Space Opera

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets the sheer fabulousness of Eurovision in bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente's science fiction spectacular, where sentient races compete for glory in a galactic musical contest...and the stakes are as high as the fate of planet Earth

Finalist for Hugo Award for Best Novel 2019

In space everyone can hear you sing

A century ago, intelligent space-faring life was nearly destroyed during the Sentience Wars. To bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity and understanding, the Metagalactic Grand Prix was created. Part concert, part contest, all extravaganza, species far and wide gather to compete in feats of song, dance and/or whatever facsimile of these can be performed by various creatures who may or may not possess, in the traditional sense, feet, mouths, larynxes or faces.

This year, humankind has discovered that it must fight for its destiny not with diplomacy, gunships and stoic councils - but with glitter, lipstick and electric guitars.

A washed-up glam-rock trio from London, Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes, has been chosen to represent humanity on the greatest stage in the galaxy. The fate of Earth lies in their ability to rock.