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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[watervole]

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

[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 :)

[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!

[vilakins]

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