The Fractured Dark

Starred review from July 28, 2023

Having escaped from misprint monsters and a dying planet, Naira Sharp is determined to find out the truth behind the death of hospitable planets, knowing that her former employers, the Mercators, are behind it. Also on her side is Tarquin Mercator, the studious son of this hated family, and a man Naira was growing to care for--except that her new print does not have those memories. When Tarquin's father announces he is going into seclusion and taking most of the supply of the material needed to create starships, Naira, Tarquin, and their allies must play a dangerous game to find him and the fuel, stop the rest of the ruling families from revolting, and fight against the growing influence of the parasitic infection that exists in most of what is left of humanity. Skillful work with printable bodies, mind downloads, and alien influences creates a myriad of morally gray decisions by many characters that bring twists throughout. VERDICT O'Keefe's sequel to The Blighted Stars continues to masterfully play with genetic enhancement and reproducible physiology, corporate power, and alien life. An exciting science-fiction series that will make readers anxious for the final volume.--Kristi Chadwick

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