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A review by mimosaeyes
Hollow Empire by Sam Hawke
4.0
So that was a pretty wild ride.
This sequel to City of Lies ramps up the action and intrigue in all the best ways. Where the threat in the first book was overt, here the antagonist remains shrouded in conspiracy for ages, making for a tense main storyline. The plot also includes more relatable elements for a modern audience:. Overall, the game is being played on a more complex and insidious level, and it's thoroughly pleasing to watch it all unfold.
Not only is the plot engaging, but it also deals with a number of important issues. Where the first book highlights oppression and the rights of religious/ethnic minorities, here, I was impressed by the nuance given to the topic of gender. The culture clash between Kalina and female characters from the patriarchal society of Talafan gives rise to some insightful but not heavy-handed commentary. And based on the religious dogma propounded by, I'd expect the discussion to continue in any potential third book.
Relatedly: in the first book, it felt like a bit of a cop-out to portray a society without homophobia but only depict queer relationships between minor characters. I was pleased here to note the inclusion of.
I had some other quibbles with the first book, but I expected the author to improve in her sophomore run and she really did knock it out of the park. The scenes are not structured in a predictable rhythm, as before, and indeed Hawke has done some great perspective work. Plus, the main characters' histories, arcs, and relationships are delved into a lot more. Hadrea's arc felt true to her personality, even as I fretted about some of her decisions. And I shrieked out loud at the dark, defining moments Jovan and Kalina are each pushed to:.
That ending, though. This story is bursting with exciting developments, and I really want to see it continue!
This sequel to City of Lies ramps up the action and intrigue in all the best ways. Where the threat in the first book was overt, here the antagonist remains shrouded in conspiracy for ages, making for a tense main storyline. The plot also includes more relatable elements for a modern audience:
Spoiler
an urban drugs problem, terrorist bombing incidents, a public smear campaign targeting JovanNot only is the plot engaging, but it also deals with a number of important issues. Where the first book highlights oppression and the rights of religious/ethnic minorities, here, I was impressed by the nuance given to the topic of gender. The culture clash between Kalina and female characters from the patriarchal society of Talafan gives rise to some insightful but not heavy-handed commentary. And based on the religious dogma propounded by
Spoiler
the Prince at the endRelatedly: in the first book, it felt like a bit of a cop-out to portray a society without homophobia but only depict queer relationships between minor characters. I was pleased here to note the inclusion of
Spoiler
a new, non-binary character, Sjease, as well as the beginnings of a relationship between Kalina and another woman, AbaezallaI had some other quibbles with the first book, but I expected the author to improve in her sophomore run and she really did knock it out of the park. The scenes are not structured in a predictable rhythm, as before, and indeed Hawke has done some great perspective work. Plus, the main characters' histories, arcs, and relationships are delved into a lot more. Hadrea's arc felt true to her personality, even as I fretted about some of her decisions. And I shrieked out loud at the dark, defining moments Jovan and Kalina are each pushed to:
Spoiler
Jovan poisoning Erel moments before he could be restrained non-fatally, and Kalina ensuring Tain is resurrected even though she knows the magic involved is evilThat ending, though.