For preordered copies, the fine folks at Raven Book Store are offering signed copies of R. B. Lemberg’s THE UNBALANCING, the first novel set in the beloved Birdverse.

THE UNBALANCING

by
R. B. Lemberg

ISBN: Trade paperback 978-1-61696-380-4; Digital 978-1-61696-381-1

Published: September 2022

Available Format(s): trade paperback and digital

Reading this book is like diving into the most beautiful language exploring various aspects of human possibility. Everything in this book is so fluid from the words, the setting itself, but also the characters—the way they think, the way they feel, and the way they present.

—Infinite Text

In this first full-length novel from the acclaimed Birdverse, new love blossoms between an impatient starkeeper and a reclusive poet as they try together to save their island home. Nebula, Locus, and Ignyte finalist R. B. Lemberg (The Four Profound Weaves) has crafted a gorgeous tale of the inevitable transformations of communities and their worlds. The Unbalancing is rooted in the mystical cosmology, neurodiversity, and queerness that infuses Lemberg’s lyrical prose, which has invited glowing comparisons to N. K. Jemisin, Patricia A. McKillip, and Ursula K. LeGuin.

In a narrative by turns gentle and implacable, Lemberg writes movingly and magnificently about disaster, survival, and hope.

—Kate Elliott, author of the Crown of Stars series

Beneath the waters by the islands of Gelle-Geu, a star sleeps restlessly. The celebrated new starkeeper Ranra Kekeri, who is preoccupied by the increasing tremors, confronts the problems left behind by her predecessor.

Meanwhile, the poet Erígra Lilún, who merely wants to be left alone, is repeatedly asked by their ancestor Semberí to take over the starkeeping helm. Semberí insists upon telling Lilún mysterious tales of the deliverance of the stars by the goddess Bird.

When Ranra and Lilún meet, sparks begin to fly. An unforeseen configuration of their magical deepnames illuminates the trouble under the tides. For Ranra and Lilún, their story is just beginning; for the people of Gelle-Geu, it may well be too late to save their home.

R. B Lemberg’s  Birdverse is one of my favorite places to visit, full of queer possibilities and deep emotional and philosophical musings. In THE UNBALANCING they give us wonder, devastation, resilience, and love. Lemberg’s poetic voice makes even the harshest explorations of loss beautiful, and manages to balance grief and horror with hope and joy.

—Julia Rios, Hugo Award-winning editor of Uncanny Magazine