Warchild (Lowachee novel)

Warchild is a science fiction novel written by Canadian author Karin Lowachee, published in 2002. It is the first book in the Warchild trilogy, followed by Burndive (2003) and Cagebird (2005).

The novel follows the story of Joslyn Musey, a fifteen-year-old space station urchin who is abducted and forced to serve as a child soldier by the ruthless space pirate Captain Renko. Joslyn, renamed Ryan, must adapt to the harsh realities of life aboard Renko's ship, where he is trained to fight and kill. The story explores themes of identity, manipulation, trauma, and the loss of innocence in the face of violence. It also examines the complex relationships that can form in desperate circumstances and the challenges of survival in a brutal future.

The novel received positive reviews for its compelling characters, its gritty portrayal of space piracy, and its exploration of difficult themes. It has been praised for its unflinching look at the effects of war on children and its nuanced examination of morality in a morally ambiguous universe. Warchild is often noted for its realistic and brutal depiction of life in space, devoid of romanticization.