A review by quasinaut
The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

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

5.0

I love seeing Daja, Tris, Sandry, and Briar come back to each other! Where the Circle Opens books asked them all to behave like adults (despite being 13/14), this book realistically portrays them as 18-year-olds who are flirting and developing crushes, dealing with trauma, and getting on each other's nerves. 

In addition, I like seeing the court intrigue that plays out with the empress, rife with friendships and betrayals while the four foster siblings are reknitting together as they're submerged in an environment unknown to them. All in all, a solid plot featuring these four almost-adults as well as some fantastic new side characters, like Gudruny, Zhegorz, and Ambros. 
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