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A review by katmarhan
Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
9.25/10
As the first book in a long series (10 books), one expects a lot of world-building, introduction of characters, and stage-setting, but there is plenty of action as well. This is Tchaikovsky’s first published book but, to me, doesn’t read too much like a first novel.
I was fascinated by the various kinden and their traits, both physical and psychological. It makes it possible for the author to include some commentary on different forms of racism without taking the reader out of the story. I am curious about how the various kinden developed, and how some of the kinden became Apt but apparently didn’t lose their Art.
Obviously, we’re in for a long ride, but this first installment was excellent.
As for individual characters, I was most drawn to Stenwold, Che, and Thalric.
As the first book in a long series (10 books), one expects a lot of world-building, introduction of characters, and stage-setting, but there is plenty of action as well. This is Tchaikovsky’s first published book but, to me, doesn’t read too much like a first novel.
I was fascinated by the various kinden and their traits, both physical and psychological. It makes it possible for the author to include some commentary on different forms of racism without taking the reader out of the story. I am curious about how the various kinden developed, and how some of the kinden became Apt but apparently didn’t lose their Art.
Obviously, we’re in for a long ride, but this first installment was excellent.
As for individual characters, I was most drawn to Stenwold, Che, and Thalric.