Bonds of Brass (Book One of The Bloodright Trilogy)
Del Rey, 2020
Agent: Thao Le
A young pilot risks everything to save his best friend–the man he trusts most and might even love–only to learn that he’s secretly the heir to a brutal galactic empire.
Ettian Nassun’s life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded. He’s spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he’s met Gal Veres–his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who’s made the Academy feel like a new home.
But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised Academy unscathed, rattled both that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule. As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?
Reviews:
“With a brisk plot and emphasis on action, this novel should keep fans of Skrutskie's earlier YA work and adult space opera fans alike entertained. This action-packed, feelings-fueled space opera will appeal to Skrutskie’s teen readers.”
—Booklist
"Fans of Pierce Brown's Red Rising series will find a fantastic home in Skrutskie's (Hullmetal Girls, 2018) rich, diverse, and multilayered world. Her thoughtful SF portrayal of children navigating war, displacement, and PTSD while finding love and friendship in unimaginable circumstances is very much worth the read. An impeccably paced, character-driven SF novel—the first in a trilogy—aimed at both adults and teens."
—Kirkus
“Bonds of Brass is straight out of your sci-fi fanfic dreams; every trope is lovingly acknowledged and turned on its head, making it impossible to put this book down. Fast-paced and flirty, I've fallen in love with the flyboys in Skrutskie's novel.”
—Sam Maggs, bestselling author of The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy
"Skrutskie's Bonds of Brass is a high-octane galactic adventure replete with heart, drama, and a keen edge of pain."
—Caitlin Starling, author of The Luminous Dead
“A gripping tale of romance and galactic intrigue that snared me from the first chapter and never released its hold. With lovable, memorable characters, an exciting web of empires and freedom fighters, and dangerous secrets, this book will keep you breathless to the last page!”
—S. J. Kincaid, New York Times bestselling author of The Diabolic
"Skrutskie’s sympathetic characters, perfectly-tuned pop-culture references, and harsh glimpses into the realities of empire and war keep the pages turning. This inspired tale will please fantasy fans and has cross-over YA appeal."
—Publishers Weekly
“A fast-paced space opera with heart and style, BONDS OF BRASS had me screaming KISS ALREADY on every page.”
—Delilah S. Dawson, New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma
"An exciting space opera full of action and adventure that explores the bonds of loyalty and love and what happens when they are stretched to their limits."
—Rebecca Roanhorse, Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author of Trail of Lightning