A review by zoeelizabethk
The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan

dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

Swan has done such a neat thing with this series and Trials of Empire was such an experience to read! If you thought book two got dark, strap in and maybe don't read this book before bed, cause Swan fully embraces the horror elements. There's always been a good mix of character work and plotting going on in these books, and while we still get some great character moments and conversations, Trials is definitely more plot-oriented. And wow a lot happens here although I obviously can't say much for plot reasons. There were definitely some twists and turns that I did not expect, and some crazy stuff goes down. And we got a great law scene hallelujah! I have some mixed feelings about the ending, but overall I think it was a good ending for the trilogy. 

My favorite part of the book was definitely the philosophical conversations about law and ethics - such wonderfully thought out questions and conclusions here! The main negative for me was that I got a little lost in some of the arcane magik going on and it being so plot heavy, but those were minor negatives for me.

I highly recommend the series and hope more people read it soon!

Thanks to Orbit and to Negalley for an advance eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.