Mary Robinette Kowal
Mary Robinette Kowal is an American author known for her works in science fiction and fantasy. She has won multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards for her writing. In addition to her literary career, she is also a professional puppeteer and voice actor.
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.
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1. The Calculating Stars
A Lady Astronaut Novel
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.
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2. The Fated Sky
A Lady Astronaut Novel
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.
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3. The Relentless Moon
A Lady Astronaut Novel
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.
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4. Shades Of Milk And Honey
A Novel of Glamour and Intrigue
Set in a Regency-era world where magic, known as "Glamour," is an essential skill for young women, the story follows Jane Ellsworth, a talented but plain young woman who excels in this art. Despite her abilities, Jane struggles with societal expectations and her own insecurities, especially when compared to her beautiful sister, Melody. As romantic entanglements and family dynamics unfold, Jane must navigate the complexities of love, jealousy, and self-worth, all while mastering her magical talents to secure her place in society and find her own happiness.
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5. Articulated Restraint
Set in the universe of the Lady Astronaut series, this novella follows astronaut Nicole Wargin as she navigates the challenges of balancing her professional responsibilities with personal struggles. As a mission to the Moon unfolds, Nicole faces unexpected physical limitations that test her resilience and determination. The story delves into themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the human spirit's ability to adapt and overcome adversity, all while exploring the intricacies of space travel and the personal sacrifices it demands.
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6. We Interrupt This Broadcast
Set against the backdrop of a world where magic and technology intertwine, the narrative follows a group of radio broadcasters who find themselves at the center of a mysterious and potentially world-altering event. As they navigate the challenges of reporting in real-time, the broadcasters uncover secrets that could change the course of history. With a blend of suspense and intrigue, the story explores themes of truth, power, and the impact of media on society, all while maintaining a pulse-pounding pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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8. The Spare Man
A sly, old‑school locked‑room murder mystery set aboard a luxury interplanetary cruise, where a glamorous, wealthy couple and the ship’s eclectic passengers find themselves stranded with a killer. The narrative follows a sharp, resourceful protagonist as they pick through alibis, sabotage, and social pretense to unmask motives and opportunity, blending Golden Age puzzlecraft with contemporary themes—class, wealth, disability, and queer identity—delivered with wit, suspense, and grounded emotional stakes.
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9. Ghost Talkers
During World War I, the British military secretly recruits psychic mediums who can speak with the dead to gather battlefield intelligence. A young woman with that rare ability is trained and dispatched to interrogate the fallen, confronting the moral cost of disturbing the dead, the brutal realities of war, and the sexism and politics of military life. As she navigates grief, loyalty, and duty, she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves and help end the fighting.
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