Queen of Candesce

Book Two of Virga

By: Karl Schroeder

Narrated by: Joyce Irvine

Venera Fanning was last seen falling into nothingness at the end of Sun of Suns. Now, in Queen of Candesce, Venera finds herself plunging through the air among the artificial worlds of Virga, far from home and her husband, who may or may not be alive. Landing in the ancient nation of Spyre, Venera encounters new enemies and new friends (or at least convenient allies). She must quickly learn who she can trust, and who she can manipulate in order to survive.

Survival isn't her only goal; with the powerful Key of Candesce in her hands, she can control the fate of the entire world of Virga, yet something even more pressing is driving her—the all consuming need for revenge.

©2007 Karl Schroeder (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Oh, what worldbuilding! Schroeder is a master.”—Cory Doctorow

“Lushly realized . . . Queen of Candesce has a backdrop that's simultaneously steampunk and space opera, a complex and believably flawed lead character, and plenty of action and intrigue.”—Interzone

“With Queen of Candesce, Karl Schroeder's Virga saga establishes itself as an SF saga of the same order as LeGuin's Earthsea series, Asimov's Robot stories, and Niven's Ringworld stories.”—SFRevu

To say I like this book is an understatement

The second book in the Virga series.

Venera Fanning is the most captivating heroine in any science fiction book I have ever read - regal, smart, cunning, ruthless when required (or advantageous). Just as one crisis seems to be averted it spawns another. There are times she is desperate but she is never equivocal.

All in such a well constructed world and all building on a plot that never veers from a clear direction.

And did I mention the reader is so nuanced and so in tune with the story she totally draws you in.

Wonderful world building, fun story

Phenomenal world building, fun characters, and a well done story. Events within the plot are often too convenient, but the cleverness of the world, and the characters forgives such minor quibbles. Overall an excellent no very fun read.

Even better than Sun of Suns

In this highly engaging second book in the "Virga" trilogy, Schroeder wisely dumps the rather one-dimensional "hero" of the first book and concentrates on the much more interesting female character, Vanera (please pardon any spelling errors--I listened to the book on my smart phone). He also abandons the world-spanning scope of the first book--sort of--to focus on one small part of Virga called Spyre. I say "sort of" because in Virga, terms like "small" and "large" are relative. Spyre is an ancient cylinder(think Rama or B5) that is a world unto itself. Schroeder does a fantastic job getting across how old Spyre is by populating it with hundreds of mutually distrusting fiefdoms for whom political maneuverings and secrets are their meat & potatoes. Into this inbred, labyrinthine society falls Vanera (literally), who rocks their civilization to its girders. Can't wait to read (actually, hear) the third book. BTW, the actress who does the reading is fantastic.

A Smashing Sequel

Following Vanera Fanning following the events of Sun of Suns, this sequel centers on the strange and insular nation of Spyre and the deadly games Vanera must play to escape. Everything magnificent and thrilling about book one is turned to 11, as Vanera and a band both motley and noble work together to stymie the dark plans of Sachris and keep the Key of Candesce out of dangerous hands.