<b>3.0 Stars</b>
This was a fast paced engaging new science fiction novel. While marketed as adult fiction, this one felt like more of a YA crossover due to immaturity of the character and simplicity of the themes. The story attempts to address some serious issues but it does so in a rather basic way. The modern dialogue kept pulling me out of immersion. I wanted to love this but I was underwhelmed.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Some Desperate Glory, which is a queer space opera about a militaristic death cult. Tesh does some excellent character work with the main character, Kyr, as she is forced to question her role in her society. Sena Bryer does an wonderful job at narrating Tesh's debut novel, which I also think was excellently written. Each character has such a distinct voice, and Bryer did a lovely job at distinguishing them from each other. Tesh's story was very compelling and that Bryer's voice acting definitely compliments the story well.

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh is a thrilling queer space opera that tells the story of Kyr, a warrior who has been trained her entire life to avenge the murder of planet Earth. Kyr is one of the best warriors of her generation and has been raised alongside the last scraps of humanity in Gaea Station, where she is preparing to face the Wisdom, a powerful, reality-shaping weapon that gave the majoda their victory over humanity.

However, when Command assigns Kyr's brother to certain death and relegates her to Nursery to bear sons until she dies trying, Kyr knows that she must take humanity's revenge into her own hands. Alongside her brother's brilliant but seditious friend and a lonely, captive alien, Kyr escapes from everything she's known into a universe far more complicated and wondrous than she could have imagined.

Tesh's storytelling is masterful, audacious, and relentless. The world-building is superbly executed, and the characters are vividly drawn, making the reader fully invested in their journey. The themes of family, loyalty, and identity are explored deeply, and the queer representation is handled with sensitivity and nuance.

Some Desperate Glory is a stunning debut novel, with three starred reviews and recognition as an Astounding Award Winner and Crawford Award Finalist. Tesh has created a wildly imaginative and gripping space opera that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

Glorious. Divine. Just wow.

The range emotions Tesh had me feeling is insane. I went from HATING the mc to rooting for her with my entire soul. An amazing queer space opera. I recommend to every scifi/fantasy lover.