Consider Pegasus

Starship Teapot #3

by Si Clarke

A secret unicorn, a desperate family, and a cop dead-set on hunting them down.

Lem and the rag-tag gang of galactic adventurers on the starship Teapot are set to become roadies for the galaxy’s hottest band – but an urgent call from Bexley’s family means the rock stars will have to wait.

Bexley’s soon-to-be-born sibling has a big secret: wings. On their world, skeledivergence is outlawed, so the Teapot crew swoop in to help the family escape.

But their planet won’t let them go that easily. Hunted across the galaxy by a fanatical and eerily familiar cop, the Teapotters must find a way to outwit their pursuer and secure a future for skeledivergent people everywhere.

Dive into the next adventure in this satirical space opera series. Artfully intertwining deep themes with tongue-in-cheek humour and intergalactic ridiculousness, Consider Pegasus is a must-read for fans of John Scalzi’s take on Fuzzy Nation or TJ Berry’s Space Unicorn Blues.

Genres: Science Fiction, British Literature

Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

SI CLARKE is a misanthrope who lives in Deptford, sarf ees London. She shares her home with her partner and an assortment of waifs and strays. When not writing convoluted, inefficient stories, she spends her time telling financial services firms to behave more efficiently. When not doing either of those things, she can be found in the pub or shouting at people online – occasionally practising efficiency by doing both at once. 


As someone who’s neurodivergent, an immigrant, and the proud owner of an invisible disability, she strives to present a diverse array of characters in her stories.

Reviews

[Mountainhombre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of confessions:
For Sci-fi I tend to like space operas with tons of action. This is not Pegasus.
And I'm 75 years old, so I grew up in an era where little was commonly known about various sexual orientations.

Nonetheless, I really liked Consider Pegasus. I do believe that all decent people deserve to be treated with consideration and respect.

What I liked about Pegasus was that it was imaginative and thought provoking. I t is really a primer about treating beings in a manner which allows them to be themselves and a cautionary tale about what can happen when a society has preconceived notions about "normal".

I was fascinated by the "court room" scenes and really enjoyed them. The friendship between beings of different races was palpable.

I found no editing errors which is always wonderful! Good editing shows respect for the reader.

What I didn't like as much was that there was less humor than in previous books in the series.

About 1/3 of the way through the book, it began to drag for me. But then it picked up nicely.

I would have liked a bit more action.

Overall, an enjoyable read which helped me become even more open-minded.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jungian.Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely binge-able book, tell me why I was laughing into 3am! The last time I had this much fun was watching comedy TV. That is not to say that this book was all comedy; because this group were on the run and they were fight against prejudice and ignorance.
I don’t read a lot of science fiction or more specifically intergalactic operas and after binging this one I absolutely will be getting into them more. While this book is the third in the series, I did not feel like I was missing out on massive chunks of information. I will in fact be reading the first and second book sometime some
Consider Pegasus is set in a queer normative universe wherein unicorns are considered a disease and a fight for unicorn rights is on the rise. Through Lem we see the planets and Bexley who is trying to get her pregnant dad and family to safety. Being born with wings or horn, they risk discrimination and stigma.
It was hilarious but the themes discussed are very real and important. Highly recommend

[Alex Townley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a bit of whiplash getting back into these fantastic stories. The absurdity of it all takes a moment to get used to, but once I've allowed my brain to suspend disbelief for a while, I find myself immediately at home with Lem, Spock and the crew of the Starship Teapot.

I love the bizarre adventures and strange characters they meet, but most of all I love how elequently the human experience (or should that be people experience?) is explored throughout the book.

As a trans non-binary ace person, who's also ADHD and Autistic, there was so much in this volume that really spoke to me, hurt me (in the right ways) and made me feel closer to my community and those facing the same struggles. The ups and downs of the characters, their hope and their fight, translates so well and really moved me.

Being able to balance the weird & wonderful characters, their unique world-views and interactions, with this insightful, heartfelt examination of people's struggles, is just again a testament to the skill of Si Clarke. As always, I'm excited for the next journey!

Thank you to BookSirens and to Si Clarke for this fabulous ARC - my above opinions are my own, are honest, and voluntarily given.

[Mr. P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another ripping yarn in the Teapot series, easily my best find of 2022.
I like everything about Si's writing the humour, the referential nods, the the crusading righting of wrongs. All of this in an expansive universe with delightful characters that I truly care about.
I do hope there will be so much more.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to say here other than if you enjoyed the last two entries in the series, pick those up immediately! Lem and the Teapot Gang (a better band name, there isn't) are back and handed to deal with even more insane politics.

Well written, a gripping story and definitely a book that will piss off TERFs. So a Win/Win/Win!

[Emmaby Barton Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

god this series just keeps getting better and better <333 i love bexley so it was so nice to get more insight into her and her life/world - and i hope we continue to get mentions of it in the next book - i really appreciated how we got mentions of the plenties/kobolds in this one!

such a great book about ableism (including internalised ableism! my heart breaks for bex and everyone else who have been taught they are worth less) and accessibility and disability rights, ‘nothing about us without us’, and the complicity of governments who claim to be neutral/don’t put their money where their mouth is, refugees, intentions aren’t enough - we have to unlearn the harmful things we are taught etc. (using the examples of wings/horns (ie which the reader thinks are cool) was v clever - just makes it clear how fucked ableism is) thought the ending/political was also quite good in being realistic - change unfortunately can’t happen overnight, rights-based approaches are limited and not enough - really change requires a change in attitudes which takes time and can result in initially more backlash, governments can claim to be neutral but are actually complict/side with the oppresssor/make false promises etc.

yet still has a bit of cozy found family wholesome vibes that i adore - humour (henry’s insults continue to slay), a love of pockets in clothing, the validity of wanting cake for breakfast - and more importantly - celebrating all diversity and constant reminders that we are all valuable and worthy and its ok to need support and that doesn’t make you lesser!!

also liked the queerness as usual - poly rep amongst bexley’s species! and lem trying to explain more about her gender/dysphoria (i hope we get more insight into this at some point) (also hope we get more insight into the rehabilitation process that keeps getting mentioned!!

did feel like i was missing the underlying meaning/message of the human body etc being seen as plants on bex’s planet?? am i dumb?? someone pls explain

not ready for this series to end :( but am glad to see that more books are planned even if it means i have to wait impatiently haha (next book is deemed to be a bit scary/horror which isn’t my vibe so i hope i still enjoy it eek!!)

[Cass Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of ground to review, for new readers, then expand on. In some ways, the diversity of characters felt overemphasized but I think it's because our view is through Lem, who is as confused as we would be if thrown into an alien situation - that is, keep reminding ourselves the reality is not what we're used to. Throw in the shorter story format and things feel compressed.

The crew is fun and wide-ranging. A lot of thought also went into Bexley's culture/family groups and Holly, the AI, adds comic relief to a heavy topic. The ending struck me in the same way Handmaid's Tale did the first time I read it… all too real a reflection of how peer pressure gets people to abandon principles to fit in.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SI Clark is an amazing author. This series waltzed right into my all-time favorites with Left Hand of Dog and has only become more cemented there with each successive book. I can't read these fast enough; they are that good!
I adore these characters and the way Clark handles inclusivity is just breathtakingly beautiful. As written in the afterword, this story gets a little dark, but it's probably impossible to write about body autonomy without some darkness.
There are plenty of laugh out loud bits and the book never takes itself *too* seriously. It's an amazing read and I highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a good book with a life lesson thrown in.

[Courtney Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Serious, Less Silly, but All Love

I felt that this book was by far the most serious of the Starship Teapot books to date. This whole wholeheartedly takes on social injustice towards marginalized groups, and masks it just enough to allow you to experience the feels in a whole new way. This book reminded me of the anger, the sorrow, the struggle that LGBTQIA+ folx have been dealing with and will continue to deal with, and how the only way out is a long hard struggle, supported by love.

Fear not friends, the story is not wholly serious, SI presents us with a humorous take on some local flora that puts Lem in an awkward spot, while also getting her accused of being one of said flora. There's enough silly to keep it from being depressing, but its a lighter load than the previous books.

However, if you're struggling with the hard facts of discrimination and marginalization either personally or of someone close to you, and looking for a light hearted diversion, skip this one and come back when you've got the emotional bandwidth.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series. The books are light, fun, and yet bring up serious societal issues in a highly thoughtful way. I love the crew of the Teapot. I love the creativity Clarke shows creating her races too. The technology is believable without seeming like ‘magic’ either. And the geek references everywhere just keep you smiling even through the more serious parts.

More, more, more, please!

[Dr. Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pride Book Tours and the author for an ebook in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this one! Going to have to read the rest of this series for sure.

[tillie hellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a lovely series!!! i rlly liked the allegorical work it was doing in this book and the court scene stuff was super fun. all of the characters and worldbuilding were a blast and it was hilarious while also being pretty deep. such a good time!!!!

[Cressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

wiene trees. I have the humor of a 12 year old boy. I found this hilarious.


I love this series. I hope si clarke gives us more from the Starship Teapot.

[Laurie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant fusion of comedy, science fiction and a poignant exploration of reproduction rights. Si Clarke once again entertains and provokes thought with the third novel in the Starship Teapot series.

Lem and her friends get caught up in interplanetary politics when it is discovered that Bixby's parent is having a baby, one with an outlawed skeletal variation. She's a Pegasus!

I received an advance copy free and this is my honest review.

[Martez HB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book.

The series seems to be getting a little more serious with each book. This one hits some serious topics such as rights, discrimination, rejection and finding your own family and community.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for this delightful story - as with its predecessor, I ended up finding this one quite emotional! The author continues to make tough topics into lighthearted and very readable storylines, and I think it is to be commended. This installment in the Teapot's adventures was definitely the one that worried me the most, even though I trust the author to write cosy, happy endings - there were moments of real tension.

[Lil Bookish Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve got so much to say on this one! I loved it. Review coming on Monday

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adding the book's own warnings before I start:

This work contains the following:
- Strong themes of ableism and transphobia throughout
- Pregnancy and brief mentions of miscarriage and baby loss

Also, please note that trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are who they tell you they are. This book is not for TERFs.

✺◟(＾∇＾)◞✺

I had bemoaned in another review that a lot of new inclusive books—while appreciated!—still treat their inclusiveness as something that the characters have to adjust to, that they have to "come out" and brave potential ostracism to be role models for their target audience. I get why that is, but I also want to read inclusive characters as... just normal people:



So this is a VERY good way toward what I wanted! It does still have a few conversation points along the lines of, for instance, the main character (Lem) explaining how on Earth she* was persecuted for being trans—something her alien friends understand without hesitation since alien genders are significantly more complicated than the human binary, but Lem has to explain as a matter of her understanding the prejudice they are experiencing.

The core story is specifically about one of Lem's shipmates Bexley,** whose parents (specifically, "dads," even though one of them is carrying the pregnancy) reach out to her(/them, collectively) about smuggling them off-world, because the child is carrying "the defect"—pegasus wings. Even Bexley has to worry about bigotry, since she is hiding her unicornism, also a "defect" that their culture treats as something horrible to be removed. Bexley's dads managed to save her because unicornism only starts manifesting in puberty, and now they also want to save the new child from the nonconsensual surgery she would have to undergo upon birth (and, as it turns out, multiple times as the wings grow back). And the bigots argue that the children with these defects go on to have poor health and shorter lifespans—imagine, being subject to hatred and unnecessary surgeries is harmful to one's health!

On the whole, the story is so captivating that it's easy to jump in even from book 3! (The highly useful "Previously on..." bit helps, actually.) Recommended for space sci-fi fans, especially ones looking for more representation!

*the one thing that I had to adjust to is, either as subversion of male as default or just some preferred setting in Lem's translator, all sentient beings are "she" and all non-sentient beings are "it"—even though Lem is specifically agender (though somewhat feminine-presenting AMAB)

**An interesting if confusing feature of their alien experiences is the translation A.I. doesn't even bother with names in many cases, since a very lot of alien languages would be unpronounceable, so the user is allowed to assign their own name to anyone new, and the A.I. will automatically translate the real name to the understood name and vice versa. If only ACTUAL "A.I." were so smart!

The downside of this is I lost track of who a lot of characters were, since the names are so arbitrary. Unfortunate side effect of the story being TOO engrossing for me to take note of every tiny detail instead of being too impatient to see what happens next!

[Jim Razinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a review copy of this from BookSirens and didn't realize I hadn't read Judgement Dave, so ... quick side trip, all caught up and off we go. Consider Pegasus is still fun, and at the same time darker. Ms. Clarke's band of lovable misfits... well, family of misfits ... find themselves facing harsh realities of an unsociety of self-proclaimed purity that imposes its"standards" on minorities that are different, telling those affected that they don't know better than the "standard" whole. Familiar? Of course. It's happening all over the wrongwing in the US, and in Ms. Clarke's adopted home of G.B. Vague? Also, of course, because I rarely summarize plots out of respect to the author and the reader. If you aren't seething at points in this book, I know if I can help you understand. As to the subject, in her Acknowledgements, Ms. Clarke says,

Towards the end of 2020, I decided I just … couldn’t. I couldn’t face another serious novel about serious people dealing with serious problems. [...] Oops, I did it again. This book is every bit as dark as the second.
I worked hard to get the balance right: the darkness of the themes and the lightness of the tone. My aim is always to address real issues but to do so in a way that has warmth and heart – that respects the sanctity of life and the rights of people. I want to write stories that are diverse and inclusive at their very core.

I think she's done that. Because in her own words (yes, she's the author, of course they are, ... these are coming through a character Lem to friend Bexley): "I took a deep breath and tried again. ‘Right, so I’m going to try to explain it in my words. Hopefully, it will translate into something useful. I don’t really have a gender. But when I was born, they said I was male. I’m definitely not a man. At all. But I’m not a woman either. I feel more comfortable with she and her pronouns. And I present in ways that humans code as femme. Well, mostly. Sort of. But… Ugh. I’m really making a hash of this.’"

And when a character explains the exclusion experienced on her world... ‘I’m sorry – this must all seem wildly backwards to someone from an enlightened world.’, Clarke nails it with Lem's (earthling) thought: "I wanted to reply – to explain I was from a planet where evidence and propaganda are presented with equal merit, where the side that makes the most emotive case is deemed to be the winner. Where facts are irrelevant if the majority opinion goes against them."

I'll thank Ms. Clarke as well for a play on something in her Galactic Union, "...those dreadful people at POX news." I am SO borrowing that!

A good story addressing difficult issues well. And, I think, sadly optimistic for reality, but there's hope.

[☠Arianne Reads Horror ☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

You're probably wondering if this is scifi, the answer is yes. You're now wondering what the fuck I'm doing reading it? IT HAD A PEGASUS ON THE FRONT(kind of, just in big font not an image of one)

This book is actually part of a trilogy(at the moment) And for them most part it's really accessible as a standalone read. I think because of some of the more complex parts of this stories universe, you can be left wondering about parts you have missed from previous books storylines, mostly though it makes a great single story read.

This is actually a really refreshing and light read. It's almost like reading the story of a cartoon for adults( like a disenchantment vibe) The problems faced are, yes serious, but also handled in a way that's quite chilled, as the reader, you don't find yourself panicked to continue the story, because it's almost like you know there will be a favourable ending. I really enjoyed this, as compared to my usual horror reads which are mostly doom and gloom, to have a bit of happiness at the end of the story was great.

The inclusiveness of the book is so great to read. Everyone is treated fairly(by the good guys) and although, there are issues around gender, identity etc, it's all handled really well and delicately, in a way that's just different to read.

I loved all of our good folk characters, especially Spock, who is a dog (that the main characters can communicate with) And all others were just easy to read and likeable throughout.

This is a brilliant read, very light and easy to binge read. A great one if you're into Sci fi books and are after a somewhat comedyesque sitcom cartoon feel? Or, if you're like me, and dont read sci fi often, this could be a good way to break into the genre!!!


Thanks to @pridebooktours and @siclarke for allowing me to read this

[Nicole(thereadingrebel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I adored the main character Lem. Lem is the only human character in the book and love seeing all the alien species and planets though Lem’s eyes. This book was a lot more serious then I though it was going to be. It centers around Lem’s shipmate and friend Bexley and her family and the prejudices and ignorance her species has toward anyone of their group that is born with wings or a horn. It was a serious book but it had it’s cute quirky funny moments. I love how Bexley’s species reacted to Lem. It was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing when they were on Bexley’s planet and Lem was taking pictures of the plants. I love how the author talked about ablism and how it can be so deeply imbedded in your psych that you believe what they say about you. I have a invisible disability that has a lot of stigma attached to it and really connected with Bexley’s character. This book is Queer Sci-fi at it’s best. I highly recommend this book especially to people who love Sci-fi, found family and quirky characters.

This is book 3 in the Starship Teapot series and the first book I have read in the series. I didn’t have trouble keeping up or figuring out what was going on so you can jump in at book 3 if you want. I regret not reading book 1 and 2 first because I feel I would have loved this book even more if I had gotten to know these characters from the beginning of their journey together.

Rating: 5 stars

I want to thank @pridebooktours for a copy of this book to review and promote. All opinions are my own.

[Chloe Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider Pegasus - Book Review🦄

4 star read✨

Thank you so much to @pridebooktours for having me on this book tour. Also big thank you to @clacksee_author for a copy of this wonderful book!

Okay so this isn’t normally the sort of genre I would read. I was a bit nervous to dive in, considering this was book 3 in the series. I highly appreciated the first pages being a recap of the previous adventures however I found that I was able to read this book and enjoy just as much, without reading the others.

This book includes so many important topics however was a very light hearted read throughout. This book made me laugh on many occasions and I fell in love with the character Spock, who wouldn’t?!

Being such a short book, this was so easy to binge read. If you enjoy fantasy and themes of LGBTQ, this is the book for you and I highly recommend it.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consider Pegasus is Book 3 in the Starship Teapot by S I Clarke. One thing that I really like about this series is how much fun the story and characters are. I love that the Starship is actually the shape of a teapot! The characters are all very different. Lem and her German Shepherd, Spock, were kidnapped in book 1 and the fun and adventure has not stopped. But, I thought that the author tackled a serious subject in this book, differences in a race. Bexley is a "horse" but, she has a unicorn. This difference is considered a sort of birth defect. Serious subject that is tackled well. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the first 2 Teapot books and one short story with Lem and Spock. I love the characters of the Teapot stories and I especially love how they are a giving, loving family to each other. This book wasn't as silly and light-hearted as I was expecting/hoping. Serious issues were tackled and dealt with, thankfully ending well for our lovely characters. I do hope the next Teapot book is one of action and adventure, without any heavy issues to contend with.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider Pegasus, third in this series, is much deeper and darker than I anticipated in comparison to book one. The characters are diverse and interesting. Si Clarke is an extremely creative and imaginative author and I feel she succeeded in pointing towards the hope of an accepting and empathetic world.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from BookSirens and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and it was just a bit more serious than the first two. This time Lem and her crew are helping people who are fighting for the right to make medical decisions for their child and the right to exist as they are rather than conforming to an ultra-conservative society. These books are relevant and true and funny without being heavy handed and I love them.

[Arden McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is another fun, absurd read in the Starship Teapot series. I really enjoyed this book because it treats serious topics in a fun, light-hearted way. It's a cozy and relaxing read. I appreciate the diverse characters with their distinct contributions, strengths and weaknesses.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really excellent, third part to this well written, spot on, sci fi adventure series! Always a pleasure to read this authors work, it touches on many serious subjects but in a positive up beat manner that always leaves a smile! A great adventure & I do strongly recommend this!

[Ju Transcendancing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This addition to Starship Teapot was also really solid, really enjoyable and comforting in the humourous progressive genre that I didn't know I needed. I really loved the way this played out, it wasn't saccarine or twee, it was well thought out with competing ideologies. And yet, still fun and light hearted. But oh so real and relatable - especially for those who come from a background having experienced rejection based denial-of-self oppression. As we continue, the writing that started clunky has smoothed out and is more confident, it's a delight to me having read all three novels in quick succession. Do reccommend if you need a pick me up that is unsubtle, but funny and rewarding.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit me right in the feels. The Teapot books don't exist in a Utopia, but they kind of show the path towards one. And what at first seems (and actually is) silly quickly turns into a mirror for our society. This last one gutted me at one point. But it was worth it.