Reviews

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I loved what it was - for what it was. We are dropped into a sudden change in Maia's life, as his father and half-brothers all die in an airship crash, leaving him the new emperor of the Elflands. As his father did not care for him at all, being the offspring of a political marriage with a goblin, Maia was never considered for the throne and is woefully unprepared and ignorant in the ways of the court.

The story spends time setting itself up for the main plot. While we're on our way to the Imperial Court on page 10, we spend the next several chapters getting to know Maia and several of the players in the Court. The author does a wonderful job of teasing out emotional connections for the reader and for Maia, as he struggles to find anyone he can trust in the politics of the court and in the lonely nature of the throne.

When we finally reached what I refer to as the main plot, we have come to know and care about several of the characters in a very natural way. I really liked the world- and character building done here. As the wheels begin to turn as the machinations of unhappy elements of the Court who do not see Maia as fit to rule, I found it difficult to put the book down. It all comes to a head and ends with a satisfying conclusion. I checked this out from the library, but may pick up a copy of my own because I see myself revisiting it many times in the future.

of_thorns's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

_magdalena_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

I was hooked by the blurb. In the end, I found the characters (especially Maia), the setting and the political conspiracy interesting but somehow the story felt extremely slow and boring at points. That ultimately led me to stop reading it.

starsinsunshine's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Just beautiful. This was a book that reminded me that being kind, even in a place that does not value kindness, is a truly wonderful thing.

animegirlkate's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

werewindle's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

More...