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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.
My thoughts:
A stand alone, yes that is rare among fantasy these days. I did like that fact.
The elven emperor and his 3 sons dies in an accident (their airshipballon goes down, yes did I mention this was fantasy with steampunk elements. Even if they were few.) The one left standing is Maia, his half goblin son. Let there be drama.
A half goblin to rule over the elves? A boy of only 18? One that has not been to court, not learned the politics or manners. A boy they gossip about since his mother was sent away and his father did not care for him.
This was about politics. If you do not want that in your fantasy then this might not be for you. Maia learns how to navigate the backstabbing court. He learns to rule. And he is a natural, because he is kind, being kind he surprises people. But there are still intrigues. Who killed his family? Will they come for more?
Oh btw how the royal we got stuck in my head. Yes, of course we must speak like this. We are royalty. Anyway, I liked Maia, and I enjoyed this book. It was a fun change.
Cover
eh
Paperback, 483 pages
Published March 3rd 2015 by Tor Fantasy (first published April 1st 2014)
Fantasy
Own
