Books like Mother of Eden by Chris Beckett

Eden, a sunless world once home to a tiny forest tribe, has become humanity’s new frontier. After the early settlers vanished, the planet’s remaining five hundred inhabitants retreated to the warmth of lanterntrees, fearful of the surrounding cold. Over a generation, human colonists have expanded, forming two dominant kingdoms that rule through men‑predominant violence and each proclaiming themselves the favored children of Gela, the first star‑traveler who arrived on a star‑crossing vessel. Starlight Brooking, a spirited young woman, encounters a commanding man from across Worldpool and believes he will give her the chance to channel her ambition. Unbeknownst to her, she is destined to become a stand‑in for Gela, to wear the woman’s fabled ring, and to wield immense power while remaining powerless. In this dual role, Starlight is poised to alter the trajectory of Eden’s history.

First publish date: 2015