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A battle-worn corporate samurai undertakes one last mission on a merciless planet where death is always a mere breath away, in this standalone dystopian epic from the author of the modern fantasy classic Jade City.
LIVE BY THE CODE. DIE BY THE KNIFE.
Isako is a legendary swordswoman, but every legend must come to an end. When her long-time client unexpectedly retires, she plans to follow—to walk out into the frozen wasteland of their planet with her head held high and her family enriched by her death. But when she’s offered a final mission, she can’t refuse, especially when she realizes who lies at the center of it all: Martim, her last—and worst—apprentice, who’s somehow made his way to the top. As she’s thrust into a world of corporate espionage and shadowy secrets, what she uncovers could forever change humanity’s existence among the stars.
The Last Contract of Isako is epic science fiction like only Fonda Lee can write it—set in a world where money trumps loyalty, the elite have the power to extend life or end it, and one woman in the twilight of her calling must decide what’s ultimately worth living—or dying—for.
Releasing on May 5, 2026 from Orbit Books
Suitable for adult readers.
ISBN: 978-0316568630
“Fonda Lee is a master of genre-bending adventure, and I couldn’t wait to see where she’d take this mix of high stakes corporate gamesmanship and space colonization. I wasn’t disappointed. The Last Contract of Isako may be her best work yet.” –James S. A. Corey, NYT bestselling author of The Expanse series
“A compelling tale of corporate samurai on a terraforming colony grappling with duty, honor and a murder mystery with a hell of a twist. Lee brings effortless worldbuilding and truly heartfelt characters to a visually slick space opera that fans of the Green Bone Saga are absolutely going to eat up. Both action-packed and at turns meditative, I loved every minute.” –Rebecca Roanhorse, NYT bestselling author of Black Sun
“Isako is the creaky-kneed, post-menopausal, no-time-for-your-shit hero that we need. May she usher in an age of protagonists who show us the power and depth of the veteran woman warrior! Lee’s world of grit and professional honor and ethical quandary will be familiar to her fans, while she is also exploring new themes of transhumanism and disability that energize and resonate. If you came here for Jade City, you’ll stay for Isako!” –Bethany Jacobs, Philip K. Dick Award-winning author of These Burning Stars