Kinfolk

Description

If you enjoy flawed protagonists—like Maggie Stiefvater’s Ronan Lynch of the Dreamer Trilogy, Ann Aguirre’s Sirantha Jax, or Leigh Bardugo’s Kaz Brekker from the Six of Crows books—then Kinfolk‘s Kin Hanford will make good company.

Set in The Realm of Reason, a universe reminiscent of James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse books and/or show, Disney’s “Treasure Planet,” and the Star Wars extended universe novels from the 90s and 2000s, Kinfolk leans into hopepunk themes (think Becky Chambers, or Prachett and Gaiman’s Good Omens) like resilience, chosen family, and the slow progress of personal growth.

Space pirates? Yup. Guns blazin’ and ships phasin’? Absolutely. Excessive emotional baggage? Check.

Kin Hanford is a mess. He’s a space pirate with a son who hates him, an ex-wife who wants him broke, and a knack for getting into trouble. He’s loyal to his crew, the Damn Shames, but he’s also self-centered and immature. He also hates the man he sees when he looks in the mirror.

So when a mysterious map flings him and the Shames into a deadly game of chase, played by ruthless intergalactic socialite Tana Zaalis, Kin is forced to make a choice: risk everything to save the new members of his chosen family, or abandon them to their fate? Along the way, Kin faces vicious monsters, cunning rivals, and his own demons—not to mention Tana herself—and discovers what really matters and what he’s willing to sacrifice for it.

This science fiction adventure book is the first book in the trilogy A Mutiny of Pirates, inspired by the story of Treasure Island. Readers who enjoy stories about deeply flawed heroes, found families, and unusual worlds will find Kinfolk has what they’re looking for. This isn’t a typical action story, but a character-driven journey of growth and redemption—with a few gunfights and explosions for good measure.