In a galaxy consumed by a never-ending war, two soldiers from opposing armies commit the ultimate act of treason: they fall in love. Alana is from a technologically advanced, winged race, while Marko is a warrior from a society of horned magic-wielders. After deserting their posts, they risk everything to bring a new life into their dangerous universe, a daughter named Hazel who is a living symbol of their forbidden union. Now, with both of their home worlds desperate to erase this inconvenient truth, Alana and Marko must flee across strange and hostile planets with their newborn child.
Hunted by assassins, royalty with television heads, and mercenaries of every stripe, the young family must rely on each other to survive. Narrated by the adult Hazel looking back on her incredible life, this story is a sweeping tale of one family fighting to find their place in a universe that wants them dead. It is an exploration of the messy, complicated, and sometimes hilarious realities of love and war, revealing that the greatest adventures often begin with the simple act of trying to keep a family together.
In the vast, tumultuous expanse of the galaxy, where the technologically advanced Landfall Coalition and the magic-wielding people of Wreath have waged an endless war, a fragile new life enters the fray. On the desolate, war-torn planet of Cleave, Alana, a winged soldier from Landfall, gives birth to her daughter, Hazel. Her partner, Marko, a horned warrior from Wreath, stands by her side, their forbidden love having blossomed amidst the brutal conflict they were sworn to fight. Their child, a testament to their defiance, possesses both wings and horns, a living symbol of the impossible union between two warring peoples, making her a target for both sides.
From the moment of Hazel's birth, the small family is thrust into a desperate flight for survival. They are pursued relentlessly by forces from Landfall, who view Alana as a traitor, and by Wreath, who see Marko's actions as an unforgivable betrayal. Among their relentless hunters is Prince Robot IV, a high-ranking member of the Landfall royal family, whose head is a television screen displaying his emotions. He is a formidable and ruthless adversary, tasked by his father, the King, to hunt down the renegade couple and their child.
As Alana, Marko, and their newborn navigate the perilous landscape of Cleave, they stumble upon the Endless Woods, a peculiar forest where rocket ships grow like trees. Their journey is fraught with danger, leading them into encounters with the planet's strange inhabitants. They soon find themselves cornered by The Stalk, a terrifying arachnid-like bounty hunter with a chillingly detached demeanor, also hired to capture them. Her presence underscores the grave peril that constantly nips at their heels.
During a harrowing confrontation, Marko is gravely wounded. Desperate, Alana encounters the "Horrors" of Cleave, ethereal, ghostly children. One of them, Izabel, a spectral girl with a missing lower torso, offers a proposition: she will use her ghostly abilities to heal Marko and guide them, but only if she is bonded to Hazel. With no other choice, Alana agrees, and Izabel becomes an unexpected, if unsettling, guardian for the infant. This uneasy alliance adds another layer of strangeness and danger to their already improbable journey.
Meanwhile, The Will, another infamous freelancer, a formidable bounty hunter accompanied by a giant, lie-detecting cat, is also on their trail. He is a man of complicated morals, whose path will soon intersect with the fleeing family. As Alana and Marko continue their desperate escape, they grapple not only with external threats but also with the internal struggles of their unconventional relationship, the weight of their pasts, and the immense responsibility of protecting their daughter in a universe that wants her dead.
The family's perilous odyssey through the galaxy has only just begun. They are a beacon of hope and a symbol of defiance in a cosmos consumed by war, their every step a desperate gamble against the powerful forces arrayed against them. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and identity in the face of overwhelming prejudice and conflict.
What other readers say
Liked
This book is widely celebrated for its immense creativity, unique world-building, and captivating narrative. Reviewers consistently praise its brazenly bizarre elements, which introduce a diverse and memorable cast of characters and creatures, from sentient robots with TV heads to a giant cat that detects lies. The artwork is frequently lauded as gorgeous, immaculate, and a perfect complement to the story's raw and edgy tone. Readers highlight the compelling protagonists, Alana and Marko, as a relatable and lovable duo whose realistic portrayal of a relationship under extreme circumstances quickly draws investment. The humor, action, and adventurous pacing are also noted as major strengths, making the book an unputdownable experience that leaves many eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Disliked
However, the book is not without its criticisms, primarily centered on its explicit and often disturbing content. Multiple reviewers caution that it is not suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes, including graphic violence, explicit sex scenes, strong language, and gore. Some find the world depicted to be overly depressing, citing the casual presence of highly controversial subjects like the exploitation of minors, torture, rape, and misogyny as significant drawbacks. While some see the inclusion of such "sick" elements as part of its masterpiece status, others find certain dialogue and themes to be simply offensive or cliché, arguing that the plot, despite its creative window dressing, can sometimes feel less unique or fully fleshed out than the imaginative world it inhabits.
In short
Overall, this book comes highly recommended as a triumph of art and storytelling, establishing itself as a potential cult classic and a milestone in its genre. It is best suited for adult readers who appreciate wildly imaginative and unconventional science fiction or fantasy, are not easily offended by graphic and explicit content, and enjoy complex characters navigating a morally ambiguous universe. Those seeking a fresh, bold, and often humorous take on a star-crossed lovers narrative will likely be hooked, though readers sensitive to dark and controversial themes should approach with caution.