Up with the Star is a book that offers many things: sharp insights about Americana and the American political system (future America's president is "the warlord": they manage hundreds of small states: pageantry and showmanship are a warlords best tools.) It also manages political machinations, complex relationships, themes, jokes, sex, and violence deftly, the central, nameless, character both earnest and reflexively glib: employing humor at inappropriate times adeptly.
The Nameless protagonist is an outcast, sold into gladiatorial combat (which takes elements of WWE wrestling as well as Roman arenas). Through her charisma, she leads a revolution against the previous warlord, who's hereditary power has previously gone unquestioned. In the aftermath, the protagonist is asked to become the new warlord, to preside over a transition of power: to free the slaves, change the system, and make a lot of violent people very angry.
Other characters include Marta; the awkward, straightforward doctor: Conway, the protagonist's friend with benefits and much better politician: Saga Calcatrix, an old fisherwoman with great advice: Amitto Telesphore, a young mother with sharp political instincts; Sam and Jim, the protagonists guard: and the Iconoclast, a woman who is violence personified.
This book is wonderfully, unapologetically queer, and gives women of all types and personalities room to breathe and grow. This book manages to be a sharp satire and a love letter.
I think this book is easy to recommend though it comes with some content warnings: violence, cannibalism, discussions of sexual assault. While I think this books is enjoyable to many, I particularly think that fans of After the Revolution by Robert Evans, Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood, the fallout games, and professional wrestling will find a lot to love here.
The book is extremely readable and moreish. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend it.