eBook, 447 pages
English language
Published March 30, 2014 by Tor Books.
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident”, he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life …
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident”, he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend … and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne—or his life.
Now this one was great!
On the prose level, I was not into it; every turn of phrase was a one-two punching unkilled darling. Although the conlanging and formality levels were great.
On the macro level is where I loved the book! Separate vignettes that end up braiding together almost like the typical Pratchett or Dumas structure. Fun idea and great setting and characters.
Maia, sudden heir to the throne of the Goblin Empire, doesn't really want to be an emperor, but it's still better than being assassinated, right?
The setting is interesting, it's like the Court of the Goblin Empire plays an active part in the story, a mysterious character with whom our hero Maia has to contend.
Maia, sudden heir to the throne of the Goblin Empire, doesn't really want to be an emperor, but it's still better than being assassinated, right?
The setting is interesting, it's like the Court of the Goblin Empire plays an active part in the story, a mysterious character with whom our hero Maia has to contend.
Not bad but stuffy names
I liked the book. I'd read even more if there was more to read. I found the names to be a bit obstructive to reading. They are too similar, too numerous and could have just as well done without them in many cases.
Not bad but stuffy names
I liked the book. I'd read even more if there was more to read. I found the names to be a bit obstructive to reading. They are too similar, too numerous and could have just as well done without them in many cases.
