The Fractured Dark

by Megan E. O'Keefe

Overview

Dying planets, dangerous conspiracies, and secret romance abound in the second book of the Devoured Worlds trilogy, by rising space opera star Megan E. O'Keefe.

Naira and Tarquin have escaped vicious counterrevolutionaries, misprinted monsters, and the pull of a dying planet. Now, bound together to find the truth behind the blight that has been killing habitable planets, they need to hunt out the Mercator family secrets. But, when the head of Mercator disappears, taking the universe’s remaining supply of starship fuel with him, chaos breaks loose between the ruling families. Naira’s revolution must be put aside for the sake of humanity’s immediate survival.

Praise for the Devoured Worlds trilogy: 

"Full of deftly plotted twists and turns, The Blighted Stars is a body-hopping, zombie-popping, rock-licking thrill ride." —Emily Skrutskie, author of Bonds of Brass

"Lots of action, lots of character, and lots of heart. Megan E. O'Keefe delights with every page. I couldn't put it down!" —Karen Osborne, author of Architects of Memory

The Devoured Worlds
The Blighted Stars
The Fractured Dark

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316291132
Publisher:	Orbit
Publication date:	09/26/2023
Series:	The Devoured Worlds , #2
Pages:	544
Sales rank:	64,915
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Megan E. O’Keefe was raised amongst journalists, and as soon as she was able, joined them by crafting a newsletter which chronicled the daily adventures of the local cat population. She has worked in both arts management and graphic design, and has won Writers of the Future and the Gemmell Morningstar Award.

Megan lives in the Bay Area of California.

Editorial Reviews

O’Keefe’s characters, even the minor ones, are deftly drawn. The dilemmas her characters face are compelling ... thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the final volume.”—Locus

Praise for The Devoured Worlds:
 
"The Blighted Stars delivers a first-in-series that's smart, incisive, and utterly gripping. Megan E. O'Keefe's masterful storytelling will draw you into a complex, brutal, yet hope-charged world, break your heart, and leave you begging for more." —Rowenna Miller, author of Torn
 
"Brimming with unconventional gender dynamics and shifting identities, The Blighted Stars is character-driven science fiction at its best—a taut novel with human questions at its heart." —E. J. Beaton, author of The Councillor 
 
"Emotional arcs and action sequences, vivid worldbuilding, and interesting explorations of body printing and corporate servitude provide an immersive story...O'Keefe's latest has the intrigue, surprises, and high stakes of her previous novels." —Library Journal

"The story’s environmental themes are handled very well (O’Keefe gives the reader much to think about without sounding didactic); the characters are lively; and the writing is full of energy. A very promising series launch." —Booklist

"O’Keefe delivers a captivating exploration of identity in this smart, addictive space adventure full of intrigue, visceral danger, and deeply personal stakes. Come for the epic sci-fi action, stay for the charmingly broken characters just doing their best." ―J. S. Dewes, author of The Last Watch

"The Blighted Stars is a delightfully twisty space opera filled with unique worldbuilding and deft explorations of humanity, family, and power. Add in a dash of rebellion and a hint of romance, and I'm hooked—I can't wait for the next book!” ―Jessie Mihalik, author of Hunt the Stars

From the Publisher

★ 07/28/2023

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

Library Journal