Renegade — L. Timmel Duchamp

Description

Renegade by L. Timmel Duchamp is the gripping second instalment in the Marq’ssan Cycle, a bold feminist science fiction series set in a near-future dystopian world. Continuing the saga in August 2077, the Pacific Northwest Free Zone struggles to maintain its fragile independence amidst mounting threats from the authoritarian US Security Services. The novel deftly blends political intrigue, social commentary, and speculative fiction, creating a tense and thought-provoking narrative.

At the heart of Renegade is Kay Zeldin, a fierce dissident and Security’s most wanted fugitive. Determined to locate her missing spouse and a group of vanished scientists, Kay braves the chaotic, war-torn American landscape, where civil unrest and state surveillance loom large. Her journey leads to a high-stakes confrontation with Elizabeth Weatherall, one of Security’s most ruthless operatives. Their clash is not just physical, but a battle of ideals in a world where survival demands both courage and conviction.

This series is essential reading for fans of speculative fiction that challenges social norms, offering a sharp critique of authoritarianism, gender politics, and resistance. Renegade will appeal to readers drawn to richly imagined dystopias with complex, driven characters and moral dilemmas.