Waiting on Wednesday [278] – SPACE OPERA by Catherynne M. Valente

Waiting on Wednesdays is the brainchild of Jill at Breaking the Spine, and because Jill isn’t hosting it any more, I’m now linking up with Can’t Wait Wednesday at Wishful Endings. Stop over there and link up your “Can’t Wait” book of the week!

I’m not sure why it took me so long to find this book, but now that I have, I’m over the moon excited! Yes, it sounds REALLY off the wall, but I’ve read Valente’s off the wall books before and loved them (Radiance, anyone?):

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets Eurovision in an over-the-top science fiction spectacle from bestselling author Catherynne Valente has galaxies competing for glory in a universe-wide musical contest—where the stakes are as high as the fate of planet Earth.

A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented—something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.

Once every cycle, the civilizations gather for Galactivision—part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Instead of competing in orbital combat, the powerful species that survived face off in a competition of song, dance, or whatever can be physically performed in an intergalactic talent show. The stakes are high for this new game, and everyone is forced to compete.

This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick, and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny—they must sing.

A band of human musicians, dancers, and roadies have been chosen to represent Earth on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of their species lies in their ability to rock.

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente. Releases in April 2018 from Saga Press. The combination of music and science fiction and this title: why has no one ever thought of this before? Brilliant. Can’t wait.

Let me know what you’re waiting on this week:-D

Posted December 13, 2017 by Tammy in Waiting on Wednesday / 26 Comments

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26 responses to “Waiting on Wednesday [278] – SPACE OPERA by Catherynne M. Valente

  1. I’m not sure about the science fiction element but the music woven into it has me super curious. I’m also really loving that cover. I might just have to give this a try and I look forward to your thoughts once you read it.

    On a side note, hope you and all your loved ones are safe in California. Have the fires gotten very close?
    Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday (136)My Profile

    • Tammy

      Thanks Barb, luckily we live in a “non brush” area so the fires aren’t too close. But I do have friends scattered around who are much closer. I’m more sad about all the animals being threatened than anything.

    • Tammy

      Her books aren’t for everyone, but I find them quirky and magical, I guess that’s a good combo for me!

    • Tammy

      Oh I definitely will ask them! They do lots of Saga books so I’m not surprised. I’m sort of sci-fied out too, but when I saw this cover I couldn’t resist:-)

  2. This sounds like fun! I have been meaning to read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for a while now too. I’m missing book 1 and 3 or something I think though hahah Did you enjoy that classic a lot when you read it? My guts telling me you have read it, it’s why I’m assuming so hahah

  3. EPIC EPIC EPIC! A book about a literal space opera, I love it! You’re right, why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? Brilliant pick, Tammy!

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