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Ian McDonald
British science fiction author. Born in Manchester.
Luna: Moon Rising
On a future Moon, life is a constant struggle for survival under the thumb of powerful corporations. Adriana Corta rose from nothing to lead one of these 'Five Dragons,' seizing control of the Helium-3 industry. Now, at the end of her life, her empire is under attack from all sides. Her five children must fight not only their mother's enemies but also each other to keep the Corta family's legacy alive.
Luna is the first book in the Luna series, which continues with Luna: Wolf Moon and Luna: New Moon. While each book has its own narrative arc, the overarching story of the Corta family and their struggle for power on the Moon develops across the trilogy.
Luna was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. It also won the BSFA Award for Best Novel, recognizing its contribution to British science fiction.
Luna showcases McDonald's signature world-building and intricate character development, similar to his earlier works like River of Gods, but it distinguishes itself with a more focused, dynastic saga set entirely on a meticulously imagined lunar society. It explores themes of family, power, and survival with a distinct blend of hard science fiction and political intrigue.