This was a highly anticipated book for me because I really enjoyed O’Keefe’s last two series and was eager to see how she’d handle herself with a standalone novel.

The strongest aspect by far for me was the world building. She immediately drew me in with that from the first page on. Somehow each of her scifi universes feels very different from the others and I always love learning about the creatures and lore within them. This was well done all throughout.

The pacing of the plot was a little dicey for me sometimes. The setup felt pretty long for a standalone so I was worried that it wouldn’t come together well enough. For the most part, I think she did well. There were some exciting moments along the way and then it all really built up towards the climax at the end. I did struggle a little bit with following some of the finer details there and the ending felt a bit abrupt before the epilogue, but overall it was cool to see the conclusion.

There were two main characters that came from very different backgrounds and I definitely preferred one over the other. While Faven had lots of neat world building in hers, I thought Amandine’s background and emotions were better developed and conveyed. Granted, Faven did work on limiting her feelings on purpose but even when she did get emotional in various situations, it just didn’t come across the page as fluidly.

There were several prominent side characters and there as well I felt like some of them were better developed than others. Amandine’s crew was pretty fun to follow along with and while Faven was surrounded by interesting people, they felt a bit more flat than I would’ve liked. I liked how distinct their roles were within Faven’s life though and how that affected the story in different ways.

Overall, I had a good time reading this book. As always, the world building stood out and there were definitely some characters I liked to cheer on, which made it a pretty quick read for me. I do still have to say though that it doesn’t quite reach the level of The Devoured Worlds for me. There were several things in this standalone that made me reminisce about her last series and now I’m so tempted to read that one again.

tl;dr: 3rd person from two main POVs/excellent writing/fully fleshed-out characters/lesbians/one character referred to as "them".

Arr, me mateys! This here be a story about pirates...in space! Arr. And according to the blurb a ghost ship...in space! What could be more exciting? Well (switching from pirate voice to normal voice) I hate to break it to you but there's no ghost ship and I'm sorry if that's too much of a spoiler but I don't want other readers to get all excited as I was only to find out there's no ghost ship. There is a spooky place full of ghosts--sort of--and maybe it is a ship in a way but not in the conventional way we think of ships.

Some background first before I delve into the plot and characters. Many millennia ago the alien Cryst came and gave the gift of how to navigate the stars to the humans by creating a merging of Cryst with Human to create the crystborn. Only they can see the paths between the stars as a trail of light. The crystborn become the navigators for humanity, and the Cryst themselves are swallowed up in history so that only the crystborn and normal humans remain.

Faven Sythe, our titular heroine, is crystborn and when she follows the path her mentor took on her latest trip she finds it ends in the Clutch, that mysterious place that so many of the crystborn have been disappearing to, never to be seen again. Faven is determine to follow the path and find out what happened to her mentor.

Bitter Amandine (not her real name) is a pirate. A swaggering, swashbuckling pirate though without the parrot or peg-leg. And without a sword too. Amandine uses a shotgun if you can believe it. Yes, a shotgun in a space-faring world. You'd think they'd have better technology than to rely on shotguns. Maybe it's a more advanced form of shotgun.

Those two are our main POV characters. They have an ill-fated first meeting. Then later they meet again and Faven and Amandine start this dance around each other (figuratively, not literally). They could not be more different and yet drawn to each other. Each strong in their own way. These are fully-fleshed out 3D characters, they seemed like real people to me.

The story will take us from the Spire of the crystborn and their Choir to the main den of pirates, and finally into the mysterious Clutch where we find out some shocking truths. And that's all I'll say for fear of spoilers.

I devoured this book. I can't say enough about the two main characters. They are the center of the book. The story was intriguing too. You've got post-human people who seem to have all these benefits and yet they have a sad ending because the more they use their abilities to make pathways for ships the more their bodies turn into cryst-glass, until they are entirely taken over by it and are nothing but a cryst-glass statue. That Achilles heel reminds me of something a fantasy writer once said about writing magic. That you can't have just magic that can do anything, instead magic has to have rules, sometimes a downside to it. And that's what O'Keefe has done with the crystborn, given them a downside to their "magic" ability to find safe pathways from point A to point B.

If I have one negative thing to say about the book it is that there are women everywhere. There's a woman in charge of the crystborn, a woman in charge of the pirates, a woman here a woman there. And lots of lesbians, not that there's anything wrong with that it just seemed a little to coincidental that every woman Amandine comes across is a lesbian. There are two male characters that we meet and both end up ineffective. It just seems unbalanced to me. But then the focus of the narrative is so focused on Amandine and Faven that we really don't get a chance to meet that many other people nor get to know them so who knows, maybe there's tons of strong male characters there.

That's the only thing that bothered me (a little, not a lot), that and that my head reeled at the end with the Big Reveal Twist Thing that all books must have nowadays. Knocked me a 180 and took awhile for my brain to settle again.

The Two Lies of Faven Sythe (love the almost rhyme) is an adventurous story that I give a solid 5 stars to. Get yourself a copy when it comes out and read your heart out.

(Huge thanks to the publisher and author for allowing me the privilege of reading this book. Now I gotta check out her other books.)

4.25 stars!

UGH this was so good. I've been wanting to read some of Megan E. O'Keefe's books for a while now and I think this was a perfect introduction because I immediately want to go through her whole backlog!

When Faven's mentor disappears into a dangerous part of space called the Clutch, the navigator enlists the help of pirate Bitter Amandine to uncover the conspiracy at the heart of the crystborn. But Amandine has her own secrets, many of which she left buried in the Clutch, and helping Faven might be more of a challenge than she first expected. Sapphic space opera? Conspiracies? Living ships? GIVE IT TO ME NOW. I devoured this, and O'Keefe really has a talent for quickly establishing complex and compelling characters. The world-building was super cool, the romance had me kicking my feet, and certain moments had me on the edge of my seat. This easily could have been a new favorite but I found a lot of the conspiracy kind of confusing. All the stuff I did follow was great, so this is probably my fault, but I can't say that I really understood all of the mystery.

Still, this was so great and I'm so glad I like this author because I think she could become a new favorite!

Thank you to Megan E. O'Keefe and Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

Happy reading!

I received a free copy from Orbit Books via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Publish date June 3rd.

I've read a few books by O'Keefe in the past, so I was interested to see the space pirate based premise of her latest release. In The Two Lies of Faven Sythe, Faven Sythe is a navigator, a being revered as a god who can navigate interstellar travel in exchange for slowly turning into crystal. When Faven's mentor disappears under mysterious circumstances, she's determined to investigate--a path that will set her on a collision course with the Choir, a rakish pirate, and a sinister cosmic graveyard.

I think The Two Lies of Faven Sythe was a book with a great deal of potential. Celestial navigators doomed to turn to glass, a secretive pirate city, a legendary ghost ship, a sapphic romance, galaxy-toppling secrets. In space!! Unfortunately, for me the execution fell short. This book felt like walking down a bare and unadorned hallway where all the doors are locked. Characters besides Faven and the pirate Amandine are barely filled out except for perhaps a single line of backstory, from the pirate queen to Faven's adoptive aunt the Blademother. Even our ostensible main characters aren't developed deeply, and the romance feels like just a convenient plot trope, with minimal chemistry between them. Likewise, we hardly get a glimpse at the locked rooms of the worldbuilding, from the complexities of navigator politics to the details of pirate heists to what a station is like. Which is a shame, because O'Keefe set up so many excellent ideas.

Great concept, but lacking execution. Not recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.

This book is told from a third-person perspective. About Bitter Amandine, a notorious pirate, and Faven Sythe, an innocent navigator and crystalborn - a hybrid of human and crystal with the ability to weave star paths.

When Faven's mother dies and her mentor goes missing, leaving only rumors and a mysterious star path leading to a cosmic graveyard known as Clutch, Faven is determined to find it, even if it means dealing with pirates. Her journey intersects with Amandine, who harbors her own secrets. Together, they become embroiled in a conspiracy that draws them into dangerous adventures across the galaxy.

The descriptions are vivid and atmospheric, and I loved that there are pirates in space.

Found family, love. Adventures in space.

I wasn't particularly invested in the romance, and I didn't want or expect it to be a focus. At times, the plot confused me and felt slow.

⭐️3,5/5

• Pirates in space
• Queer
• Betrayal
• Found family

I recommend this book for space opera fans!

For my personal tastes, I wasn’t a huge fan, and this is why:
-This book felt more like fantasy in space than sci fi (which is many readers preferences, just not mine)
-I didn’t realize there were pirates in here
-One of my DNF rules came up, which is having a bar in space. It breaks the world building for me really badly when there is earth alcohol, earth liquor stores, bars, etc, that would not be on a planet in space, that just suddenly appear there for the sake of the characters drinking. I do not drink and find none of it relatable and it tends to come up in a lot of space operas, so this has become a DNF rule for me unfortunately.

What I LOVED about this book and why I still recommend it even though I am not the reader for it:
-Humor
-A really intriguing plot line, like genuinely unique
-Good dialogue (actual differences in the communication quotes for characters, which I do not see a lot, I really liked this, it made the characters come to life more)

What you might really love about this book that I don’t enjoy:
-Pirates in space

I am leaving this at a 3 star rating since I did not finish it and did not personally enjoy it, but I still would recommend it ton those that do enjoy space opera. Please known I am quite picky with sci fi as a reader.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this eARC for free. I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

"The Two Lies of Faven Sythe" by Megan E. O'Keefe is a high-octane standalone space opera, packed with space pirates, adventure, and intrigue. The novel promises a thrilling blend of explosive action, suspense, and unexpected twists—and it delivers on every front.

Told in third-person POV, the story alternates between two dynamic heroines: Bitter Amandine, a famed pirate, and Faven Sythe, a naive Navigator and crystborn—a hybrid of cryst and human with the ability to weave starpaths between the stars. The more paths they weave, the faster the cryst grows, shortening their lifespans.

When Faven’s mother dies and her mentor vanishes, leaving behind only rumors and a mysterious starpath terminating in the cosmic graveyard known as the Clutch, Faven is determined to find her—even if it means consorting with pirates. Her path crosses and recrosses with Amandine, who harbors her own secrets tied to the Clutch. Together, they are drawn into a galaxy-spanning conspiracy that leads them deep into danger.

This is one of the best science fiction novels I’ve read in a long time. The plot is fast-paced, gripping, and full of suspense. It’s exceptionally well-constructed, and I found myself completely immersed. I especially appreciated that the author didn’t spoon-feed the reader; the world-building, history, and the mystery surrounding the cryst are unveiled gradually.

The futuristic concepts and innovative technology took a little time to fully grasp, but everything fell into place as the story progressed. The novel thoughtfully explores humanity, found family, betrayal, duty, and the emotional dynamics between characters. Add a dash of danger and a spark of sapphic romance, and you have the perfect ingredients for an outstanding book.

The vibrant cast of characters kept the story lively and engaging. Amandine and Faven were both wonderful leads. Amandine, though she fits the "gold-hearted pirate" archetype, has a deep integrity and honor that made her instantly relatable. Faven, though raised in the ivory towers of the Choir, has a restless heart that longs for adventure and danger. Together, they make a great team.

The world-building is top-notch, the nonstop action propels the tale forward, and the characterization feels grounded and believable. O'Keefe’s universe is as compelling as the characters who inhabit it. Strong writing, intricate plotting, and unforgettable characters make this a fantastic read.

In conclusion, I enjoyed this book immensely. I loved its complexity, the precision with which each plot point was laid out, and how Megan E. O'Keefe withheld crucial revelations until the very end. The plot kept me completely hooked, with nonstop twists and never a dull moment. The story’s uniqueness and creativity made it a breath of fresh air. I raced through the pages and didn’t want it to end.

The way every loose end ties together is mind-boggling. Although "The Two Lies of Faven Sythe" is a standalone, I would love to revisit this world. This was my first book by Megan E. O'Keefe, but it certainly won’t be my last. I highly recommend it to fans of space pirates, space operas, and high-stakes adventures. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

So, I lied...
I initially thought this book took place underwater in some shape and after reading the first chapter,.. I was convinced that this was the case..

I was wrong, somewhat. Hear me out, our new friend has scales!
In the beginning of our new adventure we meet Faven Sythe, a cryst-human hybrid. She is a navigator of sort and can weave star-paths for spacecrafts. This is important because once upon a time humanity was about to die and well, hybrids! I wont spoil the adventure for you, but there are pirates!

Megan E. O'Keefe created a sapphic adventure that will carry you through time and space! Consider the people around you and maybe even consider the woman your mother was before you. The story is fast pace, the chapters have the right length and the characters all are lovable.
At a couple of pages short of 400, this is a decent read that wont overwhelm you, but transports you into different universe filled with betrayals, duplicitous friends and lovers..

Thank you to Orbit Books, Megan E. O'Keefe and Netgalley, I was swept away and enjoyed this adventure through space!

I loved this book!! Thank you, Orbit, for the eARC!!!!

I’m a huge fan of O’Keefe’s books, and I’ve been so eager and excited for this one ever since it was first announced. This book was the perfect blend of swashbuckling pirates and sci-fi! The nautical pirate vibes were immaculate, and worked SO perfectly for a spaceship captain. The pirate lingo is just meant to be used in space, I don’t make the rules.

When I read an O’Keefe book, I expect 3 main things: phenomenal character work, intricate plots with twists and turns, and intriguing sci-fi technology.

Bitter Amandine was a fun character full of heart and unquestionable swagger. While definitely carrying a few pirate captain stereotypes, as she should, she was still a unique main character who was a delight to read. Faven Sythe was a classic sheltered yet powerful person of privilege whose eyes were opened to the real world by a dashing pirate. While they both certainly had groundbreaking journeys of self-discovery in this book, the internal journeys themselves were drastically different. Amandine and Faven worked so well together, and really brought out the good in each other.

This book had twists and turns and shocking reveals, and kept you gripped and engaged the whole way through. As usual, my jaw dropped multiple times!! O’Keefe really knows how to write a story that keeps you engaged, has you thinking you figured the mysteries out, and then just throws a curveball at you in the best possible way.

And finally, the tech! I expect all scifi novels to have some sort of super cool futuristic technology that society depends on. And while sometimes it’s something as classic as a warp drive, O’Keefe always sets the gold standard. In this book, navigation is done through the crystborn weaving paths between the stars, and using lightdrives, and using crystglass to build crucial pieces of their worlds. The mystery of the origins of the cryst is revealed slowly, leaving plenty of room to come up with theories.

Overall, a perfect book for me. Perfect for fans of pirates, scifi, and playful sapphic banter. I cannot wait to get a finished copy in my hands!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Orbit for the ARC of The Two life of Faven Sythe by Megan E. O'Keefe.

3.5 stars, rounding down.

I've previously reviewed O'Keefe's The Devoured World's trilogy, and I have zero doubts about her ability to create expansive, in-depth worldbuilding and societies. She is excellent at zooming out to show her whole universe and zooming in to show how individuals survive and thrive in her inventions. Her name should be synonymous with space opera, as every year few years she is consistently generating new work and worlds in the genre.

In The Two Lives of Faven Sythe, I don't think the description exactly matches up with the flow of the book itself. The characters don't even begin to head toward the Clutch until well after the 50% mark, and, in a standalone story, that means over half the book isn't related to the description. Instead, I would say: Famed pirate Bitter Amandine is looking for a new job to fund repairs for her ship. She interrupts another pirates clumsy attempt to kidnap Faven Sythe, a crystborn, a species that can create starpaths from station to station and disrupt the space continuum with their gift. Having a crystborn available to a ship as a navigator is a boon beyond measure - leaving the entire universe at their fingertips.

Faven has her own reason for walking into a known kidnapping attempt - her mentor has gone missing, her last starpath leading to the Clutch, a cosmic graveyard around a star filled with debris and lost ships - a place where people are prohibited from entering unless they are a pirate on the other side of the law.

Faven and Bitter attempt to team-up, but larger forces are at play. Bitter has limited to no intentions of ever returning to the Clutch, having previously been the only survivor of an attack on her last crew during a job gone wrong. Meanwhile, Faven is asking too many questions, and the crystborn leaders are hoping to silence her before she learns too much. The two are separated and forced together again due to a variety of extenuating circumstances. When forces outside of both of their control finally put them in an unanswerable position, both will have to face their past and lean into their abilities to set things right for the galaxy.

I really appreciated that this book was a standalone, which is so rare nowadays. I think this may be both a blessing and a curse, because I loved the shorter format and compressed story, but also still had points where I thought "I wish I knew more about...." I did find I struggled to differentiate/fully understand the cryst vs crystborn vs humanity vs elders vs the choir vs the creche vs spire vs construct. From around 70-80% of the book it seemed like this terminology and the larger world were all dropped on the reader in a quick succession that it was difficult for me to parse through each of them and how they related to the overall plot -- it mostly-ish clarified by the end, but it felt a bit overwhelming. in the moment I think this is the one space where I would have preferred a longer book to better explain the impacts of each of these pieces to better enhance the overall plot/characters. For characters, I wish I understood better how ages worked and how cryst grows on crystborn. Some seem to be rendered immobile immediately, but we see Faven experience a lot of activity that should accelerate her crystgrowth and yet that does not seem to be the case for her vs someone like Gulliard or her mother. I guess I wasn't sure how to understand her lifespan and the life of others like her vs a human's role/lifespan is in this world or if the ending in anyway altered those abilities or the hierarchy of the cryst. Upon reflection, we only ever interact with pirates or navigators/crystborn and never any regular people going about their life, but it would have been nice to know what a life actually looks like outside of this bubble or more about how two rebellions against the crystborn altered humanity.

Thank you to NetGalley, Megan E. O'Keefe and Orbit for the E-ARC!

In Megan E. O'Keefe's new standalone, sci-fi and pirates meet in a story to discover the mysteries shrouded around a cosmic graveyard. Be prepared for action, adventure and surprise attraction that will keep you turning the pages all night long.

I discovered Megan E. O'Keefe's works last year and she quickly became my favourite author, so I cannot describe the excitement I had when I received the E-ARC for her new book. O'Keefe continues to do an excellent job of crafting stories that will have you on the edge of your seat, ensuring that everything is wrapped up in a neat bow by the end. She was able to create such a full story with an expansive world and great cast of characters in less than 400 pages. There wasn't a moment while reading that I wasn't invested in what was happening to and around our main characters Faven and Amandine.

One thing O'Keefe really excels at is leaving hints for the reader while still leaving you shocked when the mystery is unveiled. There's never a point where things just appear out of nowhere, indicators are always there, whether or not you notice them. Whenever I have the chance to re-read this book, I'm excited to find things I wouldn't have thought anything of in a first read.

If you're a lover of sci-fi, I urge you to pick this up on release! You won't find any disappointment in the story O'Keefe has written.