Some Desperate Glory

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh is one of the most suprising books I read this year. Despite it being an action driven book, it has so much depth and the character growth is *chef’s kiss. First things first: the earth is gone. Like gone gone, including everyone that lived on it. A few survivors remain aboard a series of attached patched up space ships, and everything in this left over society is aimed towards raging war on the aliens who did this. It is very military style, think Sparta with a hint of fascism, where everyone is raised as a warrior, and there is no place for questions. Our main character, Kyr (“Valkyr”) thrives in this environment, she has the highest score and is on her way to Command, or so she thinks. She doesn’t question everything like some around her do, like her brother and her friend, but when something happens even she can’t close her eyes to, the trouble begins. I really can’t say much more about the synopsis without spoilering, and it’s gonna be a hard review to write as there are so many amazing twists and views throughout the book that would be a total spoiler but they’re EPIC and amazing and made me feel all the feels.

The worldbuilding is done so well! I loved how humans were the big scary warmongering baddies of all the aliens, it was a nice change to the normal sci fi. And the Wisdom, epic. We’ve seen a concept like that before with all knowing machines, but the way this was handled, wow. It really made me think about the choices we make and how they impact the world. Oh and yay for all the feminism! The theme of radicalization is also very prominent in this book, and it’s very intense. I recognized a lot actually, being a sort of ex-vangelical, it felt healing reading about someone else going through the process.

But I absolutely loved the characters, they were all so real and fleshed out! In the beginning you kinda want to slap Kyr for being so naïve, but as she grows and gains more knowledge, and all her inner turmoil and desperate need to do the right thing, you just have to love her. Her journey is truly special and I loved it all. The side characters were amazing, even one that is slightly evil or at least morally very dark grey, he was so interesting and you get his choices, and that relatable evil gets under your skin. And Mags, her brother, is such a cinnamon roll in a killer machine body, gotta love him.

Something happens at the midpoint that’s quite a shock and turns the entire story upside down. However, there are some trigger warnings that you should definitely check, because it’s quite intense.

I’m thinking really hard of a downside, but I just can’t find one, hence the 5 stars. I loved everything about this book, it resonated so much with me personally, and I recommend it to everyone.

I received a free e-arc of this book (thanks to the publisher and Netgalley) but it hasn't influenced my opinion.