Mary Robinette Kowal
Mary Robinette Kowal is an American author and puppeteer. She is best known for her historical fantasy novels, including the Glamourist Histories series and the Lady Astronaut series. Kowal has won multiple Hugo Awards for her work in science fiction and fantasy. Her writing often explores themes of feminism, technology, and social issues within imaginative and meticulously researched settings.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. The Calculating Stars
In this alternate history novel, a cataclysmic meteorite strike in the 1950s accelerates the space race due to fears of Earth becoming uninhabitable. The story follows a brilliant mathematician and former WASP pilot who battles the era's sexism and racism to become an astronaut. She and her diverse colleagues work against time to colonize space and ensure humanity's survival, while she also deals with personal struggles and the psychological toll of her ambitions. The narrative combines the tension of space exploration with the social dynamics of mid-20th century America, creating a compelling vision of what might have been if women had been at the forefront of the space race.
The 10448th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Fated Sky
Set in an alternate 1961 where a meteorite has devastated the Earth and accelerated the space race, the narrative follows an astronaut as she navigates the complexities of space exploration and her role in the international effort to colonize Mars. Facing both technical challenges and social dynamics within the crew, she must contend with the era's pervasive sexism and political tensions, all while dealing with the personal sacrifices required for humanity's survival. The book blends historical detail with speculative fiction, exploring themes of duty, ambition, and the drive for scientific advancement against the backdrop of an alternate history of the space program.
The 11198th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Relentless Moon
Set in an alternate 1960s where a meteorite strike has accelerated space exploration, the novel follows a female astronaut as she navigates the complexities of lunar politics, espionage, and personal sacrifice. With Earth facing environmental catastrophe, the space program becomes a beacon of hope for humanity's survival. The protagonist must contend with sabotage attempts that threaten the stability of the lunar colony, while also grappling with societal expectations and her own ambitions. As the space race intensifies, she is drawn into a dangerous game of political intrigue and must use her wits and courage to ensure the success of the mission and the safety of her colleagues.
The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
