A review by ayay_ron25
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

challenging informative mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

Loved the book and I would absolutely read it again but I wish that the drama and events in the book lasted longer because they go by very quickly and even then Maia tends to just immediately leave and then the next day Csvet summarizes was happens. It would be better if there were in moment character interactions happening rather than a letter talking about

how the emperor almost got murdered and how they already caught all the suspects and solved the mystery

 

I also wish that his relationship with the new empress was shown more in the story. Maia was so worried and it seemed like a huge deal that he would have to do his duty of marrying someone and having children with them but once they get engaged she’s never really talked about or shown. She pops up now and again and they have a cute moment but I wish she was there for more of the story or had a bigger impact on his life. 

The same goes for Idra.

I wish that him and his sisters were able to interact with Maia more because it’s supposed to be that him as the new emperor is caring about the little people and not just sending the children of someone he hates away to an awful place like his own childhood. It would of been nice to see them always having breakfast or dinner together or for Maia to help make the nursery more like a home rather than the quick interviews with their two workers and then disappearing until his birthday breakfast.