August Kitko and the Mechas from Space

(The Starmetal Symphony #1):
White, Alex (Author)

Binding: Paperback
Pub Date: July 12, 202

Publisher Marketing:
When an army of giant robot AIs threatens to devastate Earth, a virtuoso pianist becomes humanity's last hope in this bold, lightning-paced, technicolor space opera series from the author of A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe.

Jazz pianist Gus Kitko expected to spend his final moments on Earth playing piano at the greatest goodbye party of all time, and maybe kissing rockstar Ardent Violet, before the last of humanity is wiped out forever by the Vanguards--ultra-powerful robots from the dark heart of space, hell-bent on destroying humanity for reasons none can divine.
But when the Vanguards arrive, the unthinkable happens--the mecha that should be killing Gus instead saves him. Suddenly, Gus's swan song becomes humanity's encore, as he is chosen to join a small group of traitorous Vanguards and their pilots dedicated to saving humanity.

Review Quotes:
" August Kitko and the Mechas from Space bursts with action, humor, and heart. Amid a dire and tragic setting of humanity facing apocalyptic extinction, it's a hopeful shot of joyous adrenaline and whimsy...White uses lively characterization and pacing - with an effective blend of space opera, mecha anime, and music - to tell a story of human strength, weakness, and resilience."-- Fantasy Book Critic

Review Quotes:
" August Kitko is a fantastic tale that plays like a jazz fusion anime in the mind's eye. Combining giant robot action, with a joyously crafted queer romance, the story is big, sweeping, and compulsive reading."-- Mind Reels

Review Quotes:
"A unique space opera blending sci-fi and music ... Action sequences are intense, but the witty banter between characters who are brimming with charm and humor steal the show. An intriguing mash-up of music, sci-fi action, and feel-good emotional connections across the stars."

-- AudioFile