The Emperor is Dead. Long live the Emperor.
Lin Sukai finally sits on the throne she won at so much cost, but her struggles are only just beginning. Her people don’t trust her. Her political alliances are weak. And in the north-east of the Empire, a rebel army of constructs is gathering, its leader determined to take the throne by force.
Yet an even greater threat is on the horizon, for the Alanga–the powerful magicians of legend–have returned to the Empire. They claim they come in peace, and Lin will need their help in order to defeat the rebels and restore peace.
But can she trust them?
My thoughts: Lin is now emperor, she’s stopped the cruel practices of her father, she’s trying to keep the empire together, find out her father’s secrets, rule fairly and not fall victim to her inherited enemies. As she plans a tour of the islands, an army of constructs is gathering and other threats are coming too.
I like Lin, I feel a bit sorry for her, she’s up against an awful lot and doesn’t have many people she can trust to have her back. Even her Captain of the Guard, Jovis, has reasons to betray her. But they have to work together to solve the Alanga mystery – are they both possessed of the powers of the ancient magicians?
I also really like Jovis, and his companion Mephi, I like their relationship and the way Jovis wants to trust Lin but isn’t sure he should. I also really liked Phalue and Ranami, I think they were really interesting as they tried to govern their island and support Lin from afar. Up against their own challenges, it’s a bit like the empire in miniature.
This series just gets better and better, it’s a really enjoyable fantasy world, there’s a lot of clever, interesting things going on, the magic system is really intriguing and I enjoyed all the politics and intrigue.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 