A Sunday Times Bestseller! A 2022 Alex Award Winner! “Sparks fly” (NPR) in Everina Maxwell’s gut-wrenching and romantic space opera debut. Prince Kiem, a famously disappointing minor royal and the Emperor’s least favorite grandchild, has been called upon to be useful for once. He’s commanded to fulfill an obligation of marriage to the representative of the Empire’s newest and most rebellious … representative of the Empire’s newest and most rebellious vassal planet. His future husband, Count Jainan, is a widower and murder suspect.
Neither wants to be wed, but with a conspiracy unfolding around them and the fate of the empire at stake they will have to navigate the thorns and barbs of court intrigue, the machinations of war, and the long shadows of Jainan’s past, and they’ll have to do it together.
So begins a legendary love story amid the stars.
Like Ancillary Justice meets Red, White and Royal Blue, Winter’s Orbit is perfect for fans of Lois McMaster Bujold.
“High-pitched noises escaped me; I shouted, more than once, ‘Now kiss!’ … in a world so relentlessly uncertain, there’s a powerfully simple pleasure in the experience of a promise kept.” —The New York Times Book Review
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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*Royal marriage of convenience in space! Slow burn! Stranded in the wilderness! Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell had been on my radar for ages, and I finally read it this month. I’m a space opera fan, but there’s rarely enough smoochy times for me, so this m/m romance hit all my buttons, especially the complicated political machinations. Loved it!
This began as an original work posted on AO3, which is where I first came across it. I loved it then. However, now, it’s even better. A beautifully crafted high-tech universe, normalised queerness, a diplomatic marriage to cement a difficult political situation, two people who think they are doing the best for each other but aren’t communicating very well, a murder to solve with the murderers still after them, and spaceships. What’s not to like? There’s also an ‘ooops, only one tent and it’s freezing’ incident, for which we should all give thanks. It’s a story about a relationship entwined with a complex political/diplomatic high-stakes plot and it is so, so good.
I particularly liked the gender expression, which IIRC is a new addition from when I read the AO3 version.
Honestly, this is brilliant. You should read it.
I LOVED this book!! The pitch (Red, White & Royal Blue, but make it a space opera) set very high expectations, but Winter’s Orbit exceeded them. The characters are so wonderful, and watching the dynamic between them shift from super-awkward and tense to very sweet and tender was a joy. In addition to a triumphant love story, there’s also plenty of galactic politics and mystery as Kiem and Jainen attempt to solve a murder that threatens the inter-planetary treaties their entire society is founded upon.
Well, excuse me while I go and cry my eyes out. What a wonderful, gut-wrenching, viscerally hopeful novel. And what a ride: I feel like I need a week to get over the way I’m feeling, this mix of heartbreak and relief and hope and “how do I go on now”. It’s rare that I get this kind of feeling: I usually avoid books that make me feel this way like the plague (because the world is uncertain and scary and I need my novels to be a comfort, a place to escape to) but I’m also pretty much grateful I finally had the guts to start, and finish, this novel.
“Winter’s Orbit” was beautiful. And also, quite tough. Heed the trigger warnings, because the author manages to capture the complexities and feelings of helplessness, of no way out, of desperate hope and desperate terror of domestic abuse in such a way it will punch you in the gut and feelings™ will literally whack you on the head like a shovel. A very heavy, very big shovel.
I absolutely loved both of the MCs: they’re so different, they have such widely opposing personalities and strengths and weaknesses, but they still manage to complete each other. They fit together and they make each other better and stronger and seeing their relationship progress was a sight to behold. Jainan, I loved him with my whole being and I was always switching between wanting to shield and protect him (and possibly get Kiem to resurrect Taam and kick him a lot), and cheering him on every time he did something badass: by the end of the novel I was so proud of him I wanted to weep. Kiem was utterly wonderful: funny and charming and good, always wanting to help and always protective, hilariously awkward at times and with next-to-no mouth filter. I loved him something fierce.
I haven’t read a sci-fi novel in ages and I had forgotten the peculiar feeling connected to this type of book with a space setting: that weird mix of longing and terror, of something so far away, but also of hope, of not being completely alone in the universe. The world-building was majestic and complex: a bit difficult to follow at times, but still, all the details paint such a vivid picture that you’ll feel like you’re actually there, with Kiem and Jainan and all the other wonderful side characters (mainly, Bel: somebody give her a medal, and maybe her own novel). The story was equally complex, but also a joy to follow: politics and secret plots, spy shenanigans and daring escapes, intergalactic treaties looming wars, PLUS a whole lot of sweet, intimate, tentatively romantic moments between Jainan and Kiem that will leave you sighing (and yes, sobbing too). I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I adored “Winter’s Orbit” so damn much: I read it slowly to savour it better and I’m so glad I decided to finally give into my TBR and read it. What a marvelous journey.
This was a really entertaining and original sci-fi romance featuring an arranged political marriage between two incredibly lovable and charismatic characters. Highly recommend checking this one out if you enjoy space opera.
The treaty falling apart is an anvil dangling overhead, threatening to crush Jainan and Kiem beneath it. Kiem is swept into responsibility he long since accepted he wasn’t suited for, and Jainan puts ever more pressure on himself to be perfect. The cracks are apparent for both, but it is in the cracks that they find how well they fit, both as a pair and as partners working side by side. The story takes these two characters that are lost and allows them to find refuge and solace with each other. It is devastatingly obvious that Jainan has gone through the wringer long before we are given actual glimpses of the abuse Jainan suffered at the hands of Taam. It is evident in his reflexive apologies, in the way he constantly perceives everything from the stance of “I caused this.” The sparsity of his belongings and the utter shock he has with Kiem’s gentler, warmer demeanor. Maxwell captures his trauma with honesty and sincerity as he embarks on a journey of healing.
In my eyes, the only significant way that Kiem has changed involves his drinking. Every other “wild” incident can either be chalked up to his youth (pranks with his friends), betrayal (those same friends turning around and selling the stories to the tabloids) and being held up to a mirror that could never accurately represent him. Kiem is charismatic and kind, he is diplomatic and skilled at spinning a story. More, he isn’t so proud as to allow his “wild” reputation to ruin his life.
From the start, Jainan and Kiem’s relationship is fraught with misunderstandings. They each deeply want to make the other one comfortable and to foster a certain closeness, but due to early misunderstandings, they zig when they should have zagged. Kiem enters the marriage believing that Jainan had the perfect marriage to the perfect partner and he would forever be inadequate. Jainan entered the marriage expecting to fall into similar roles as his marriage with Taam, roles where Jainan is repressed and isolated and always unwanted whereas Kiem would have all the power. Everina Maxwell laid the groundwork for Jainan’s abuse revelations with heartbreaking precision. Many threads are tied in that Maxwell previously wove throughout the beginning stages of Jainan and Kiem’s relationship. Jainan being from a planet with a radically different climate yet possessing far greater defensive and offensive abilities than Kiem came into play, as did their misunderstandings and tender moments. The action elements were what truly solidified Jainan and Kiem as a couple, and without them, Winter’s Orbit would be lesser.
I saw this one recommended on a blog I read. Really interesting world and set up for the romance. There is some history of abuse for one of the characters, so read the blurb reviews etc if that’s something that is difficult for you.
I loved how opposite the protagonists were and how they gradually came to know each other. The world-building was easy to follow, the stakes high for their marriage to work out. I was definitely rooting for our protagonists to figure everything out and I loved how each protagonist developed by the end of the journey. I wouldn’t mind seeing more stories in this world!
Scifi with a romantic heart. This standalone just blew me away. An incredibly complex world is created effortlessly, characters I didn’t want to leave come to life on the page. I couldn’t put it down. My only gripe? I want more! And this is the author’s only novel so far.
To save a multi-planet treaty, Prince Kiem must marry Count Jianan. Both men aren’t quite what they seem. Will they survive the political and personal challenges blocking their path to the treaty signing?
I love space operas, especially when they take the familiar — a political marriage — and travel an unexpected path. I’m hoping there will be more books in this series.
I can’t believe I slept on this book for so long. To be fair it did just come out in February so I didn’t wait that long, but before I saw it mentioned in a Best Of column it wasn’t on my radar at all. Well, it definitely made that list for good reason.
The Iskat Empire is in a precarious position. Just when a new treaty is due to be signed Prince Taam, married to Thean Ambassador Jainan is killed in a spacecraft accident. Needing a marriage between Iskat and Then to assure their alliance remains stable, the Emperor orders Prince Kiem to marry Jainan as soon as possible.
Neither Kiem or Jainan know how to talk to one another. They’re used as pawns for the “greater good” and very apparently put into an awkward situation. But they soon discover that Prince Taam’s death might have been no accident at all. When their own lives are threatened, and the suspect list continues to grow, they’ll have to trust one another to make it out alive.
What drew me in from the start were Kiem and Jainan themselves. The beginning featured a large info dump about the politics and political maneuvering is featured very heavily within the story. Luckily, Everina Maxwell seemed to understand the complexity of this type of story and while I’d say at the beginning things were a little foggy about how everything fit together, as the story proceeded it all became clear.
That’s why, I think, it’s so important to connect with Kiem and Jainan from the onset. Truly, I loved how opposite these characters are. Kiem is known as being kind of reckless and directionless. He’s typically featured heavily in the gossip news, and usually not in a very nice light. Jainan on the other hand comes across as very reserved and quiet, almost meek.
Of course these first assumption of both Kiem and Jainan aren’t the fully picture of who they really are, just how they’re perceived. I’ve not read a story that features the dynamic of a relationship built between two men the way that we see Kiem and Jainan’s . Though kind of slowly revealed it soon becomes apparent that Jainan’s relationship with Taam wasn’t one of mutual love and trust and compassion. Not wanting to spoil, but also giving a Trigger Warning, it’s abusive. And I don’t think there’s a lot of talk about abuse within same-sex relationships, and not much at all when two people are men. At least, for me this was something I had not read about so openly before. I think it’s an important thing to bring to light, and I think it’s equally important that this story features Jainan healing. In that regard that we see the complete difference between Taam and Kiem where Jainan is concerns. I loved seeing every moment when Kiem was able to get past one of Jainan’s barriers simply due to the fact that Kiem values Jainan, he sees who he is inside.
The same can be said in the reverse. Jainan sees Kiem as more than just wild partier. He sees the good he does for charity and schools acting as a spokesperson. He sees how Kiem is so at ease with people he’ll walk up to a new group and have new friends in an instant. That’s not something that everyone can do. But being told by everyone that you’re an embarrassment for your entire life will obviously make you doubt.
Amongst all the things we learn about these two characters, I was really interested in this near-futuristic world. I would love for Everina Maxwell to write about book featured in the same universe and expand what we already know. This is a very solid and enjoyable debut. I’m always excited to find new authors and I cannot wait to see what Everina Maxwell has for us next.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Oh, how I enjoyed this one so, so much! If you’re looking for an action-packed science fiction novel with space battles and spaceships, you won’t find that here. Instead, this is more of a mystery/thriller wrapped up in the slowest of slow burn romances that happens to be set in a fictional galaxy. The romance does take a back seat to the main plot, which is where this book lost half a star for me–I wanted MORE Kiem and Jainan. I want ALL the Kiem and Jainan. They were lovely and sweet together, and just utterly perfect!
I would never have guessed Everina Maxwell’s a debut author. This book was fantastically written–excellent writing, characters to root for, humour mixed with serious topics. Healing, comfort, romance, and politics mixed into one. Very much recommend if you like intrigue mixed with a slow burn romance between two space boys.
It was an odd feeling seeing the deal for this book. I was fortunate enough to see an early draft posted on Archive of Our Own, where it was a much shorter and less developed, and loved it, only to have it vanish from my bookmarks one day. When I managed to track down the author, I found she had gotten an agent and was working on getting it traditionally published. I was worried that something about the spark of the original novel would be lost in the traditionally published process, but I’m so happy to report that the final copy is just as magical as the original.
Winter’s Orbit is a space opera that takes place within a sprawling galactic empire, connected by various different alliances that can control a spatial link that connects them to the wider universe. Control of these links is in high demand, and alliances are constantly being made between various empires and planets in an effort to gain more control of trade and connection to the outer worlds. And in order for the Iskat Empire to keep control of one of its planets, Thea, a new marriage alliance must be forged. Jainan of Thea and Taam of Iskat were once the system’s power couple that held the alliance together with seemingly solid glue, but after Taam dies in an accident, the honor of keeping the marriage alliance with Jainan alive falls to Prince Kiem, playboy and human disaster extraordinaire. Their fraught marriage is further damaged by the discovery that Taam’s accident was perhaps not what it seemed, and that his death has set into motion a series of events that will have a rippling effect throughout the universe.
This is the perfect example of a book that’s a sci-fi romance, following a similar structure to a traditional romance novel while still being in space. The core of the novel is not only the mystery, it’s the relationship between Kiem and Jainan. I really loved them. I’m such a hard sell on the romance side of things; it’s usually the thing I end up complaining about because it feels too simple or easy. Yet, even though the two are married very early on in the book, this relationship felt earned. It’s clear very early on that the two of them don’t want to be married: Kiem enjoys his life outside politics and romantic attachments and Jainan’s coming off the heels of an abusive relationship. They have to work at it, and along the way are a series of miscommunications that had me hitting my head against the wall. It didn’t feel stupid, though, not like other forms of communication that have me complaining that the two should just talk to each other. They have such different worldviews and life experiences on top of being from different planetary cultures, so all of their miscommunication made complete sense within the world they live in. It’s not all miscommunication and doom, however. There’s a lot of seriously charming elements and romance tropes: sharing a bed, huddling for warmth, the private versus public lives of romance interests… There’s a lot to love in this romance. It was sweet, but not overly so; the author never forgets that there’s a science-fiction plot happening in the background, complete with universal repercussions and inter-empire war.
And the Winter’s Orbit universe seems like such an interesting place to live in. Some of the worldbuilding made for bright spots in dark situations. Winter’s Orbit is a M/M romance, but the queer aspect of the novel is mostly ignored within a much more progressive universe (although still within a colonial empire, interestingly enough, but the book actually does interrogate this aspect of sci-fi that goes often ignored). The gender system of the Iskat Empire is based off of jewelry, particularly the material used to make it, or if its used at all. I would love the ability to take off my earrings and be perceived as nonbinary, or for other trans people to craft wooden or shiny jewelry to more properly express themselves. Jainan’s home planet uses scarves for clan associations as well. This seemed like an original facet of worldbuilding that I hadn’t seen before, one that was integrated well and gave off a charming vibe. There was also some realistic culture clashes: how gender is perceived on one world versus another, landscape and fighting changes, even instances where one word means something different on different planets. All these little things added up to form a believable universe that doesn’t feel homogenous or simple, but realistic in the little ways authors tend not to think about.
The biggest thing that changed from my first read-through online to my second with the actual book was that the plot became increasingly more dense, with added major characters and more labyrinthine twists and turns. While some of the padding was appreciated and definitely evolved this from being a more casual fanfic feel to a massively evolved sci-fi epic, some of the added characters and their motivations felt unnecessary. There’s a lot of he-said, she-said going around while our duo is trying to solve the mystery of Taam’s death, resulting in a lot of back and forth between suspicions and subjects. There are a lot of moving pieces, motivations, and flip-flopping of sides and alliances. Certain planets are part of certain empires, which are parts of other empires, which are involved in treaties with other kind-of empires? In a book with a whole universe of world-building involved, it can be easy to lose track of exactly how some of these planets and people are allied and why they are. It really was such a lush world, but as the mystery thickened and the book began to draw to a close, it felt like there were alliance and motivation politics that were a little unclear.
Winter’s Orbit is easy to love, with a romance plot to swoon over and a sci-fi epic for those of us who like our space operas intricate. Kiem and Jainan are the highlights of the novel, with their relationship equally cute and moving. Jainan in particular stood out to me as the most intricately layered; the book deals with mature subjects while not venturing too deep into dark sci-fi territory. I’m so glad this book managed to make its way from the corners of Archive of Our Own onto the shelves of real-life bookstores and that romance is more and more being seen as a viable category for sci-fi and fantasy novels.
review blog
The Iskat Empire had dominated the system and not all the other world are pleased about it. To avoid rising hostilities, recently widowed Jainan, is rushed into an arranged marriage with his deceased husband Prince Taam’s cousin. Prince Kiem has a less than stellar reputation but when duty calls, he finds himself married to a man he has never met. The two of them know their marriage is necessary to keep treaties and political alliances in place and a bid to keep the rising hostilities between the two worlds under control. When Prince Taam’s death turns out it may have not been and accident. In fact, Jainan is a suspect. Now the pair must overcome their uncertainties and learn to trust one another as they navigate the perils of the court while trying to solve a murder to prove Jainan’s innocence
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell was surprisingly good and I devoured it in one sitting. Really not what I expected at all. If you are looking for a science fiction story, this isn’t it. It is more of a romance, of the arranged marriage variety, set on another planet. Not a lot of the technical flavor but there is definitely interplanetary conflict. You know almost from the beginning Jainan has a secret. He seemed just too subservient for it to be a personality thing. His over thinking his actions and words hinted at something dark. As for Kiem, I think he was painted to be a playboy of sorts. We are meant to not take him seriously, almost a complete joking disappointment by the court when really underneath it all he has a heart of gold. Kiem is the perfect match for Jainan, to help heal the ugly he has endured.
There’s a quite a few stories here that all mesh together. First, there is the mystery behind Taam’s death. Was it an accident or murder and the big question of why. Next there is the political aspect. Court, interplanetary dealings, and will war be averted. Last but not least, the relationship between Kiem and Jainan. Each story I found exciting to read and meshed together well. It was the fragile relationship between Kiem and Jainan that really did it for me. These two I just liked from the get-go. The wounded and the disappointment. Not necessarily a great combination but as their relationship began to grow you can see they were able to heal one another, to form a bond.
Author Everina Maxwell has done a spectacular job with the storyline, characters and world building. I look forward to reading more from this author. There wasn’t anything about Winter’s Orbit I didn’t like and feel this is a book worth recommending.
Stars: 4
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kiem, is a royal prince of Iskat. When his cousin, Taam, is killed in an accident, Kiem is ordered to marry Taam’s widower, Jainan. Kiem is not happy being married off to Jainen. However, the Emperor has spoken because she wants nothing to happen to the treaty between Iskat and Jainan’s home world of Thea. A rushed wedding occurs two days later. Soon it comes to light that Taam’s death was no accident and Jainan will be the prime suspect. The two newlyweds are determined to find out who killed Taam and clear Jainan’s name as well as to prevent war.
This not your typical romance nor is it firmly within the pages of a typical SciFi novel. It is, however, thoroughly blended in equal parts romance and SciFi. The author has taken the best of both genres and written a finely tuned debut novel.
The author takes her time developing her characters and moving their relationship along while they work to solving the mystery of Taam’s murder.
Her world building is, for the most part, outstanding as well, although there were a couple of times, I thought it seemed on the verge of being somewhat contrived.
If you’ve been looking for something different to read, put this book at the top of your to-be-read list. You’ll not be disappointed.
My thanks to Tor and Edelweiss for an eARC.