A review by ciolaceum
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

challenging tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

While I admired a lot about it, I came away feeling a little distant.

Maia is admirable—almost too admirable. I understood his pain, his isolation, the heavy weight of being thrust into power without warning. But I didn’t feel it. There was amazement at how composed and principled he was, but not the emotional connection I usually crave.

The setting and political intrigue were well-delivered, and there’s no denying the author has a command of language and worldbuilding. But for someone who usually enjoys more lighthearted, emotionally resonant fantasy, this felt like the wrong kind of heavy. 

It wasn’t a bad read—it just wasn’t for me.