A review by tasseomancie
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

hopeful mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was a lovely read, and surprisingly cozy, despite the political intrigue, formal language, and intricate worldbuilding. I suppose the characterization has much to do with why I consider it a cozy read, as throughout Maia's rise from exile to emperor, he maintains his good heart. I'm eagerly looking forwards to reading the companion novels set in this universe, even though Maia is not the main character!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Child abuse, and Suicide

The main character reminisces on the death of a parent and abuse by a guardian within the first 50 pages. There is a ritualistic suicide of a side character depicted in the latter half of the book, and ritualistic suicide is briefly mentioned in a few other places.