True love must overcome political intrigue, murder plots and an imperial grandmother in British debut author Everina Maxwell's sweeping space opera romance, Winter's Orbit.
Scandalous, fun-loving Kiem, "Prince Royal of Iskat and the Emperor's least favorite grandchild," protests when the Emperor orders him to marry handsome, proper Count Jainan immediately. Kiem barely knows Jainan, and he is certain Jainen has no wish to remarry only a month after the death of his partner Prince Taam, Kiem's cousin. Since Iskat's treaty with vassal planet Thea rests on the marriage alliance, Kiem's grandmother overrules his objections.
With marriage comes immediate miscommunication. Kiem tries to give Jainan space to grieve, leading Jainan to believe Kiem wants nothing to do with him. As Jainan strives to be compliant and unobtrusive, Kiem assumes his silences denote disapproval. After they learn Iskat's security operations have covered up details of Taam's death, Kiem and Jainan must rely on each other or become the next casualties. Dealing with their growing attraction, however, may prove even more difficult than preserving interplanetary peace.
Maxwell creates a sci-fi setting packed with the delicate intrigue and social tensions of an imperial romance in this delightful slow-burn love story. Both leads will charm readers as kind Kiem tries to make traumatized Jainan feel safe, while shy and serious Jainan helps Kiem to see himself as more than the Emperor's most frivolous relation. Maxwell's witty dialogue, tender characterizations and portrayal of diverse gender identities should quickly win her a devoted fanbase. --Jaclyn Fulwood, blogger at Infinite Reads