The stars are dancing. Technology is failing, and it's taking the Empire down with it.
No one knows why the Stardance has returned, nor how to deal with the loss of the crystal energy that has powered the Empire for longer than most can recall. There's only one who might be able to stop it: Caley, a former senior mage with the Empire, who left to save her homeland.
She just needs to figure out how to save the universe, while also being named custodian of a pair of prisoners -- a morally-gray pirate and a spy for the rebellion ? and dealing with the return of her ex, who was once the most feared man in the Empire.
After Empire is a science fiction thriller that pulls in elements of magic and political intrigue, along with some epic worldbuilding. It's perfect for fans of Arkady Martine and C. J. Cherryh.
