What We Are Seeking — Cameron Reed

From the acclaimed author of The Fortunate Fall comes a soaring novel of queer hope and transformation, perfect for readers of Ann Leckie and Amal El-MohtarHumanity has scattered around the universe, in fits and starts. On hostile planets, isolated groups of settlers eke out hardscrabble lives, second class citizens to the network of massive ships who mark their only link to the greater galaxy. John, a doctor from one of these outlying worlds, and Sudharma, his distressingly handsome Jain translator companion, find a world of absurd alien biologies that dazzle the mind… and utterly backwards people. John’s homeworld developed a communal, matriarchal society to cope with their deadly surroundings, but here, he can’t even go for a walk with a woman without provoking public comment from the powerful religious authorities. His very survival is dependent on maintaining his status amongst this closed, unwelcoming group whose future is not guaranteed, with terrifying Earth, under the thumb of the “aiyi”, developing a looming, alien presence and threatening them all.