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Twin Suns #2
Epsilon Nine
Six months after the attack on Adrestia, trans activist Juno Marcus finds her revolution at a standstill—they've been forced into hiding, only leaving the uncharted planet they call home to participate in protests as the Galactic Presidential Election grows near. But, when she and girlfriend Castor Quasar are torn apart in a riot, she finds herself directed to safety by a mysterious, anonymous signal—a transmission only signed as EPSILON 09.
However, while revolution moves quick, the galaxy moves quicker, and Juno and the rest of the rebels find themselves embroiled in conflict after conflict—a once-green planet ravaged by spilled oil, a fundraising gala that ends in blood, and a threat that forces Castor to confront old wounds. As the election grows nearer every day and messages from EPSILON containing impossible intel grow more frequent, Juno starts to question everything she thought she knew. Is she doing enough? Is the galaxy's democracy still worth saving?
Or is it time to burn it all down and build something new from the ashes?
However, while revolution moves quick, the galaxy moves quicker, and Juno and the rest of the rebels find themselves embroiled in conflict after conflict—a once-green planet ravaged by spilled oil, a fundraising gala that ends in blood, and a threat that forces Castor to confront old wounds. As the election grows nearer every day and messages from EPSILON containing impossible intel grow more frequent, Juno starts to question everything she thought she knew. Is she doing enough? Is the galaxy's democracy still worth saving?
Or is it time to burn it all down and build something new from the ashes?
448 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2025
1 person is currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Olive J. Kelley
10 books89 followersOlive J. Kelley (they/them) is a mid-twenties non-binary, autistic lesbian who writes hopepunk, realistic romance for queer and disabled adults. When they're not writing, they can be found playing video games, watching TV, or working as a barista. They have a bachelor's degree in creative writing and currently live in Louisville, Kentucky with their wife, dog, and three cats, 3/4 of which are named after Star Wars characters.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 28, 2025
I have a new favourite sci-fi duology. This series means a lot to me. I first read Junker Seven at a time when I felt really vulnerable, and following Juno and Castor was really good for me. Rereading Junker Seven and finally getting to read the conclusion was incredible. I do think this is a series best read back to back. It's heavy and has a lot of moving pieces that are easy to lose track of with time. I am really excited to continue reading more from Olive J Kelley. They have an incredible gift.
June 8, 2025
Thank you to Olive J. Kelly for providing me with an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!
Holy shit ya'll, I'm gonna be so honest, I don't know what to say. The political state of the galaxy represented in this book is painfully similar to the current state of America. I know they did this on purpose, as a way to cope, but it made it a hard read at times. When I read, I do it to escape reality and pretend everything is okay for a couple of ours. That being said, this book also filled me with hope. Hope that if we keep fighting against oppression and fascism, focuses on community and lifting each other op, things will be alright. This book made me cry multiple times, though, because of its intensity and similarities to the real world. It's such an important book, all the books in the series are, but be prepared to be slapped in the face brutally.
It's an Olive J. Kelly book, so we all know the rep is on point. Not only does it feature all sorts of queer, trans, and POC characters, it also features a wide range of disabilities such as deafness, neurodivergency (autism, PTSD, anxiety, etc.), chronic pains, POTS, a wheelchair user, and prosthetics. It was so heartwarming seeing the cast helping- and taking care of each other, and be considerate of their different needs. It also mentions the importance of masking which I thought was nice, since it's a thing people aren't really doing anymore, since it's not peak covid times anymore, but is still important.
Now, this book had me STRESSING each time Juno and Castor got separated, I was actively fearing for their lives. Kelly how dare you do this to me, I love them both so much. I loved all the characters, actually, they were so lovely. Especially Bash, Mars, and Lily, I love their little family, and I need another spin off book about them and their shenanigans. I obviously also need more Castor and Juno, I always do. There's also this one specific character who, as soon as their identity was revealed, I was like?? Are you inspired by this real person (iykyk)?? Because if so, that's just..wow. I really liked the character regardless, but you know.
I really appreciated the ending, as it was hopeful, as I mentioned earlier, but also realistic, which I thought was especially important in such a political book. Well done, Olive J. Kelly, you nailed it once again.
If you're into sci-fi, I am begging you to pick up this series. It is so so good.
Holy shit ya'll, I'm gonna be so honest, I don't know what to say. The political state of the galaxy represented in this book is painfully similar to the current state of America. I know they did this on purpose, as a way to cope, but it made it a hard read at times. When I read, I do it to escape reality and pretend everything is okay for a couple of ours. That being said, this book also filled me with hope. Hope that if we keep fighting against oppression and fascism, focuses on community and lifting each other op, things will be alright. This book made me cry multiple times, though, because of its intensity and similarities to the real world. It's such an important book, all the books in the series are, but be prepared to be slapped in the face brutally.
It's an Olive J. Kelly book, so we all know the rep is on point. Not only does it feature all sorts of queer, trans, and POC characters, it also features a wide range of disabilities such as deafness, neurodivergency (autism, PTSD, anxiety, etc.), chronic pains, POTS, a wheelchair user, and prosthetics. It was so heartwarming seeing the cast helping- and taking care of each other, and be considerate of their different needs. It also mentions the importance of masking which I thought was nice, since it's a thing people aren't really doing anymore, since it's not peak covid times anymore, but is still important.
Now, this book had me STRESSING each time Juno and Castor got separated, I was actively fearing for their lives. Kelly how dare you do this to me, I love them both so much. I loved all the characters, actually, they were so lovely. Especially Bash, Mars, and Lily, I love their little family, and I need another spin off book about them and their shenanigans. I obviously also need more Castor and Juno, I always do. There's also this one specific character who, as soon as their identity was revealed, I was like?? Are you inspired by this real person (iykyk)?? Because if so, that's just..wow. I really liked the character regardless, but you know.
I really appreciated the ending, as it was hopeful, as I mentioned earlier, but also realistic, which I thought was especially important in such a political book. Well done, Olive J. Kelly, you nailed it once again.
If you're into sci-fi, I am begging you to pick up this series. It is so so good.
June 7, 2025
Olive J. Kelley has done it again! "Epsilon Nine" is the perfect book for everyone who wants a story with a lot of emotional depth and a plot that just sweeps you along in the ups and downs of a revolution.
The way the characters are written is one of the big strengths of this book. They feel so vivid and real and have some really distinct voices. The cast is also incredibly diverse, and the found family aspect is so well done that you just can‘t help but get attached too.
Sadly, some of the emotional depth gets reduced in the last part. And this is where my only criticism lies: the pacing. While the first two quarters of the book are at a pretty leisurely pace, the final quarter feels like it went by like a spaceship at light speed, which means it lost so many nuances the rest of the book had. It could have easily been the most devastating and detailed part of the whole book.
What I also would have loved to see more of is an explanation of the happenings that take place between the final chapter and the epilogue. Since there is so much buildup to what life could look like after the revolution, it would have been awesome to see how they actually get there.
However, the characters, the outstanding representation, and the thought this book provoked make it an incredible story that will stay in my mind for a long time.
(Especially with the parallels to current politics, which is increasingly going in a similar direction.)
Thank you to Olive J. Kelley for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review.
The way the characters are written is one of the big strengths of this book. They feel so vivid and real and have some really distinct voices. The cast is also incredibly diverse, and the found family aspect is so well done that you just can‘t help but get attached too.
Sadly, some of the emotional depth gets reduced in the last part. And this is where my only criticism lies: the pacing. While the first two quarters of the book are at a pretty leisurely pace, the final quarter feels like it went by like a spaceship at light speed, which means it lost so many nuances the rest of the book had. It could have easily been the most devastating and detailed part of the whole book.
What I also would have loved to see more of is an explanation of the happenings that take place between the final chapter and the epilogue. Since there is so much buildup to what life could look like after the revolution, it would have been awesome to see how they actually get there.
However, the characters, the outstanding representation, and the thought this book provoked make it an incredible story that will stay in my mind for a long time.
(Especially with the parallels to current politics, which is increasingly going in a similar direction.)
Thank you to Olive J. Kelley for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE
My favorite thing about this book are the characters and their relationships to each other, the way they’re all imperfect but are all working to be better, their endless love for and support of each other… what can I say, I’m a sucker for found family.
While I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as I enjoyed the first, I think I can attribute that to the fact that I was completely obsessed with watching Castor and Juno fall in love in the first book! And to my delight, we got so many precious moments between them in the sequel. Forever in love with their love.
This book definitely helped me to deal with everything that’s going on in our world right now. It gave me the hope that I so desperately needed 💗
If you’re queer and sad about the state of the world, READ THIS BOOK!
My favorite thing about this book are the characters and their relationships to each other, the way they’re all imperfect but are all working to be better, their endless love for and support of each other… what can I say, I’m a sucker for found family.
While I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as I enjoyed the first, I think I can attribute that to the fact that I was completely obsessed with watching Castor and Juno fall in love in the first book! And to my delight, we got so many precious moments between them in the sequel. Forever in love with their love.
This book definitely helped me to deal with everything that’s going on in our world right now. It gave me the hope that I so desperately needed 💗
If you’re queer and sad about the state of the world, READ THIS BOOK!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
such an amazing book, I loved reading through Juno's point of view. the characters both new and old are absolutely wonderful. if you're queer you should read it. if you're not queer you should read it. it's a beautiful story, very satisfying after junker.
June 8, 2025
A political and action driven plot, with lots of twists and and of course, inspiring and full of deph main-characters. And with amazing side characters too (Mars and Nova being my favorites).
We have Juno POV's in this book. It's a great perspective to get into and one that i was looking forward to.
A book that depicts a much-needed revolution with refreshing relentless fighters.
Socials | StoryGraph | Reviews On Goodreads
We have Juno POV's in this book. It's a great perspective to get into and one that i was looking forward to.
A book that depicts a much-needed revolution with refreshing relentless fighters.
Socials | StoryGraph | Reviews On Goodreads
June 18, 2025
A sequel that that inspires to burn it all down.
I loved seeing the perspective of Juno in this book. I loved her in the previous book so so much and now being able to see into her head was an amazing experience. She fights for a better world so hard and does so much but she's also still just 20 and learning how the world works. Seeing her grow throughout the book was amazing and by the end I felt absolutely proud of her.
The relationship between Juno and Castor in this book became something steady and strong over the time we skip between Junker Seven and now Epsilon Nine. The way they both grounded each other was so heartwarming to see. Juno always looks for Castor and together they try to make things right. Established and strong relationships are such a favorite for me in books and this book really made me feel a lot. Don't get me wrong romance books where people come together are awesome too, I loved that in Junker Seven. But sometimes the longer standing relationships in later books make me feel even more fuzzy feelings inside.
I also really enjoyed the way Castor seems to struggle more visibly with their Autism. Don't get me wrong I don't with meltdowns on anyone, but the way theirs were sometimes self destructive I don't see often in books. I feel seen when books show the more harmful things that can happen when someone is autistic and how dysfunctional Autism can be. For me in my daily life it's a major disability and seeing that with others in books makes me feel less alone.
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
I loved seeing the perspective of Juno in this book. I loved her in the previous book so so much and now being able to see into her head was an amazing experience. She fights for a better world so hard and does so much but she's also still just 20 and learning how the world works. Seeing her grow throughout the book was amazing and by the end I felt absolutely proud of her.
The relationship between Juno and Castor in this book became something steady and strong over the time we skip between Junker Seven and now Epsilon Nine. The way they both grounded each other was so heartwarming to see. Juno always looks for Castor and together they try to make things right. Established and strong relationships are such a favorite for me in books and this book really made me feel a lot. Don't get me wrong romance books where people come together are awesome too, I loved that in Junker Seven. But sometimes the longer standing relationships in later books make me feel even more fuzzy feelings inside.
I also really enjoyed the way Castor seems to struggle more visibly with their Autism. Don't get me wrong I don't with meltdowns on anyone, but the way theirs were sometimes self destructive I don't see often in books. I feel seen when books show the more harmful things that can happen when someone is autistic and how dysfunctional Autism can be. For me in my daily life it's a major disability and seeing that with others in books makes me feel less alone.
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
June 11, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked the book overall but some aspects prevented me from falling in love with it fully, so I'll try to detail that factually.
The world-building in this series is truly compelling. So many planets, environments with their own systems and communities. This time we pick up the story again from Juno's POV, a few months after the end of book 1.
I was a bit sad that I liked Juno less after spending more time with her. I feel she gets a priviledged treatment from everyone around her, which she admits herself, and it felt sometimes like the rebellion could have existed without her.
The plot is very rich and fast-paced but never gets too complicated to follow. I could see the modern references and how they were transposed into a sci-fi world even if sometimes it was a bit too close to reality and I felt it could have been altered a bit more.
I also felt at times that the writing was hindered by the 1st person pov (although that might be a bias as this is not my favourite) which I feel often makes the writing sound more informal, but that is just personal taste. There were times where it felt like the book was trying to make every character look cool, which sometimes puts me off, especially since there are a lot of secondary characters and almost all of them have some romantic plot going on which made it hard for me to follow.
I still kept reading and wanted to know how the story ends. The ending itself came about faster than the rest of the plot and I personally wish we didn't get the big happy ending so quickly because it takes away from the realism of politics the series has applied for most of it.
All in all if you like sci-fi and books heavily inspired by current events that put a hopeful twist on them, I would recommend Epsilon Nine.
I liked the book overall but some aspects prevented me from falling in love with it fully, so I'll try to detail that factually.
The world-building in this series is truly compelling. So many planets, environments with their own systems and communities. This time we pick up the story again from Juno's POV, a few months after the end of book 1.
I was a bit sad that I liked Juno less after spending more time with her. I feel she gets a priviledged treatment from everyone around her, which she admits herself, and it felt sometimes like the rebellion could have existed without her.
The plot is very rich and fast-paced but never gets too complicated to follow. I could see the modern references and how they were transposed into a sci-fi world even if sometimes it was a bit too close to reality and I felt it could have been altered a bit more.
I also felt at times that the writing was hindered by the 1st person pov (although that might be a bias as this is not my favourite) which I feel often makes the writing sound more informal, but that is just personal taste. There were times where it felt like the book was trying to make every character look cool, which sometimes puts me off, especially since there are a lot of secondary characters and almost all of them have some romantic plot going on which made it hard for me to follow.
I still kept reading and wanted to know how the story ends. The ending itself came about faster than the rest of the plot and I personally wish we didn't get the big happy ending so quickly because it takes away from the realism of politics the series has applied for most of it.
All in all if you like sci-fi and books heavily inspired by current events that put a hopeful twist on them, I would recommend Epsilon Nine.
October 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this satisfying and HOPEFUL conclusion to the Twin Suns saga!
January 17, 2026
Light 4
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews