Bluebird is a fun, femme, action-filled space opera with thriller vibes and gunslinger appeal.
“Arson is easier to commit than people make it out to be.”
Author Ciel Pierlot had me from the first line of Bluebird. And the self-described disaster bisexual’s debut really delivered on that fiery promise. Queer sci-fi can sometimes be challenging to find, and good queer sci-fi can be even harder. But Pierlot’s effortless take on the space opera genre, from the well-crafted setting to the thoroughly enjoyable characters, gave me hope that it’s out there.
I enjoyed Pierlot’s sassy, easy-going style and appreciated the story’s steady and engaging pace. There’s plenty of action to keep readers turning pages. But the loveable characters and their relationships were what held me to the satisfying conclusion. Rig was a delight, embodying some of my favorite hero tropes in a lovely, femme package. I appreciated the Pierlot including themes of found family, the dangers of colonialism, and the importance of relationships and forgiveness. A story like this could’ve easily felt one-note.
This story contains mentions of violence, medical procedures, and religious and systemic oppression.