715 reviews for:

Emperor of Thorns

Mark Lawrence

4.09 AVERAGE

lilpoo0607's review

5.0

Mark Lawrence writes unbelievably beautiful books about undeniably ugly deeds. His words weave stories if revenge, love, lust, and will power as if they are not "blunt instruments meant for war" but painting on dazzling tapestries.

I wanted to highlight and save almost every sentence in this book. So yeah, I am a real fan of his writing, and I would read it even if he would write a cooking book.

On top of that, Lawrence is a master of narration. There are many subtle punctuations and organic alterations to his paragraphs and indents that the story comes alive as if I am sitting across jorg and listening him tell his story.

Even more, Jorg is one of the coolest, yet most fucked up character I have read about to date. And I read grimdark novels as much as I drink water and consume food. This fact alone made these series enjoyable to me. Nothing's like reading about a fucked up person who speaks like a 30 year old but as impulsive as a teenager. Oh and he kills everyone basically.

The world this novel takes place is so original that it is impossible to categorize this book in one of the usual sf categories; is it dystopian science fiction, grimdark, or some sort of twisted sword and magic fantasy? It is perhaps all of that and more.

Over all: FUCK YEAH!

Recommended to: People who can read.
cojen13's profile picture

cojen13's review

5.0

This is a fantastic trilogy. Dark, very dark, but the world building is phenomenal, the story is original and there’s plenty of nods to all different genres (my favorite is the book of Kirk). Really top notch! I can’t wait to read more by Mark Lawrence and he’s solidly on my “must read everything he writes” list!

namesjj's review

4.0
adventurous dark emotional sad 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
zisel's profile picture

zisel's review

5.0

Jorg of Ancrath….. I am in love with the character development from book one to book three. I could not be more satisfied with how the series closed. I will miss the brotherhood, the gruesome scenes, the dark humor, moments of self reflection and questioning our morals as beings. This is a series I will keep close to my heart and even my soul. Forever..

cjspear's review

4.0

'The Broken Empire' trilogy is a well planned and well executed series. While the final ending lacks the punch and satisfaction of the first two novels, it wraps up a great story with a serviceable climax.

Over the course of the trilogy, the true standout is Lawrence's writing style. I think I see inspiration from Glen Cook, but Lawrence is by no means a Cook rip-off. The subversive writing never fails to entertain or surprise. Just behind the style comes the characterization. Lawrence realizes dozens of memorable and deep characters that populate his fantasy world, which is no slouch either by the way. The characters, even the bad ones, are lovable and entertaining until the end.

Finally, the plotting is entirely unique. How he managed to thread books two and three together with their interweaving timelines... it is impressive to say the least. All three stories keep the reader in the dark as the churning plot sets up a satisfying ending. The third and final book does this less well than the previous two, but in the end I'm left feeling glad I read 'The Broken Empire.'

larry4444's review

4.0
fast-paced
hikarujen's profile picture

hikarujen's review

5.0

"We have both walked black paths, lady. Don't think mine leads back into the light. Of all those that tried to guide me, of my father, of the whispers from the thorn bush, of Corion's evil council, the darkest voice was ever mine."


This book was AMAZING. Yes, there were bloody times. There were points where I was wondering what the FUCK. But at the end of this, I nearly cried. I didn't want it to be over. I was left wanting more from Jorg. But, he had no more left to give me. I love Jorg. Jorg frightens me. Jorg is the worst person. I need more Jorg!
jordanreedsbooks's profile picture

jordanreedsbooks's review

5.0

I'm unwell. I told my husband I needed a book to break me like Harry Potter did, and he delivered. It takes an amazing author to write a main character as dark as Jorg but still able to make you love him. Book one: I didn't love Jorg, but by the end of this book, I was rooting for his happily ever after... you'll have to read the book to see if he gets it.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves grim-dark and gives the warning that it is truly very dark. Please don't pick up this book if that genre isn't for you.

I will need to re-read this series as I still can't tell you what the F happened in some areas, lol. Looking forward to a re-read and picking up the short stories and the Red Sister series.

HOLY SHIT STICKS AWESOME!

dimaradona's review

4.0

Excellent finish to the series. Definitely the best of the trilogy and we learn more about young Jorg's travels. Well written, and the overall story arch was excellent, including the inclusion of his travels though 'Afrique' and Chellas story. The finish was fast and furious, and ended in satisfaction unlike many fantasy books these days. It seems I will be moving on the Mark Lawrence's next series!