LINKS

KEYWORDS

Queer Revolution
Found Family
Galactic Politics
Disability Representation
Anarchist Themes

Epsilon Nine

by OLIVE J. KELLEY

Trans activist Juno Marcus, forced into hiding after a failed revolution, is drawn back into the fight for galactic democracy when a mysterious signal called EPSILON 09 offers crucial intel as the presidential election approaches. Amid escalating political unrest, environmental disaster, and personal loss, Juno and her diverse found family must decide whether to reform the system or burn it down and build something new from the ashes.

Reader Review Summary

Set six months after an attack on Adrestia, the story follows trans activist Juno Marcus as she navigates the aftermath of a stalled revolution, forced into hiding while the Galactic Presidential Election approaches. Juno and her girlfriend Castor Quasar are separated during a riot, leading Juno to safety via mysterious transmissions signed EPSILON 09. The narrative unfolds across a galaxy in turmoil, with the rebels facing environmental disasters, violent confrontations, and personal reckonings, particularly as Castor is forced to confront past traumas. As the election nears and the enigmatic messages from EPSILON provide critical intelligence, Juno is compelled to question her role in the revolution and the value of the existing galactic democracy, weighing whether to reform or completely rebuild the system. The book is categorized as science fiction and queer, and is the sequel to 'Junker Seven,' concluding a duology by Olive J. Kelley, with a focus on political upheaval, activism, and community.

Readers praised the book for its emotionally resonant characters, especially the depiction of Juno and Castor’s relationship and the broader found family dynamic among the rebels. The representation of queer, trans, POC, and disabled characters—including those with chronic pain, neurodivergence, and mobility aids—was highlighted as a major strength, with several reviewers noting how the cast’s mutual support and care was both heartwarming and realistic. The political themes, which closely mirror contemporary issues, were seen as impactful and thought-provoking, providing both catharsis and hope for readers grappling with real-world oppression. The book’s handling of established relationships, the exploration of anarchist ideas, and the detailed world-building across different planets and communities were also frequently cited as highlights.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the book’s pacing, particularly noting that the final quarter felt rushed compared to the more measured development earlier in the story, resulting in a loss of emotional nuance. There were also comments about the transition between the last chapter and the epilogue, with a desire for more detail on the aftermath of the revolution. A few reviewers found the first-person point of view less effective, feeling it made the writing more informal and sometimes hindered their connection to the protagonist. Additionally, the abundance of secondary characters and romantic subplots was seen as overwhelming by some, and the ending was described as arriving too quickly, which some felt detracted from the realism established throughout the series.

The book has an average reader rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 15 ratings and 9 full reviews, and is scheduled for publication on June 10, 2025. It is recommended for readers interested in science fiction with strong political themes and diverse representation, and is best read in sequence with its predecessor, 'Junker Seven,' due to the complexity and continuity of the plot and character arcs. The narrative is noted for its close parallels to current political climates, and for its focus on activism, revolution, and the challenges of building a better world. Several reviewers received advance copies in exchange for honest reviews, and there is interest in potential spin-offs or further stories featuring the supporting cast.

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