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A review by sallyreads_
Heroes of the Empire: Book 1: the Cavalier by Israel Azizi
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Cavalier is an adventurous fantasy debut featuring an empire, a warrior academy, magic, politics, jousting, and so much more in a medieval atmosphere. The world building was so detailed, and the book was such a fun read overall. The interactions between characters, both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ intrigued me, and I had to know more. The multiple points of view were not confusing, and I enjoyed reading about the characters engaging in matters of politics, love, friendship, and betrayal.
This story beautifully illustrates the corruption and greed that circulates the Karalik Empire of Emperor Malus and Lord Prolus of Tariqi, enemy of the empire as their power relies on the corruption of their followers; the kings, the generals, the soldiers and the lengths they go to for their own gain, some relish in the bloodlust that accompanies war, others in cutthroat tactics and lies. Peace is not an option in war, and soon Velamir, the main male character,orphaned at a young age and raised to be a Chishman at the academy after being adopted by General Winston, would realize that the side he fights for is as corrupted as the enemy side.
Natassa, a helpless princess in her home as the daughter of Emperor Malus tries to do right by helping the poor Savorian folk, could never gain her father’s acceptance as she is a representation of his true bloodline- a magic in her veins to which he despises. Soon she learns those close to her do not hold have her best interests at heart and after the death of her brother and her betrothal to a greedy prince, she begins to run out of options, even as her power begins to awaken. She is forced to embark on a journey with a risky plan where she eventually meets Velamir on a quest to save the enemy. Galvasir Mordon shares a similar fate of not being accepted by his father, General Boltrex, whose only motivation is for his son to become king of Verin after marrying Princess Coarlie, despite their growing affection for each other.
This story beautifully illustrates the corruption and greed that circulates the Karalik Empire of Emperor Malus and Lord Prolus of Tariqi, enemy of the empire as their power relies on the corruption of their followers; the kings, the generals, the soldiers and the lengths they go to for their own gain, some relish in the bloodlust that accompanies war, others in cutthroat tactics and lies. Peace is not an option in war, and soon Velamir, the main male character,orphaned at a young age and raised to be a Chishman at the academy after being adopted by General Winston, would realize that the side he fights for is as corrupted as the enemy side.
Natassa, a helpless princess in her home as the daughter of Emperor Malus tries to do right by helping the poor Savorian folk, could never gain her father’s acceptance as she is a representation of his true bloodline- a magic in her veins to which he despises. Soon she learns those close to her do not hold have her best interests at heart and after the death of her brother and her betrothal to a greedy prince, she begins to run out of options, even as her power begins to awaken. She is forced to embark on a journey with a risky plan where she eventually meets Velamir on a quest to save the enemy. Galvasir Mordon shares a similar fate of not being accepted by his father, General Boltrex, whose only motivation is for his son to become king of Verin after marrying Princess Coarlie, despite their growing affection for each other.