Ninefox Gambit

Yoon Ha Lee is a name that science fiction fans will want to keep in mind for decades to come. Lee’s debut novel, Ninefox Gambit, is exactly the kind of military science fiction that will be defining the sub-genre through the future. Part of the power of Lee’s writing is the view of war as not only a costly endeavor, but as one that defines the troubles of any group of people. In Ninefox Gambit, we get a main character, Kel Cheris, who is neck-deep in a multi-sided war between half-a-dozen factions of varying levels of life. Insanely detailed, Ninefox Gambit is a novel that never shies away from the darker side of war, politics, and interpersonal relationships in general. The blood-and-guts of the plot mixes up with worldbuilding that never flinches away from all areas of political, social, and technology. In fact, this is a tech-heavy story, Hard SF of the type you might have read from Larry Niven in the 70s, but with a prose styling that feels of the 21st century. It’s an impressive mash-up of tradition and innovation, which somehow makes it feel even more innovative! Why it’s on the list The next generation of Military Science Fiction authors comes roaring onto the scene with this debut!