The Stardust Grail

By Yume Kitasei

⭐A Goodreads Choice finalist for Readers’ Favourite Science Fiction⭐

‘An enjoyable, richly imagined, space-faring adventure’ Guardian

‘Come … for Indiana Jones-style outer space heist adventure, stay for the sensitively drawn characters and thoughtful exploration of other forms of life far beyond our own’Veronica Roth

SAVE ONE WORLD. DOOM HER OWN.

Maya Hoshimoto was once the best art thief in the galaxy. For ten years, she returned stolen artifacts to alien civilizations – until a disastrous job forced her into hiding. Now she just wants to enjoy a quiet life as a graduate student of anthropology, but she’s haunted by persistent and disturbing visions of the future.

Then an old friend comes to her with a job she can’t refuse: find a powerful object that could save an alien species from extinction. Except no one has seen it in living memory, and they aren’t the only ones hunting for it.

Maya sets out on a breakneck quest through a universe teeming with strange life and ancient ruins. But the farther she goes, the more her visions cast a dark shadow over her team of friends new and old. Someone will betray her along the way. Worse yet, in choosing to save one species, she may condemn humanity and Earth itself.

Readers love The Stardust Grail:

‘With its quirky characters, impeccable world-building, and deep themes of friendship and understanding, it offers a compelling narrative that will keep you hooked from start to finish

‘Kitasei is quickly proving to be one of my new favourite authors in the sci-fi space, and I can’t wait to see what her brilliant mind cooks up next’

‘Yes, I shed a tear or two because I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters

‘It’s really easy to fall in love with this book’

Format: Hardback
Release Date: 12 Sep 2024
Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-0-00-870882-5
Yume Kitasei is the author of The Deep Sky and The Stardust Grail. She is Japanese and American and grew up in a space between two cultures–the same space where her stories reside. She lives in Brooklyn with two cats, Boondoggle and Filibuster. Her stories have appeared in publications including New England Review, Catapult, SmokeLong Quarterly, and Baltimore Review.

'Come to The Stardust Grail for Indiana Jones-style outer space heist adventure, stay for the sensitively drawn characters and thoughtful exploration of other forms of life far beyond our own' Veronica Roth, New York Times bestselling author of Chosen Ones -

'The Stardust Grail is a puzzle box of a book, one that invites readers into an ambitious and endlessly imaginative adventure. A strange, surreal, and startlingly tender glimpse into worlds beyond our own.' Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief -

”'The Stardust Grail is a boisterous journey, rife with protean planets, intriguing spaceports, and remarkable life forms. The stakes are high. The characters are engaging and delightful. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed. But at its core, the book is also an exploration of understanding, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to our friends, and ourselves. For any fan of space adventures, this book is a must-read.” - Emily Jane, USA Today bestselling author of On Earth as it Is on Television

Reviews for Yume Kitasei: -

Bboth an intimate character portrait and a thriller.' Mary Robinette Kowal, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards -

'In The Deep Sky, Kitasei puts us under the microscope not in judgment but with a fair and caring eye; she looks for the best in us.' C. L. Clark, author of The Unbroken -

'Smart, emotionally mature, quick-paced' Associated Press -

'A fast-paced read that invites readers to slow down and really think, an impressive feat for a debut.' Geekly, Inc. -