Some Desperate Glory

Kyr is the protagonist of Some Desperate Glory and travels through multiple universes. In the first universe, her full name is Valkyr, and most people call her “Kyr,” but her sister and brother call her “Vallie.” She is 17 and a warbreed (engineered for peak physical performance) made from Elora Marston’s genetic material. Her imposing form and skills mean that “everyone who meets [her] is scared of [her]” (188). Kyr has gray eyes and blond hair that she wears in a “regulation ponytail” (8). Overall, she is very interested in following the rules and regulations; she has fully succumbed to Gaea Station’s brainwashing. Her dedication to her cause and duty makes her, according to Mags, “hard to talk to” and (145), according to Cleo, a “horrible bitch” (283). Kyr lacks emotional intelligence and education. She is “fearless and sure, disciplined and obedient and righteous: Earth’s perfect child” (381).

In the second universe, her family still uses the nickname “Vallie,” but most people call her “Val.” Her full name is Lieutenant Valerie Marston. She is 23, has short hair, and is repeatedly described as “precise, clear, educated” (280). Her opinions come from being well-read and contradict Kyr’s opinions once Kyr remembers the previous universe.