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The Kitra Saga #3
Hyvilma
A damaged ship, a dying shipmate–can she save them both?
Under attack! The flight back to Hyvilma should have been the easy part for the crew of the Majera–until a deadly ambush by pirates sends them reeling through hyperspace. Now getting to the planet in time is the only way Captain Kitra Yilmaz can save her dying friend.
But landing at Hyvilma may be impossible: war has broken out on the Frontier.
Under attack! The flight back to Hyvilma should have been the easy part for the crew of the Majera–until a deadly ambush by pirates sends them reeling through hyperspace. Now getting to the planet in time is the only way Captain Kitra Yilmaz can save her dying friend.
But landing at Hyvilma may be impossible: war has broken out on the Frontier.
169 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2023
10 people want to read
About the author
Gideon Marcus
12 books25 followersFounder of Journey Press, an independent publisher focused on unusual and diverse speculative fiction, three time Hugo Finalist Gideon Marcus also runs the time machine project, Galactic Journey. He is a professional space historian, member of the American Astronautical Society's history committee.
In 2019, he edited Rediscovery: Science Fiction by Women (1958-1963) a seminal anthology of some of the best works of science fiction’s Silver Age. His most recent works, Kitra and Sirena, comprise books one and two of a YA space adventure featuring themes of isolation, teamwork, and hope, and starring a queer protagonist of color.
Gideon lives in San Diego County with his writer/editor wife, Janice, and their polymath artist daughter, Lorelei…along with a cat, a snake, and an immense library. He is currently hard at work on Hyvilma, third book in the Kitra Saga.
In 2019, he edited Rediscovery: Science Fiction by Women (1958-1963) a seminal anthology of some of the best works of science fiction’s Silver Age. His most recent works, Kitra and Sirena, comprise books one and two of a YA space adventure featuring themes of isolation, teamwork, and hope, and starring a queer protagonist of color.
Gideon lives in San Diego County with his writer/editor wife, Janice, and their polymath artist daughter, Lorelei…along with a cat, a snake, and an immense library. He is currently hard at work on Hyvilma, third book in the Kitra Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 21, 2024
(Mild spoilers)
This book gets into deeper worldbuilding for Pinky's species, the Jump, and the political landscape.
One part that hurt my heart in a very "I've been there" way was the moment *after* Sirena makes a daring escape from space onto a ship. The elegant and composed princess experiences a moment of deep vulnerability due to her disability. She's ultimately uninjured, but as anyone who has had to prove (or felt they had to prove) their capability can attest, when your supports falter, you are left in an awkward situation at best. No matter how composed and capable you are, how used to working with and around a disability... you can still find yourself feeling exposed, vulnerable, or embarrassed. The scene doesn't linger and it isn't "tragedy porn". It's just a raw moment.
Sirena works overtime as medical staff with her training, but this book also shows just how much she is limited in locations (like ships) that her hoverchair can't maneuver through. She's an active part of the book, but she can't follow the rest of the Majera crew through the winding tunnels.
Hyvilma has Kitra starting to question just how infallible the government she has put her trust in truly is. Some of her fellow crew, like Marta and Peter, already have reservations and have experiences with getting the short end of things. Up until now though, Kitra has had little personal reason to look deeper.
As with the previous books, there is no "big bad". There are terrible situations, there are desperate individuals, there are antagonists - but no one is evil. Everyone has reasons, and they all think those reasons are justified.
A few other things I liked!
- We get more about Fareedh's family! My favorite rainbow-spacesuit-wearing guy!
- Where "Sirena" was a race against time and the environment, Hyvilma has more in common with submarine stories that I've encountered in '60s scifi. Communications are dangerous, the enemy or "enemy" is not fully known, and it all takes place in a contained set of locations. It gives the characters' fear and tension a closed in, breath-held feeling that was engaging even when they weren't "actively" facing a threat.
- First up-close look at the Navy that has been talked about.
- Pinky shows a side that he has covered up previously, more introspective and alien. His jokes are still there though, don't worry!
This book gets into deeper worldbuilding for Pinky's species, the Jump, and the political landscape.
One part that hurt my heart in a very "I've been there" way was the moment *after* Sirena makes a daring escape from space onto a ship. The elegant and composed princess experiences a moment of deep vulnerability due to her disability. She's ultimately uninjured, but as anyone who has had to prove (or felt they had to prove) their capability can attest, when your supports falter, you are left in an awkward situation at best. No matter how composed and capable you are, how used to working with and around a disability... you can still find yourself feeling exposed, vulnerable, or embarrassed. The scene doesn't linger and it isn't "tragedy porn". It's just a raw moment.
Sirena works overtime as medical staff with her training, but this book also shows just how much she is limited in locations (like ships) that her hoverchair can't maneuver through. She's an active part of the book, but she can't follow the rest of the Majera crew through the winding tunnels.
Hyvilma has Kitra starting to question just how infallible the government she has put her trust in truly is. Some of her fellow crew, like Marta and Peter, already have reservations and have experiences with getting the short end of things. Up until now though, Kitra has had little personal reason to look deeper.
As with the previous books, there is no "big bad". There are terrible situations, there are desperate individuals, there are antagonists - but no one is evil. Everyone has reasons, and they all think those reasons are justified.
A few other things I liked!
- We get more about Fareedh's family! My favorite rainbow-spacesuit-wearing guy!
- Where "Sirena" was a race against time and the environment, Hyvilma has more in common with submarine stories that I've encountered in '60s scifi. Communications are dangerous, the enemy or "enemy" is not fully known, and it all takes place in a contained set of locations. It gives the characters' fear and tension a closed in, breath-held feeling that was engaging even when they weren't "actively" facing a threat.
- First up-close look at the Navy that has been talked about.
- Pinky shows a side that he has covered up previously, more introspective and alien. His jokes are still there though, don't worry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
FULL REVIEW HERE
So far we have followed Kitra and her crew on two adventures. The first (Kitra) was a thrilling expedition through hyperspace. The second (Sirena) was a mission to find the Princess of Atlántida a new world. And the newest book in the series, Hyvilma, is a heart-stopping race against time to save a damaged ship, and one of their shipmates…
As this series develops, we’ve have the chance to get to know the characters a lot better, and witness their friendships, relationships and all the drama that comes with a group of people sharing a small space and going adventures together. That’s why Hyvilma just hits in a different way, I am attached to these characters now, so to have one of them facing death was heart-breaking. Especially as the stakes are very high, and there’s lots of complications to overcome in the race against time to save this shipmate’s life. To add to this, there’s a damaged ship that needs their help, throwing us into a thrilling adventure full of danger and difficult choices. I am impressed at how much story and emotion Gideon manages to packs into 169 pages. It feels like you are reading a full 300+ page novel.
This series is also very diverse and inclusive, with one of our favourite body-positive crew members taking centre stage on the cover in Hyvilma. This series includes LGBTQ+ romance, a main character with a disability and it explores race and religion too.
Gideon wrote this series hoping to bring back the nostalgia of Juveniles, which are books he grew up reading, featuring “a young hero flying to the stars”. Personally, I hope to see more of this kind of story in the future, as I think Gideon’s books add a lot to the YA genre. They are fun to escape into, and they provide a few hours of entertainment, exploring the universe with an inclusive cast of characters. They have a touch of darkness, but they are also a lot of fun. And although these books are space adventures, they are also grounded, featuring realistic teen problems. They have a touch of romance, but it’s not the focus in this series, instead, friendships take the stage which makes this book just as suitable for younger teen readers as it is for older teens and adults too.
SUMMARY
Marcus has delivered us another fun, yet emotional, space adventure full of thrills, action, and heart-warming moments between a cast of characters that you’ll really want to be friends with. Not only is this series very inclusive, it’s also incredibly nostalgic and a fantastic piece of escapism. It’s only a short book, but so much is packed in, and it still remains both absorbing and fulfilling. If you want a few hours exploring the universe with a fantastic host of characters then this series is perfect for you!
So far we have followed Kitra and her crew on two adventures. The first (Kitra) was a thrilling expedition through hyperspace. The second (Sirena) was a mission to find the Princess of Atlántida a new world. And the newest book in the series, Hyvilma, is a heart-stopping race against time to save a damaged ship, and one of their shipmates…
As this series develops, we’ve have the chance to get to know the characters a lot better, and witness their friendships, relationships and all the drama that comes with a group of people sharing a small space and going adventures together. That’s why Hyvilma just hits in a different way, I am attached to these characters now, so to have one of them facing death was heart-breaking. Especially as the stakes are very high, and there’s lots of complications to overcome in the race against time to save this shipmate’s life. To add to this, there’s a damaged ship that needs their help, throwing us into a thrilling adventure full of danger and difficult choices. I am impressed at how much story and emotion Gideon manages to packs into 169 pages. It feels like you are reading a full 300+ page novel.
This series is also very diverse and inclusive, with one of our favourite body-positive crew members taking centre stage on the cover in Hyvilma. This series includes LGBTQ+ romance, a main character with a disability and it explores race and religion too.
Gideon wrote this series hoping to bring back the nostalgia of Juveniles, which are books he grew up reading, featuring “a young hero flying to the stars”. Personally, I hope to see more of this kind of story in the future, as I think Gideon’s books add a lot to the YA genre. They are fun to escape into, and they provide a few hours of entertainment, exploring the universe with an inclusive cast of characters. They have a touch of darkness, but they are also a lot of fun. And although these books are space adventures, they are also grounded, featuring realistic teen problems. They have a touch of romance, but it’s not the focus in this series, instead, friendships take the stage which makes this book just as suitable for younger teen readers as it is for older teens and adults too.
SUMMARY
Marcus has delivered us another fun, yet emotional, space adventure full of thrills, action, and heart-warming moments between a cast of characters that you’ll really want to be friends with. Not only is this series very inclusive, it’s also incredibly nostalgic and a fantastic piece of escapism. It’s only a short book, but so much is packed in, and it still remains both absorbing and fulfilling. If you want a few hours exploring the universe with a fantastic host of characters then this series is perfect for you!
December 23, 2022
I've enjoyed the previous books in this series, so when the author offered me a review copy of the latest one I happily said yes. (I don't usually review by author request, but I make an exception if I've favourably reviewed previous books in a series.)
Inspired by the classic space-opera "juveniles," this has plenty of action, adventure, lucky and unlucky chances creating opportunities for difficult, courageous decisions by the young cast, and (here's the modern bit) a strong sense of found family among a diverse crew. It stretched my suspension of disbelief a few times; Kitra definitely has Big Protagonist Energy, in that events distort around her in her strong narrative field so that the crew end up achieving great deeds that a small, young, rag-tag crew in a tiny vessel shouldn't be capable of. But if you relax and just let it be the over-the-top adventure that it is without thinking too hard about the credibility, it's fun and exciting.
It touches briefly on a political dimension (not obviously linked to current politics, don't worry), in that the crew encounter what seems to be a rebellion against the Empire, which some of them are not fans of, and have to pick a side; they do so, not based on any deep political analysis, but based on threats to people they care about, which... maybe deserved some more examination as a basis for decision-making, though it makes all kinds of emotional sense and so works well from a narrative viewpoint. It's a bit of a missed opportunity for extra depth, though, which keeps it out of the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list. This one hits firmly at Silver tier, meaning that it's a sound, solid piece of work that I enjoyed and doesn't have significant flaws.
Some excellent ink illustrations complement the text.
Inspired by the classic space-opera "juveniles," this has plenty of action, adventure, lucky and unlucky chances creating opportunities for difficult, courageous decisions by the young cast, and (here's the modern bit) a strong sense of found family among a diverse crew. It stretched my suspension of disbelief a few times; Kitra definitely has Big Protagonist Energy, in that events distort around her in her strong narrative field so that the crew end up achieving great deeds that a small, young, rag-tag crew in a tiny vessel shouldn't be capable of. But if you relax and just let it be the over-the-top adventure that it is without thinking too hard about the credibility, it's fun and exciting.
It touches briefly on a political dimension (not obviously linked to current politics, don't worry), in that the crew encounter what seems to be a rebellion against the Empire, which some of them are not fans of, and have to pick a side; they do so, not based on any deep political analysis, but based on threats to people they care about, which... maybe deserved some more examination as a basis for decision-making, though it makes all kinds of emotional sense and so works well from a narrative viewpoint. It's a bit of a missed opportunity for extra depth, though, which keeps it out of the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list. This one hits firmly at Silver tier, meaning that it's a sound, solid piece of work that I enjoyed and doesn't have significant flaws.
Some excellent ink illustrations complement the text.
July 24, 2025
The Kitra series by Gideon Marcus are rollicking good reading. Hard science fiction, space travel, interesting aliens, action and adventure, great character development with some complicated interactions…it would be downright unreasonable to ask for more. It’s hard to believe that so much story can be packed into books that are relatively short.
And regardless of it being described by the author as young adult science fiction, this elderly adult loved every minute of it.
Hollywood, are you listening? You’re always looking for a new story line that will appeal to people of all ages, gain a guaranteed fanbase, and lend itself to sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. Well, here it is!
I’m looking forward to the movies!
Ramona Griffin
And regardless of it being described by the author as young adult science fiction, this elderly adult loved every minute of it.
Hollywood, are you listening? You’re always looking for a new story line that will appeal to people of all ages, gain a guaranteed fanbase, and lend itself to sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. Well, here it is!
I’m looking forward to the movies!
Ramona Griffin
August 15, 2023
This is a great book. I love how the books seem to be maturing along with the characters they contain, and now there are hints of a hidden, gigantic story looming in the background (no spoilers). I found the interpersonal relationships very realistic, and the self-aware voice of the main character, Kitra, refreshing without being saccharine.
Also, Pinky is still just a wonderful character. I love them all but he's just so much fun in particular.
Also, Pinky is still just a wonderful character. I love them all but he's just so much fun in particular.
July 16, 2025
Book three of the Kitra epic. If you enjoyed the previous two (You did— or you wouldn’t be reading this now!) you will love this one!
As usual, the story starts fast, then moves faster. Unanticipated challenges follow one after another. Amidst all of this subplots and character development are seamlessly woven together.
I won’t give anything away—just read it. You will enjoy this page turning voyage into adventure!
As usual, the story starts fast, then moves faster. Unanticipated challenges follow one after another. Amidst all of this subplots and character development are seamlessly woven together.
I won’t give anything away—just read it. You will enjoy this page turning voyage into adventure!
March 14, 2023
If you love classic Star Trek, this book is a must read! This is the most action-packed of the series yet! I love that we get to see a canonically plus-sized character be a total badass. Parts of this book left me on the edge of my seat, worrying over the fate of my favorite characters. The ending leaves me excited for the next installment in the series!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews