are explored through both Tina Mains' experience as an alien clone as well as the diverse cast of side characters. The aliens within the Royal Fleet include a wide array of physical and social variations, and the human characters are also racially diverse. The concept of individuality is built into the institution of the Royal Fleet, which Anders intended as a contrast to more conformist military organizations in franchises like Star Trek. Rather than being based on the human military tradition, the fleet's structure is built around the cultural differences of its member species. Preferred gender pronouns and neopronouns are a prominent part of the narrative, as characters must introduce themselves with their pronouns due to the in-universe demands of interspecies communication. Anders stated that since aliens in her universe have different gender identities, reproductive anatomies and family structures, their gender might not be apparent to other species such as humans. She said that "When you meet an alien, you're not going to be able to tell what gender, if any, they might have." Affirmative consent is also incorporated into the dialogue of the novel. Critics noted the inclusiveness of the narrative, which Maya Maya Gittelman of Tor.com wrote "reads as a very genuine celebration of difference." Reception The book has been described by critics as a space opera, within an expansive universe. It received praise for its lighthearted tone, action and fast pacing. Gary K. Wolfe wrote that it "cheerfully echoes not only familiar pop-culture properties from The Last Starfighter to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but reaches all the way back to Heinlein juve­niles and 1930s space operas." It was compared by some reviewers to franchises like Steven Universe. Ellie King of Nerd Daily felt that it was written in a somewhat "simplified" way that would make it accessible to younger readers, but might alienate older audiences. Michael Berry of Common Sense Media gave the book a score of 5 out of 5. Victories Greater Than Death won the 2022 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book. It was nominated for the Andre Norton Award at the 2021 Nebula Awards. Adaptation In September 2021, it was announced that Amazon Studios was developing a television series based on the book, through Outlier Society. Michael B. Jordan is the executive producer along with writer and showrunner Gennifer Hutchison. References 2021 science fiction novels Space opera novels American young adult novels LGBT-related