These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs (Paperback)

These Burning Stars is the first book of the Kindom Trilogy by Bethany Jacobs, published by Orbit. This space opera centers on an interplanetary empire, a powerful religious order, and a long buried crime that refuses to stay hidden. Twisting politics, morally gray characters, and sharp suspense make it a strong pick for readers who enjoy ambitious, character driven science fiction on a galactic scale.