Space Opera Fans discussion

This thread is for nominations for READER category for May 2024.

READER books need to be
* currently in print in either hardback or paperback (or both). Requiring a special order from a store or website counts, but not if the book is only available used.
* currently available in multiple ebook formats, from multiple vendors
* Space Opera, which means a spaceship has to be involved in the story somewhere.
* If it is part of a series, it needs to be suitable to being read without having read other books in the series.
* Please no blatantly erotic books, as some of our members are not full adults yet.

RULES:
* you may nominate one book on this thread.
* you may second as many nominations as you like on this thread.
* it is okay to nominate the same book on more than one nomination thread, as long as it meets the criteria
* books we already have on our bookshelf will be disqualified if they were added less than two years ago
* If a book you nominate or second is selected, you are expected to post at least one comment about it on the thread about the book.
* On the 22nd I will draw a book randomly, with each second being one raffle ticket for the book. That is, a book with three seconds (so four of us want it) will get three chances in the pool.

It is likely helpful if you know something about a book that has been nominated if you mention it in this thread, whether it is for or against the book.

I would like to nominate Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis.

Some of the blurb from Amazon -

The Grand Budapest Hotel in space, Floating Hotel is a hopeful story of misfits, rebels and found family, perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, Martha Wells and Aliette de Bodard.

Welcome to the Grand Abeona Hotel: home of the finest food, the sweetest service, and the very best views the galaxy has to offer. Year round it moves from planet to planet, system to system, pampering guests across the furthest reaches of the milky way. The last word in sub-orbital luxury - and a magnet for intrigue. Intrigues such as:

Why are there love poems in the lobby intray?

How many Imperial spies are currently on board?

What is the true purpose of the Problem Solver's conference?

And perhaps most pertinently - who is driving the ship?

At the centre of these mysteries stands Carl, one time stowaway, longtime manager, devoted caretaker to the hotel. It's the love of his life and the only place he's ever called home. But as forces beyond Carl's comprehension converge on the Abeona, he has to face one final question: when is it time to let go?

Looks interesting but that’s a steep price for an ebook. Hmmmmm

It is quite expensive Teresa, but it's probably in line with what's being charged at the moment for Kindle versions of "decent" books. (e.g. the pre-order price on the kindle version of the new John Connolly book is £12.99).

I guess if it's too high, people won't second it - or should we move it to the "Limited" thread?

It’s from a traditional publisher so belongs in Reader. My library has two copies (but currently loaned out), so if I like the free preview I’ll probably second it.

I nominate Trader's Leap by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

I’ll second Trader’s Leap.

As a Becky Chambers and Martha Wells fan, I’ll second Floating Hotel.

I have to admit Caitlin that it was the comparison to Martha Wells and Becky Chambers that attracted me.

I hadn't heard of Aliette de Bodard but from a quick look at the awards she's won, I plan to read her sometime this year - maybe a nomination for a future month.

I was torn between Floating Hotel and Lake of Souls: The Collected Short Fiction by Ann Leckie.

Has anyone read Lake of Souls: The Collected Short Fiction yet?

@Iohn Aliette de Bodard’s The Tea Master and the Detective is the only book of hers I’ve read. I quite enjoyed it and think it’s probably a good entry point.

Summary so far:
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis. Nominated by John. Seconded by Caitlin.
Trader's Leap by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. Nominated by Audrey. Seconded by Teresa.

Nominations will close on the 22nd. Barring additional seconds, I’ll be flipping a coin.

Nominations are now closed. One second fir each of two books, so I flip a coin.

And it’s heads, so our pick is Floating Hotel.