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bookish_mrs_w's review
4.0
Last Gate of the Emperor is a fantastic futuristic sci-fi adventure. I loved the atmosphere and the pacing. There’s a great message about family; found, chosen and blood. There was some great humor and connection between the main characters that is fun to watch unfold. I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator was so enjoyable to listen to.
cafejessnyc's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
Just, wow... I knew I would love it. Kwame Mbalia has such a way with words that you can't help but love his stories! But I bought this solely because of his name without knowing anything about the story. Totally worth it!
So since I'm not going to be able to fangirl without spoilers, I'm just going to mention something that Prince Joel Makonnen talks about after the story. He says, "I also hope that as you read Last Gate, you’ll be inspired to discover your own history, no matter who you are or where you’re from." Coincidentally, I recently started figuring out my family tree (looking forward to the results from the DNA test) and has someone who is half-adopted, I'm really curious where the biological half that I don't know about is rooted and comes from.
So since I'm not going to be able to fangirl without spoilers, I'm just going to mention something that Prince Joel Makonnen talks about after the story. He says, "I also hope that as you read Last Gate, you’ll be inspired to discover your own history, no matter who you are or where you’re from." Coincidentally, I recently started figuring out my family tree (looking forward to the results from the DNA test) and has someone who is half-adopted, I'm really curious where the biological half that I don't know about is rooted and comes from.
kelleemoye's review
5.0
What a fantastic futuristic adventure! I loved how the setting played its own part in the story, the humor that shone throughout, and the character development throughout. I was also lucky enough to write the teaching guide for it which was such a delight!
miszjeanie's review
4.0
Last gate of the Emperor is a propulsive sci-fi adventure set in an Afrofuturistic city, perfect for fans of The Black Panther's Wakanda. This story deftly weaves vital issues like home, belonging, and family with fast-paced action and adventure and a generous serving of humor. Readers who enjoy middle grade action and adventure stories, sci-fi, or middle grade books set in Africa will enjoy this tale and what it represents.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to Scholastic for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to Scholastic for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
avid_reader_sf_and_f's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent world building. A really fun and original, middle grade, rollicking adventure.
guineapiggirl's review
adventurous
inspiring
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
4.25
afro8921's review
5.0
Love the twists and turns in this middle grade fantasy title. The relationship between the two top contestants in the game is both thrilling and poignant.