Forty years after a devastating war between Old Earth’s Central Governance and its space colonies, the sisters of The Order of Saint Rita embark on an interstellar mission of mercy aboard a living starship called Our Lady of Impossible Constellations.
Lina Rather covers a lot of ground in 159 pages with Sisters of the Vast Black (2019). The nuns are unaware of the surprises that lurk aboard their starship. Their mission of mercy turns into something much more sinister. My favorite nun is Sister Faustina–maybe the most intelligent sister who solves the puzzles threatening her Order. I also liked Sister Gemma who has to make a life-changing decision.
Sisters of the Forsaken Stars (2022) picks up where Sisters of the Vast Black left off. The nuns are on the run from Old Earth’s Central Governance. Two women show up to “join” their Order, but both women come with secrets. This blend of politics, violence, betrayal, and religion produces a couple of engaging space operas. If you’re in the mood for some off-beat SF, Lina Rather’s nuns will surprise you! GRADE: B (for both)
I will never get over how many books/authors I have never heard of…except for you, George. I guess i really am mostly aware of what is reviewed in the NYTBR and although they do a science fiction roundup monthly it probably is only a tiny fraction of what is out there.
Patti, I rely on LOCUS–a magazine devoted to reviews of SF and fantasy–and BLACKGATE.COM to alert me of new books. The monthly NYTBR SF column offers insightful reviews…but not enough of them.
Like Patti, I don’t know this (or the author). Unlike her, though, it sounds like something I would definitely try, especially at that length. I’m reading a 500+ page Stephen King book, so I am always looking for something short to balance things out.
Jeff, I was intrigued by the “Nuns in Space” aspects of Lina Rather’s SF novels. And, their shortness was also a bonus! Plus, with this being Easter (and Passover) weekend, I thought a couple of books with some religious themes might be appropriate.
Nuns in space? I don’t think so. Although I enjoyed Philip Jose Farmer’s Father Carmody stories. And The Sparrow which was about a priest on another planet.
Steve, I’d forgotten all about Philip Jose Farmer’s Father Carmody stories. Maybe I’ll reread them for next Easter. I also considered James Blish’s class, A CASE OF CONSCIENCE.
Since “factors” now limit my reading to about 30 pages a day, there are MORE than enough books on hand to last beyond my last breath without reading reviews of more. So I’ve pretty much stopped reading book reviews. Even if I were still adding books, I’m not sure this would be one.
Rick, old habits die hard. I’ve been a subscriber to LOCUS since the early 1970s. I try to set the bar high for new SF and fantasy since like you I have thousands of books to read. I don’t need more books, but I’m susceptible to temptation…
It’s my reduced ability to read many pages a day that’s my biggest problem, George.