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alexiab's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
OW OW OOWWW THIS IS A DAMN GOOD BOOK WHY THE HELL ARENT MORE PEOPLE READING IT?
That world building? That juicy ass plot?! Murder mystery with twisted memories and shape shifters?! Crazy ass magic? J U I C Y
I’m obsessed. Im in love. I’ll take 10 more of this please and thank you.
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Empire of Exiles is a fantasy mystery with a cast of characters connected to the imperial archives-- a place brimming with the histories and artifacts of ten cultures. Here, those born with affinities for specific materials use their abilities to learn about the artifacts in their care. The downside of these natural talents is a boundless, consuming curiosity akin to addiction, swallowing specialists whole when they're calendrically "in alignment." When this happens, generalists are charged with bringing them back to themselves before the material takes over.
The ten ancestral groups of the empire once fled the changeling invasion and found themselves safe within the Salt Wall, now protectorates of the Semillan Empire rather than independent nations. And while the concept of changelings who can take the shape of even a dear loved one, impersonating them completely with the right training, still lives on as a source of fear in the public consciousness-- it's a distant thought. After all, changelings are safely kept out by the wall. Or so everyone assumes.
The story takes place in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt. Though it's decades in the past, it's left an indelible mark on what was supposed to be a united, peaceful empire. And this moment in time has a particular bearing on our mystery in the present. Details of the coup are revealed through the characters, but also each section of the book starts with a key flashback to clue the reader into the bigger picture.
The murder mystery is enshrouded in political conspiracy in the present with a busy cast of characters to investigate. I love a whodunnit like this where all the characters hold only part of the story. It makes me desperate for them to collaborate even as I understand exactly the distrust that keeps them apart... and all the more satisfied when I get the epic team-up I desire. Plus, the fantasy components keep readers on their toes. Without knowing the limits of the world, from mysterious venoms to saintly powers, anything could happen.
The only official investigator is Richa, and he's been told to let the case go. The assumed murderer is dead with all kinds of evidence against him, including multiple (overly?) consistent witness statements. But there's no motive to speak of. And worse, Richa's inquiries run up against the indomitable "no" of the imperial family, so his work must continue in only an unofficial capacity. Other POVs come from Quill, a scribe whose best friend was caught red-handed before killing himself at the scene before Quill's very eyes. Grieving and determined, he stands up for who he knows his friend to be even when everything's stacked against him. Meanwhile, Yinii feels torn between her affinity for ink which earns her a job at the archives, and a family who finds her specific skills impossible to understand. And my favorite of the protagonists was the one with the most complicated history -- Amadea Gintanas. She has a calm and compassionate teacherly vibe I can't help but empathize with as she organizes the specialists in her care and keeps them safe as their generalist. She's reliable and good in a crisis, even when she's roiling with PTSD and anxiety internally. Amadea is first drawn into this mess when two of her specialists' families are affected by the murder. Then, Quill seeks sanctuary at the archives. And finally, Amadea's spotty past catches up to her.
I love this book's inspiring, nerdy setting, political duplicity, and charming characters. It's a rich world with both depth and breadth. Though not necessarily dark, it definitely has that academia vibe (and just my flavor, too). Archivists argue about provenance, categorization, and the purpose of historical objects with passion. I love the mystery components, the action and revelations right up to the end, and the promise of more world-building to come. Thank goodness the sequel is just around the corner. And thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
The ten ancestral groups of the empire once fled the changeling invasion and found themselves safe within the Salt Wall, now protectorates of the Semillan Empire rather than independent nations. And while the concept of changelings who can take the shape of even a dear loved one, impersonating them completely with the right training, still lives on as a source of fear in the public consciousness-- it's a distant thought. After all, changelings are safely kept out by the wall. Or so everyone assumes.
The story takes place in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt. Though it's decades in the past, it's left an indelible mark on what was supposed to be a united, peaceful empire. And this moment in time has a particular bearing on our mystery in the present. Details of the coup are revealed through the characters, but also each section of the book starts with a key flashback to clue the reader into the bigger picture.
The murder mystery is enshrouded in political conspiracy in the present with a busy cast of characters to investigate. I love a whodunnit like this where all the characters hold only part of the story. It makes me desperate for them to collaborate even as I understand exactly the distrust that keeps them apart... and all the more satisfied when I get the epic team-up I desire. Plus, the fantasy components keep readers on their toes. Without knowing the limits of the world, from mysterious venoms to saintly powers, anything could happen.
The only official investigator is Richa, and he's been told to let the case go. The assumed murderer is dead with all kinds of evidence against him, including multiple (overly?) consistent witness statements. But there's no motive to speak of. And worse, Richa's inquiries run up against the indomitable "no" of the imperial family, so his work must continue in only an unofficial capacity. Other POVs come from Quill, a scribe whose best friend was caught red-handed before killing himself at the scene before Quill's very eyes. Grieving and determined, he stands up for who he knows his friend to be even when everything's stacked against him. Meanwhile, Yinii feels torn between her affinity for ink which earns her a job at the archives, and a family who finds her specific skills impossible to understand. And my favorite of the protagonists was the one with the most complicated history -- Amadea Gintanas. She has a calm and compassionate teacherly vibe I can't help but empathize with as she organizes the specialists in her care and keeps them safe as their generalist. She's reliable and good in a crisis, even when she's roiling with PTSD and anxiety internally. Amadea is first drawn into this mess when two of her specialists' families are affected by the murder. Then, Quill seeks sanctuary at the archives. And finally, Amadea's spotty past catches up to her.
I love this book's inspiring, nerdy setting, political duplicity, and charming characters. It's a rich world with both depth and breadth. Though not necessarily dark, it definitely has that academia vibe (and just my flavor, too). Archivists argue about provenance, categorization, and the purpose of historical objects with passion. I love the mystery components, the action and revelations right up to the end, and the promise of more world-building to come. Thank goodness the sequel is just around the corner. And thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
maryconnors6's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
Empire of the Exiles was a unique read in the new sub-genre of fantasy: the murder mystery (but FaNtAsY). I was initially drawn in since I am a sucker for changeling stories, and Empire of the Exiles did not disappoint in that respect. But it did in a few others-- namely, the magic system. It was pretty confusing and I still don't get how it works. The younger characters weren't super believable but I did enjoy the older generation. I'm interested in reading the sequel, although this one didn't blow me away.
Empire of the Exiles was a unique read in the new sub-genre of fantasy: the murder mystery (but FaNtAsY). I was initially drawn in since I am a sucker for changeling stories, and Empire of the Exiles did not disappoint in that respect. But it did in a few others-- namely, the magic system. It was pretty confusing and I still don't get how it works. The younger characters weren't super believable but I did enjoy the older generation. I'm interested in reading the sequel, although this one didn't blow me away.
theshaggyshepherd's review against another edition
4.0
Empire of Exiles attracted me with a combination of a great name, a cool cover, and an awesome premise. While I have some small gripes with the book, I did overall really enjoy it and definitely recommend it.
I started out a bit confused because there are a lot of different names to keep up with for places and people. Eventually though you get used to that. It continues throughout the book but in time you start to pick out which ones are more important to keep track of and which ones aren’t quite as important.
The archives make a very intriguing center point for the story to revolve around. Between the information found there, the people being trained or coming to get help there, and the relationships forming there, there are always more layers of intrigue being peeled back. It’s also the place where we experience and learn about much of the magic, which is different to me from anything else I’ve read. I’ve always loved magic having a cost to the user and this one is quite interesting.
I really liked the characters. Quill feels pretty realistic. His age shows through his overeagerness and righteousness in a way that experience burned out of some of the other characters. He is excitable in a way that doesn’t always benefit his character and steers him wrong a couple of times but that just endeared him even more to me and made him feel more lifelike, which is important in more ways than one in this story.
He isn’t the only character that makes mistakes sometimes but what I love about this book is that this is often pointed out by others or makes sense in the situation due to the emotions the characters are experiencing. They’re so deeply affected that it’s difficult to see past their fears or other feelings in a way that feels relatable. The frantic energy of spiraling in particular is conveyed really well.
I did sometimes find this book a little bit too convoluted. There is a lot of intrigue and I loved learning about the political machinations but sometimes it was really difficult to keep up with the small details that seem to make all the difference. I also felt that sometimes the characters focus on clues that feel rather flimsy in the situation but it is convenient to do so to move the story forward. In contrast to that though, it also stunned me a couple of times in a good way. I love it when a book takes me off guard and makes me go OOOHHHH out loud. This one actually managed that more than once.
So while there were a couple of things that didn’t completely work for me, overall the positives heavily outweighed those. I wanted to read this book any chance I got because I had to know what would happen next. I love how the action is mixed up with the intellectual in this story and can’t wait to read the next one.
I started out a bit confused because there are a lot of different names to keep up with for places and people. Eventually though you get used to that. It continues throughout the book but in time you start to pick out which ones are more important to keep track of and which ones aren’t quite as important.
The archives make a very intriguing center point for the story to revolve around. Between the information found there, the people being trained or coming to get help there, and the relationships forming there, there are always more layers of intrigue being peeled back. It’s also the place where we experience and learn about much of the magic, which is different to me from anything else I’ve read. I’ve always loved magic having a cost to the user and this one is quite interesting.
I really liked the characters. Quill feels pretty realistic. His age shows through his overeagerness and righteousness in a way that experience burned out of some of the other characters. He is excitable in a way that doesn’t always benefit his character and steers him wrong a couple of times but that just endeared him even more to me and made him feel more lifelike, which is important in more ways than one in this story.
He isn’t the only character that makes mistakes sometimes but what I love about this book is that this is often pointed out by others or makes sense in the situation due to the emotions the characters are experiencing. They’re so deeply affected that it’s difficult to see past their fears or other feelings in a way that feels relatable. The frantic energy of spiraling in particular is conveyed really well.
I did sometimes find this book a little bit too convoluted. There is a lot of intrigue and I loved learning about the political machinations but sometimes it was really difficult to keep up with the small details that seem to make all the difference. I also felt that sometimes the characters focus on clues that feel rather flimsy in the situation but it is convenient to do so to move the story forward. In contrast to that though, it also stunned me a couple of times in a good way. I love it when a book takes me off guard and makes me go OOOHHHH out loud. This one actually managed that more than once.
So while there were a couple of things that didn’t completely work for me, overall the positives heavily outweighed those. I wanted to read this book any chance I got because I had to know what would happen next. I love how the action is mixed up with the intellectual in this story and can’t wait to read the next one.
dawn_marie's review
1.0
In theory, Empire of Exiles by Erin M. Evans should have been a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It contains many of the elements that I like to see in my fantasy novels: mysterious magical artifacts, political intrigue, a brewing rebellion, and a murder to solve. Despite the inclusion of these elements and a well-developed world, I did not enjoy the novel. Ms. Evans’ writing style did not resonate with me, causing me to feel extremely disconnected from the characters and plot.
shhh_thisisalibrary's review
4.0
Overall I liked this book! It was a great cozy adventure book with some murder mystery. I will say the reason I didn’t give it a 5 was because the content seemed a bit overwhelming. So much information I felt I couldn’t keep up, there were so many characters I couldn’t keep them all straight, & the mystery aspect was drawn out too long in my opinion. The reason it didn’t get less than a 4 was because it redeemed its self in the last 100 pages. It started to come together & filled with twists. I also felt that despite the overwhelming nature of the book it was original, read about characters and magic systems I’ve not yet experienced, it was twisty, and vivid!
It gave off Uncharted/Clue/Star Wars vibes! I know that seems like a lot and random things together but it all sort of worked!
veronica4242's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
morganpk7's review
4.0
Overall I really liked this book, though the central mysteries were fairly easy to predict. I like the insidious nature of the threat from the changelings (a bit reminiscent of Dagger and Coin) though we don’t truly see enough of them to feel scared. The book does suffer from a plethora of complex names for both characters and races which made things more difficult to keep track of than they could be.
kitausu's review
5.0
This book is SO underrated. Why don't I ever seen anyone talking about it?? Can't wait for book 2!