The Goblin Emperor

[watervole]

 I've read this twice now, and it's very likely I'll read it again.  I also suspect it may hit five stars on the third read.

 

It's a complex book and the names and titles take a lot of getting used to - but, they do contribute to the story and its politics.

 

It's a story of a young man, brought up in virtual isolation, pitched unexpectedly into becoming Emperor when his father and all his older brothers die in an airship accident.  Landing in the middle of complex court life, competing political factions, and surrounded by strangers, he struggles to understand what is going on, and learn how he can survive.

 

It has many characters, but they are well-drawn and all have their own motivations and loyalties.

Comments

[galadhir]

It's such a gorgeous book! It made me cry in several places, which is rare these days, and I appreciate a book where the hero 'wins' by simply being a decent person.

[watervole]

It's his absolute determine that no one else will be treated the way his mother was, or the way that he was.

He doesn't seek revenge, he seeks to protect others.

[galadhir]

One of the bursting into tears moments for me is where he insists on going to visit his mother's tomb before attending his father's funeral, and having nothing to say to her except "I still love thee." Half a book of set-up lead me to that one :)

[puddleshark]

I think I must have read The Goblin Emperor half a dozen times now. It is probably my all-time favourite comfort read. And I adore the Cemeteries of Amalo books as well.

[watervole]

I haven't tried those, but I'll add them to my list.

[greenwoodside]

Really enjoyed this, plus the Thara Celehar books. (Though that reminds me, I still need to read the most recent one of those).

And that also reminds me that there's a novella, The Orb of Cairado, set in the same universe with a different POV character. Don't think it's been released in the UK yet, but I like the sound of the blurb -- a mystery related to the explosion of the Wisdom of Choharo airship.

In its nicer moments, the Goblin Emperor universe feels quite inviting. There are some horrible and/or deeply flawed people, but also many kind, sensitive ones. And there's some Very Good Tea. I might not want to live there, but a visit in carefully prescribed circumstances would, given a Tardis, not be an unattractive prospect.

[vera_j]

I wish I had more time for reading...books keep piling on my table either unread or unfinished - and now this. Well, one just has to have some priorities but there will come the time!!! Thanks you for this review!

[watervole]

Managing to cut both Facebook and reading the news out of my life has suddenly given me lots of free time again.

I'm reading and enjoying far more books than I have done in ages.
and I sleep better too.

[vera_j]

Well, my schedule is not impaired by the news and I haven´t watched TV news or that policy stuff for three years. And yes, I live nicely without. My time is consummed by my grandchildren, students, our community and MOSTLY by managing our big big house alone. But I have to tell you that my son and I succeeded in gaining the state subvention that will cover a hald of the cost for the solar power "station" I have now! Lots of paperwork and panels on the roof and re-builing the distribution unit in the house but I have two batteries now and I should be more or less self-sufficient now - even when it is cloudy. I expect some results for my energy costs! YAY!
Of course, my savings went but hopefully I will not have to regret it.

[watervole]

My daughter has done the same. The batteries make a big difference. I think it's a good use for savings.

Sounds like a lot of house work. I know I could not look after our house without my husband. It isn't that big, but my health is poor, and he does most of the housework and cooking as well.

Our lodger washes dishes in exchange for sharing our meals - he pays something towards the cost of ingredients, but it works out very cost-effective for him.

It's a shame there is so little demand for rented rooms where you are, otherwise you could trade help with the housework for part of the cost of a room.

[vera_j]

Frankly, no one here would even think of such a trade - people still live too well and even the poor ones consider such thing "under their dignity". I have enver heard of anything like that here...

[watervole]

Here, there's a shortage of affordable rooms (or houses) to rent. Rents are high.

There are organisations that exist to arrange shares between younger people willing to help with housework, and older people who want company and to continue living in their own homes.

https://www.sharemyhome.co.uk/

[vilakins]

I loved that book! I was already considering a reread since it's been a few years.

[msilverstar]

I highly recommend the audiobook, which helped with the names a whole lot

[watervole]

I do admit to struggling with the names...

But I rarely have the same book in both book and audio form. It feels like paying for it twice.