Some Desperate Glory

by Emily Tesh
Some Desperate Glory cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Technical:
  • ID: 232
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9780356517179
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-04-11
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Some Desperate Glory is the acclaimed debut novel from Emily Tesh, winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel. This thrilling space opera follows Kyr, a warrior raised on Gaea Station, who has trained her whole life to avenge Earth's destruction. When her brother is sent to certain death and she is relegated to bear sons, Kyr must take matters into her own hands, escaping into a universe far more complex and wondrous than she ever imagined. The novel delves deeply into themes of war’s devastation, the bonds of chosen family, and the harsh realities of survival and rebellion. Praised for its masterful storytelling and profound humanity, Some Desperate Glory has been shortlisted for several major awards, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize, and draws comparisons to genre titans like Ursula K. Le Guin and Octavia Butler.

Reviews
The Bookbag · Olivia Tierney · 2025-09-06
engaging 4.50

The book is highly rated for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, blending space opera and coming-of-age elements with thoughtful world-building.

Olivia Tierney praises 'Some Desperate Glory' for its successful blend of space opera thrills and a coming-of-age story that resonates emotionally. She finds the world-building rich and immersive, with characters that are complex and relatable, which elevates the novel beyond standard genre fare. The novel's pacing and thematic focus on war and identity provide a satisfying and thought-provoking reading experience, making it a standout debut novel by Emily Tesh.

Quick quotes

    An engaging narrative with well-developed characters.

    A blend of space opera and coming-of-age elements that works beautifully.

    Thoughtful world-building that enriches the story.

Wayward Reviews · 2025-09-06
compelling 4.50

The novel stands out for its LGBTQIA+ representation and dystopian setting, offering a poignant and immersive experience that is both socially relevant and emotionally engaging.

This review highlights 'Some Desperate Glory' as a significant work within LGBTQIA+ science fiction, set in a dystopian future where humanity struggles after Earth's destruction. The reviewer values how Emily Tesh weaves social themes and identity into a gripping narrative, making the novel not only an entertaining space opera but also a meaningful commentary on resilience and resistance. The emotional depth and complex characterization make this a compelling read for those interested in diverse voices and speculative futures.

Quick quotes

    A sci-fi LGBTQIA+ set in a dystopian world where Earth was destroyed by Aliens.

    The story is a hunt for peace, reconciliation, and defence of something worth fighting for.

    Emily Tesh offers a poignant and immersive experience within speculative fiction.

The British Fantasy Society · John Dodd · 2025-09-06
thought-provoking 4.25

The novel is praised for its compelling opening and strong thematic engagement with fascist indoctrination and war, though some aspects may challenge readers used to conventional space opera.

John Dodd appreciates 'Some Desperate Glory' for its powerful and energetic opening section that immediately draws readers into a complex world. He highlights the novel's exploration of heavy themes like fascist indoctrination and the harsh realities of war, which give it a depth beyond typical space operas. However, he also notes that the book's challenging themes and narrative style might not appeal to all fans of the genre, requiring readers to engage thoughtfully with its darker and more nuanced content.

Quick quotes

    There is a great deal that is good about it, like the bravura opening section.

    The novel tackles fascist indoctrination with a high-speed, action-packed narrative.

    Readers used to conventional space opera might find some aspects challenging but rewarding.

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