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Breath of Oblivion

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The second book in a trilogy where the futuristic technology of Black Panther meets the scale of The Expanse and the intricate political maneuverings of Game of Thrones.

“Not to be missed.”—Washington Post on Sweep of Stars

A Best New Science Fiction Pick for New Scientist | Gizmodo | Book Riot | Fansided | Transfer Orbit

Maurice Broaddus returns with Breath of Oblivion, the second book in his Astra Black trilogy, which explores the struggles of an empire. Epic in scope and intimate in voice, it follows members of the Muungano Empire—a far-reaching coalition of city-states that stretches from Earth to Titan and beyond—as it faces renewed threats to its progress.

Beyond the Orun Gate, Epyc Ro and her elite soldiers are stranded. Capturing an alien ship and searching for a way home, they discover a stowaway who may be the key to overcoming the alien forces swarming all around them.

On board the Cypher, Captain Stacia Chikeke is struggling to keep her ship and its fractured crew together. But the discovery of an interstellar phenomenon and the opportunity to explore unites them in a singular purpose, for now.

In the slums of Indianapolis, Wachiru Adisa works to free the children of the diaspora detained in Original Earth facilities, only to be captured and sent to a nightmarish criminal justice facility, the Panopticon.

On Original Earth, Ishant Sangsuwangul is the newly assigned liaison to the corporate entity running the government there. He feels like a prisoner, but must find a way to stem the tide of conflict as animosity toward his people grows.

In the Badlands of Mars, Amachi Adisa and her new teacher Nehanda begin her training to learn from her past, chart her future, and unlock the power that is her birthright.

In the Dreaming City, the lunar heart of Muungano power, Maulana Buhari struggles with how to lead his people. Is now the time for isolation or aggression?

Together they, and all of Muungano, will guide the empire forward by any means necessary, as enemies of old and new extraterrestrial threats mount.

The Astra Black series:

Sweep of Stars

Breath of Oblivion

Reviews

A Best New Science Fiction Pick for New Scientist | Gizmodo | Book Riot | Fansided | Transfer Orbit

“With detailed world building, social commentary on prison as another form of slavery, and epic space battles, sf readers who enjoy Octavia Butler and Samuel R. Delaney will enjoy will enjoy this entry in the Astra Black series. Highly recommended.”—Booklist

“Broaddus’s second ‘Astra Black’ book is another sweeping space saga, with a complex story that explores deep themes.”—Library Journal

“This sharp-witted, galaxy-spanning sequel to Broaddus’s Sweep of Stars entertains while setting the stage for an explosive series finale. . . . The results allow for deeper explorations of the nature of empire and the costs of exodus, without veering into didacticism. . . . The Astra Black trilogy continues to be a must-read for fans of afrofuturism.”—Publishers Weekly

Praise for the Astra Black series

“Maurice Broaddus’s Sweep of Stars marks the opening gambit in a great saga, told with a unique voice and a talent that challenges and rewards in equal measures. It’s epic in scope, yet intimate. It breaks the mold of what’s expected, yet is as welcoming as a warm campfire on the darkest night.” —James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“This sprawling tale of kinship, community, and identity is sure to leave you eager for the next installment.” —J. S. Dewes, author of The Last Watch

“Powerful, sweeping Afrofuturist space opera … A hugely ambitious and notable work of postcolonial science fiction. This takes the genre in an exciting and challenging direction.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Takes off with an epic array of characters and plotlines that will enmesh readers in the politics and power struggles set across the stars.”—Library Journal, starred review

“Launches readers into the heart of an interplanetary struggle. . . . Sweep of Stars will leave readers eager for the next entry in this series. . . . The thrilling Black Astra trilogy kicks off with an array of intriguing characters.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Richly detailed and intricately plotted … will draw in readers of epic science fiction.”—Booklist


“Not to be missed.”—Washington Post


“Sweep of Stars is the brilliant beginning of a major series ” —Sci Mind

About the Author

MAURICE BROADDUS is a fantasy and horror author best known for his short fiction and his Knights of Breton Court novel trilogy. He has published dozens of stories in magazines and book anthologies, including in Asimov's Science Fiction, Black Static, and Weird Tales.

Broaddus was born in London, but grew up in Indianapolis. His mother is from Jamaica, where she and many of his relatives still live.

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Book Details

Books By Maurice Broaddus

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