Gods War
On a ravaged world consumed by a holy war, former assassin Nyx makes a living as a bounty hunter. When a deal involving her government and an alien gene pirate goes wrong, Nyx is tasked with a covert recovery mission. The item she needs to retrieve could finally end the war, but the cost might be higher than anyone expects.
Gods War is the first book in The Bel Dame Apocrypha series, and while it introduces the world and characters, each book in the series can be read as a standalone story. There are overarching plot elements, but the individual narratives are self-contained enough for new readers to jump in.
Kameron Hurley's Gods War is notable for its unique blend of grimdark science fiction with elements of body horror and a strong focus on morally ambiguous female protagonists. The world-building features bio-engineered technology and a matriarchal society engaged in a perpetual, religiously-fueled conflict.
Gods War showcases Kameron Hurley's signature style of exploring complex ethical dilemmas, brutal action, and unconventional gender roles, themes that are also prominent in her other series like The Stars Are Legion and The Light Brigade. It establishes her reputation for challenging traditional genre tropes.