ciolaceum 's review for:

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

3.0

challenging tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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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.