A review by daffodilcherry
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

challenging hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A fun, fantasy about political/court intrigue and kindness conquering all. I was very tempted to dump the book by about 200 pages in and I'm happy that I persevered. I think there are slightly too many char cters/words that impeded my enjoyment of the world. My version of the book did not come with a map, which I've since found online that I think would help my understanding a lot. I also wish the glossary was split into terms and people, as it was frustrating to constantly flick back only to be unable to find the meaning of the new word I came across.

The ending was very sweet and actually quite fun. I didn't find Maia enjoyable from the beginning, but after reading reviews about how this was a story about kindness I was able to shift my mindset and grew fond of him.

Wheelhouses: political/court intrigue, steampunk setting, kindness exalted, strong sense of worldbuilding.

Doghouses: too many damn names! Fantasy racism, fantasy sexism, unchallenged divine right off kings, very few women in the main cast, very little plot.
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