The Red Scholar's Wake

In this captivating space opera by Aliette de Bodard, tech scavenger Xích Si finds herself imprisoned by the notorious pirates of the Red Banner, where she receives an unexpected marriage proposal from their leader, Rice Fish, a sentient spaceship. Both driven by their own needs—Xích Si for protection and Rice Fish for a technical expert to solve a mystery—they begin a precarious arrangement. As they navigate the chaos of an interstellar war and delve into their investigation, their relationship transforms into something more heartfelt and profound, challenging them to survive together amidst the turmoil.