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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
This was a good sequel to the first book in the series!
The worldbuilding in this one was much better imo. The sci fi worldbuilding felt way clearer and less confusing than book 1, which was a huge improvement (that was my only real issue with book 1). On the other hand, the Ethiopian cultural details (like the MC eating injera and tibs, mentioning Ge'ez script, etc) were still present, although there was a little less referencing Ethiopian history (besides the Aksum Empire references). Also, I really liked hearing Ethiopian accents for the audiobook.
It was as nice to see Yared develop as a character a bit more. He's still somewhat arrogant (in a way that comes across as funny rather than annoying), but in this book he learns to be more responsible, especially with his privileges that come with being recognized as a prince. This did require him to make some mistakes first (I always get secondhand embarrassment with that sort of thing), but luckily, once I got past the beginning and the plot started in earnest that didn't happen again. The side characters also played well off Yared.
The plot is once again pretty fast paced, with a few twists later on. I'm an adult, so not the target audience for this book, but I can see it working well for a middle grade audience.
The worldbuilding in this one was much better imo. The sci fi worldbuilding felt way clearer and less confusing than book 1, which was a huge improvement (that was my only real issue with book 1). On the other hand, the Ethiopian cultural details (like the MC eating injera and tibs, mentioning Ge'ez script, etc) were still present, although there was a little less referencing Ethiopian history (besides the Aksum Empire references). Also, I really liked hearing Ethiopian accents for the audiobook.
It was as nice to see Yared develop as a character a bit more. He's still somewhat arrogant (in a way that comes across as funny rather than annoying), but in this book he learns to be more responsible, especially with his privileges that come with being recognized as a prince. This did require him to make some mistakes first (I always get secondhand embarrassment with that sort of thing), but luckily, once I got past the beginning and the plot started in earnest that didn't happen again. The side characters also played well off Yared.
The plot is once again pretty fast paced, with a few twists later on. I'm an adult, so not the target audience for this book, but I can see it working well for a middle grade audience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Just as a heads up, side characters (the MC's best friend and his pet robotic lioness) playfully punch/swat the MC a lot. I'm including this under violence because I don't think there's a more specific tag for it.
Violence and injuries are still middle grade appropriate.
Not as captivating and exciting as the first but a fun little read nonetheless.
adventurous
Diverse cast of characters:
No
With its multiple locations - including up in space - this book could have used a map.
The antagonist is let off surprisingly easy.
The antagonist is let off surprisingly easy.
Quick Summary: Another hit!
My Review: The Royal Trials by Kwame Mbalia and Joel Makonnen is book two in the Last Gate of the Emperor series. In this installment, Yared is on another adventure. He learns more about himself, his family, his people, and the world he is trying to save.
My Final Say: Twists, turns, and tons of action - that is what is in store for readers who venture into The Royal Trials. The story puts the audience front and center in the middle of the action. It is so well done.
Other: Why isn't this a movie?! It ought to get a nod from Netflix, to be sure.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Suggestions: YA Book Club, Featured Lit in the classroom setting, Reading Bowl recommendation
* I have both read and listened to the books in this series. Either way it was consumed, it proved to be crazy good.
#Seriesfollower
#Libraryread
My Review: The Royal Trials by Kwame Mbalia and Joel Makonnen is book two in the Last Gate of the Emperor series. In this installment, Yared is on another adventure. He learns more about himself, his family, his people, and the world he is trying to save.
My Final Say: Twists, turns, and tons of action - that is what is in store for readers who venture into The Royal Trials. The story puts the audience front and center in the middle of the action. It is so well done.
Other: Why isn't this a movie?! It ought to get a nod from Netflix, to be sure.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Suggestions: YA Book Club, Featured Lit in the classroom setting, Reading Bowl recommendation
* I have both read and listened to the books in this series. Either way it was consumed, it proved to be crazy good.
#Seriesfollower
#Libraryread
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If your kids love fast paced adventure, fun characters, gaming themed books! This series is a fun choice! The audio was great!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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:
Complicated
Fun second book in the series, end on a cliffhanger to the next book of course.
The WALYA bot in this book gives me serious Martha Wells murderbot vibes.
These books are a great step for middle grade readers to step into sci fi, as there aren’t a ton of options in that level.
Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
The WALYA bot in this book gives me serious Martha Wells murderbot vibes.
These books are a great step for middle grade readers to step into sci fi, as there aren’t a ton of options in that level.
Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.