The Splinter in the Sky (2023)

Kemi Ashing-Giwa’s debut novel delivers a sharp, fast-paced space opera that blends imperial politics, espionage, and resistance through a fresh and diverse lens. The story follows Enitan Ijebu, a scholar from a colonized moon who is captured and sent to the heart of the oppressive Vaalbaran Empire. To survive—and to rescue her kidnapped sibling—she must navigate court intrigue, coded diplomacy, and the danger of being both outsider and spy.

Ashing-Giwa’s prose is tight and elegant, balancing quick pacing with thoughtful commentary on colonialism, cultural identity, and power. The world feels alive, rich with texture and languages, though at times the political layers could use more depth. Still, the book’s energy and moral clarity make it stand out.

The Splinter in the Sky succeeds as a thrilling, character-driven sci-fi tale—ambitious in scope and emotionally grounded.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)