world of wonder and intrigue. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their unique perspectives and struggles adding depth to the story. The world-building is impressive, with detailed descriptions of the technology, cultures, and political landscapes.

Overall, The Genesis of Misery is a must-read for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. It is a story that challenges our perceptions of reality and encourages us to question the stories we tell ourselves. With its captivating plot, diverse characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Weight: 345g
Dimension: 210 x 135 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250788993