When I read the description of Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf, I was hooked by “mech jousting tournament in space”. Then I started reading and realized that it was also a dystopian underdog transformation story ala Red Rising, and I was 100% on board.
The book starts with the main character, Synali, killing her estranged father, who luxuriated among the elite of a post-Earth space colony while she languished in the slums. Synali sneaks into a mech with the intention of embarrassing her father’s house, but she survives thanks to someone who offers her the chance to get her revenge in a different way.
Beyond just the training and tournament that ensue, there’s some compelling worldbuilding, dystopian dynamics, and mysteries about people who may be more than meets the eye (for better or for worse).
Overall, the book definitely scratches that Red Rising itch if you’re looking for something similar-but-different. I’m curious to hear what you think if you check out Heavenbreaker!