Fortuna

By: Kristyn Merbeth

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan, Tim Campbell

Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Fortuna launches a new space opera trilogy that will hook you from the first crash landing.

Scorpia Kaiser has always stood in Corvus's shadow until the day her older brother abandons their family to participate in a profitless war. However, becoming the heir to her mother's smuggling operation is not an easy transition for the always rebellious, usually reckless, and occasionally drunk pilot of the Fortuna, an aging cargo ship and the only home Scorpia has ever known.

But when a deal turns deadly and Corvus returns from the war, Scorpia's plans to take over the family business are interrupted, and the Kaiser siblings are forced to make a choice: take responsibility for their family's involvement in a devastating massacre or lay low and hope it blows over.

Too bad Scorpia was never any good at staying out of a fight.

Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers and Catherynne M. Valente, Fortuna introduces a dazzling new voice in science fiction.

©2019 Kristyn Merbeth (P)2019 Orbit

Critic reviews

"The narrative is powered by a cast of deeply developed characters. Scorpia, in particular, is impressively multidimensional . . . . The nonstop action and varying levels of tension make this an unarguable page-turner." (Kirkus)

"Kristyn Merbeth has created a desperate, gritty world in her newest book Fortuna, an epic space opera about the lengths a family will go to survive not only each other, but a world out to kill them . . . . Merbeth is a voice to watch in space opera!" (K. B. Wagers, author of There Before the Chaos)

"Merbeth's multiple narrators and plotlines converge beautifully into a suspenseful tale of family. The characters are distinct and grounded, and each interaction is filled with purpose and emotion that brings all of them, regardless of differences, into the fray together. SF fans who have been waiting for a crime family spin on space opera will find nothing but joy in this whirlwind story." (Publishers Weekly)

Unexpected gem! Promising new series.

I'll admit, I was originally drawn to this book by the alluring art on it's cover. It was sneaky quick how strongly the characters and story pulled me into this already enfolding family drama.
A bit depressing with some topics that mirror our present reality all too well. However, there is enough levity and wonder to keep you invested and curious at what you'll see next.
Great start to a promising series. Looking forward to exploring more of this universe as it is revealed.

Really good

I first was so frustrated with the MC. She was reckless, selfish, and kept making things worse for her family. But that’s what a good author does- makes a character flawed, lacking, but redeemable. This book had me guessing and unsure what the outcome would be. It’s very rare to come across a book like this and actually hope there will be more to come when it’s over. Glad I finally gave this one a listen!

Loved it

I loved this audiobook. Every other chapter was voiced by one of two characters and I think the narrators were great.

The book itself was very well written. The storyline took great surprising turns and kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm reality looking forward to future books in this series.

Great sci fi adventure.

The story had my attention all the way through. A joy to read and imagine.

wow

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I've never heard of the author, or anything about the book, but the premise drew me in. What a find!!!!! A fun and exciting story involving characters you can't help but to care about. The dual narration is a stellar way to work the progression of the story. A very promising beginning to a new trilogy. I can't wait until book 2 is released!!!

Stick with it. It’s worth it.

Great story. Midway I became very frustrated with the characters but it became a essential to their satisfying story ark. Very well written and preformed.

Fast pace, well drawn characters, family drama

• Moves quickly and doesn’t let up
• Sympathetic and interesting POV characters
• Worldbuilding isn’t intricate but is well-thought out and serves the story well
• Deals with ideas of birth and citizenship (and the lack thereof) in a way I haven’t seen much of in SF
• Low on romance but high on family drama
• Somehow manages to have two great VOs where so many audiobooks don’t manage one
• That cover art is going to look great in your library