Ocean’s Godori

In Cho’s cozy yet complex far-future debut, a space military known as the Alliance, based out of Korea, has emerged as the leading galactic power. On the evening of the Alliance’s annual gala, the scrappy crew of the Ohneul is scattered. After a difficult breakup, Ocean, Ohneul’s XO and a talented pilot, gives her captain the slip to spend the night shopping with an old friend, Teophilus “Teo” Anand, whose extraordinarily wealthy family produces the technology used by the Alliance. Meanwhile, Haven, who has unwittingly replaced a beloved crew member as the Ohneul’s new medic, is mysteriously shunned by Alliance members for being a “Death Hand.” When Haven and Ocean head out on a routine mission, Teo leaves with his own crew to escort an important diplomatic group—but when one of his father’s political plays goes badly wrong, the characters reunite under explosive circumstances. A vast and complicated political landscape undergirds the resulting adventure, which is full of slow-burn romance, tense negotiation, and close shaves. Every scene builds suspense and illuminates fascinating themes of exploitation, privilege, and identity, all held together by a sweet found family narrative. Ambitious and heartwarming, this is a treat. Agent: Amy Elizabeth Bishop, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Apr.)