Sirthy

Sirthy is a fictional planet and setting created for a science fiction universe by author Mara Kestrel. It appears as the central stage for the Sirthy Cycle, a series of novels and related media published since 2012.

Geography and environment: Sirthy orbits a sun-like star in the galaxy’s outer rim. The planet features a ring system and a banded archipelago of continents separated by broad seas. Its climate is generally temperate, with dense coastal forests, highland ranges, and long monsoon seasons on several islands.

Inhabitants and culture: The planet is inhabited by the Sirthans, a humanoid people renowned for seafaring and craft. City-states dominate political life, connected by maritime trade routes and an integrated network of orbital and sea lanes. Cultural life emphasizes scholarship, engineering, and art, with a tradition of seasonal festivals tied to the tides.

History and government: The Sirthy Compact, formed after a centuries-long conflict, governs intercity affairs through rotating representation. Local governance varies by city but generally centers on councils and technocratic advisory bodies. The capital city hosts the Orbital Court, which coordinates planetary defense and long-term development.

Technology and economy: Sirthy technology blends fusion energy, advanced hulls and sailcraft, and terraforming-era infrastructure. The economy is diversified, with fisheries, mineral trade, shipbuilding, and research institutions driving growth. Renewable energy, water management, and atmospheric control are common in urban planning.

In media and reception: Sirthy was introduced in the novella Tides of the Outer Sea (2012) and expanded in subsequent novels and comics. The setting is praised for its coherent geography and consistent rules, though some critics note a reliance on familiar spacefaring tropes.