The Snow Queen

 The Snow Queen is a space opera of sorts, written by Joan Vinge, it won the 1981 Hugo for good reason.  Although it appears science fiction, but this is more of a fantasy novel in feel, as are most of Joan Vinge's other works.

 The plot focuses on two cousins, Moon and Sparks, brought up as "summers" on the ocean planet Tiamat.  Tiamet has two cultures, the "winters" and the "summers", the winters live with technology and embrace off- worlders.  The summers are more traditional and avoid most technology.

  A cycle has been established on Tiamat where each culture gets to rule for 150 years, ruled by their respective Queen, the Snow Queen or the Summer Queen.

  The story begins near the end of the rule of the Snow Queen, the time of the summers is approaching and many off-worlders are preparing to leave. The competition for the next Summer Queen will soon start, but the Snow Queen does not wish to give up her rein.

 This is a very enjoyable story, the world Vinge constructs is excellent, and the characters are solid, particularly  the Snow Queen.

9.1/10