Scan barcode
aliereads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sauvegypsy's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Best in dark shores series so far.
literary_steph's review
"Trust me when I say that a legion camp is more gossipy than a brothel, especially a camp sitting on its laurels. When we get bored we cause drama for the sake of entertainment."
Tarnished Empire takes place before Dark Shores, during one of their earlier conquests in Bardeen. Perfectly paced and layered, it kind of has it all. With my man Marcus gracing the cover and only 200+ pages, this short tale is told from 3 POV's and it's packed with politics, jealousy, betrayal, humor and loss.
I love the two new characters: Agrippa, he's the sassiest primus in the 37th legion's history. Regardless of the strife between him and Marcus, his loyalty to his legatus and brotherhood is admirable and genuine. His sass and charm is unrivaled and I had serious heart eyes. Silvara, the laundress, dreams of being a warrior but is tasked to seduce the primus, and as the two get to know each other, they take dirty laundry to a whole new level. It's a risky, hot love affair that will have heartbreaking consequences and might I add, my girl is mighty bold! Also special shout out to Agnes!
Saved the best for last, my golden boy Marcus. It's no secret I'm #TeamMarcus. Under the cruel thumb of his sadistic mentor, Hostus, legatus of the 29th legion and the Proconsul Grypus, I wanted to hurt these two men for their treatment of my man. Marcus faces challenges and internal conflicts over moral decisions that I would never want to make. Their freedom comes at a cost, obey or die. A burden he'll carry to free himself and his legion from the grasps of Hostus and Grypus. Wah, I love you Marcus!
Tarnished Empire is full of blood, sweat, tears, sass, heartbreak and it brims with testosterone. I loved this short backstory, and again, I found myself desperate to be part of Marcus's legion. The ending really makes me want to read Gilded Serpent ASAP!
Tarnished Empire takes place before Dark Shores, during one of their earlier conquests in Bardeen. Perfectly paced and layered, it kind of has it all. With my man Marcus gracing the cover and only 200+ pages, this short tale is told from 3 POV's and it's packed with politics, jealousy, betrayal, humor and loss.
I love the two new characters: Agrippa, he's the sassiest primus in the 37th legion's history. Regardless of the strife between him and Marcus, his loyalty to his legatus and brotherhood is admirable and genuine. His sass and charm is unrivaled and I had serious heart eyes. Silvara, the laundress, dreams of being a warrior but is tasked to seduce the primus, and as the two get to know each other, they take dirty laundry to a whole new level. It's a risky, hot love affair that will have heartbreaking consequences and might I add, my girl is mighty bold! Also special shout out to Agnes!
Saved the best for last, my golden boy Marcus. It's no secret I'm #TeamMarcus. Under the cruel thumb of his sadistic mentor, Hostus, legatus of the 29th legion and the Proconsul Grypus, I wanted to hurt these two men for their treatment of my man. Marcus faces challenges and internal conflicts over moral decisions that I would never want to make. Their freedom comes at a cost, obey or die. A burden he'll carry to free himself and his legion from the grasps of Hostus and Grypus. Wah, I love you Marcus!
Tarnished Empire is full of blood, sweat, tears, sass, heartbreak and it brims with testosterone. I loved this short backstory, and again, I found myself desperate to be part of Marcus's legion. The ending really makes me want to read Gilded Serpent ASAP!
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favourite books of the year. One I didn’t know I needed until I dove headfirst into it. Not only does Tarnished Empire carry the dark fantasy and charm of the rest of the series, it expands on its main hero and adds in two more who I absolutely need more of.
Marcus remains one of the most complex antiheroes I’ve ever had the joy of reading. Seeing him in his younger years, faced with horrible choices and doing his best, never fails to amaze.
Silvara is the definition of a desperate dreamer, and she struggled to make the best of a truly horrible circumstance, while not getting her heart tangled up.
And Agrippa. AGRIPPA. Where do I even begin? He steals every moment he’s in. His charm and sass brighten an otherwise bleak plot, and I cannot imagine the rest of the books without him.
This short story has everything you could ever want in a historical-inspired drama. Action, humour, passion, betrayal, cunning, emotion, and clever characters. Perfect for new readers and a MUST for diehard fans. You will not be disappointed!!
Marcus remains one of the most complex antiheroes I’ve ever had the joy of reading. Seeing him in his younger years, faced with horrible choices and doing his best, never fails to amaze.
Silvara is the definition of a desperate dreamer, and she struggled to make the best of a truly horrible circumstance, while not getting her heart tangled up.
And Agrippa. AGRIPPA. Where do I even begin? He steals every moment he’s in. His charm and sass brighten an otherwise bleak plot, and I cannot imagine the rest of the books without him.
This short story has everything you could ever want in a historical-inspired drama. Action, humour, passion, betrayal, cunning, emotion, and clever characters. Perfect for new readers and a MUST for diehard fans. You will not be disappointed!!
melanie_books's review against another edition
3.0
Before Marcus and the Thirty-Seventh lived in infamy, they were a legion in training, under the Twenty-Ninth and their sadistic legatus. Two years before their fateful voyage to the West, the legion is on the final campaign to conquer Bardeen. As Marcus struggles to lead and protect his men from Legatus Hostus and Senator Grypus, the Thirty-Seventh's primus, Agrippa, seeks to protect Silvara, a laundress in the legion's followers camp. Despite being ordered to stay away, he is drawn to her quiet strength. Little does he know that she intends to take advantage of his kindness for the sake of her people and the rebellion that serves.
I'm not usually into reading novellas and prequels but I'm really glad I read this one. Knowing more of the history of the Thirty-Seventh made the other stories richer. Marcus's leadership of the legion and his willingness to personally sacrifice for them made decisions in the other books make more sense. I enjoyed the unpacking of the brotherhood that the legionnaires feel for one another - and why desertion and betrayal sting so much. Agrippa & Silvara's story was beautiful and heartbreaking and I can only hope that we haven't seen the last of either of them.
I'm not usually into reading novellas and prequels but I'm really glad I read this one. Knowing more of the history of the Thirty-Seventh made the other stories richer. Marcus's leadership of the legion and his willingness to personally sacrifice for them made decisions in the other books make more sense. I enjoyed the unpacking of the brotherhood that the legionnaires feel for one another - and why desertion and betrayal sting so much. Agrippa & Silvara's story was beautiful and heartbreaking and I can only hope that we haven't seen the last of either of them.
kenyangrl's review against another edition
4.0
I selected this book based on its cover – don't judge me, the allure got me. 
Surprisingly, the content exceeded my expectations; Agrippa and Marcos proved to be captivating characters. While my inclination favored Marcus, both exhibited remarkable authenticity and sincerity in their pursuits. Despite the harsh reality they faced, their commitment to their causes was commendable. Silvara, however, left me conflicted and annoyed me. I wanted her to be like Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass. I found Silvara’s persona somewhat insincere. *
Perhaps my perspective will shift in the next installment. The story, though not very spicy * 
, gets a solid 4⭐️ for keeping me hooked – for a decent read that, despite its blandness, made me curious. Now, I need to find something more naughty; this one left me thirsty for some action. * 
Surprisingly, the content exceeded my expectations; Agrippa and Marcos proved to be captivating characters. While my inclination favored Marcus, both exhibited remarkable authenticity and sincerity in their pursuits. Despite the harsh reality they faced, their commitment to their causes was commendable. Silvara, however, left me conflicted and annoyed me. I wanted her to be like Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass. I found Silvara’s persona somewhat insincere. *
Perhaps my perspective will shift in the next installment. The story, though not very spicy * , gets a solid 4⭐️ for keeping me hooked – for a decent read that, despite its blandness, made me curious. Now, I need to find something more naughty; this one left me thirsty for some action. *
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review against another edition
4.0
wow this was like watching an episode of rome then the last few Pages BAM!!!! They found the Door to Narnia.
nicgau's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lucyperry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
artisanreader's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, you do need to read this book. If anything, you will have a new love. It's not team Marcus or team Killian anymore... it's team Agrippa. That is all. I love him, and I will go to the ends of the earth to protect Agrippa's soul.