Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by richardleis
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
5.0
A glorious, unabashedly progressive book about an exiled half goblin-elf fourth son who unexpectedly becomes Emperor. The character of Maia is only 18 and frightened of his new role, but he is better prepared than he believes, especially as he begins to surround himself with people who seem to be trustworthy. He is under constant threat, however, from a variety of evil forces he does not entirely understand.
The medieval, feudal, yet steampunk era and setting are used to good effect to create a world in which women are perceived only as people to carry and care for children, but are also beginning to push against their constraints. Maia is a stranger to these issues and also to the complex web of court intrigue, so he serves as both an catalyst for change and a surrogate for the reader.
The book is full of beautiful language, including English and made-up languages. Sometimes it is difficult to understand but Addison does a great job of teaching the reader how to read the book as it progresses. I don't know how to pronounce the many proper names in the book, but it was fun to try. There is a helpful primer at the end of the book, along with an glossary of people, places, and other proper names, but it is not necessary to know these details to enjoy the book.
I imagine some readers will be put off by the book's focus on court intrigue and dialogue, but I found I really loved this approach. There is so much tension in words and intention; Maia's survival depends on him being able to figure out what is going on around him. There are moments when this feels somewhat contrived, a way to advance the plot, but because the plot is built around Maia's character arc, it is easy to accept these moments.
Maia is a great character, but so are all the supporting characters. The few children in the story seemed a little bit conventional, flat sounding, and even a little too precious, but they are part of a story that is often very touching and emotional. I especially enjoyed Maia's love for his mother and the way this love influences his decisions and informs the world-building.
Another thing I loved: the moments of technology! There are suggestions of great technological change and scientific breakthroughs. In a dynasty that has lasted two thousand years, the contemporary era of the book is full of exciting leaps forward, often led by women.
This world of goblins, elves, and mixed-race offspring is fully realized, familiar from its medieval influences, but also alien. Addison has invented not only incredible sights and sounds but fascinating social norms, beliefs, and conflicts.
The medieval, feudal, yet steampunk era and setting are used to good effect to create a world in which women are perceived only as people to carry and care for children, but are also beginning to push against their constraints. Maia is a stranger to these issues and also to the complex web of court intrigue, so he serves as both an catalyst for change and a surrogate for the reader.
The book is full of beautiful language, including English and made-up languages. Sometimes it is difficult to understand but Addison does a great job of teaching the reader how to read the book as it progresses. I don't know how to pronounce the many proper names in the book, but it was fun to try. There is a helpful primer at the end of the book, along with an glossary of people, places, and other proper names, but it is not necessary to know these details to enjoy the book.
I imagine some readers will be put off by the book's focus on court intrigue and dialogue, but I found I really loved this approach. There is so much tension in words and intention; Maia's survival depends on him being able to figure out what is going on around him. There are moments when this feels somewhat contrived, a way to advance the plot, but because the plot is built around Maia's character arc, it is easy to accept these moments.
Maia is a great character, but so are all the supporting characters. The few children in the story seemed a little bit conventional, flat sounding, and even a little too precious, but they are part of a story that is often very touching and emotional. I especially enjoyed Maia's love for his mother and the way this love influences his decisions and informs the world-building.
Another thing I loved: the moments of technology! There are suggestions of great technological change and scientific breakthroughs. In a dynasty that has lasted two thousand years, the contemporary era of the book is full of exciting leaps forward, often led by women.
This world of goblins, elves, and mixed-race offspring is fully realized, familiar from its medieval influences, but also alien. Addison has invented not only incredible sights and sounds but fascinating social norms, beliefs, and conflicts.