The Goblin Emperor is about the young half goblin, half elf called Maia. He is found living with a horrible and abusive cousin far away in exile to the rest of his family. Very quickly his life changes when he learns the horrible news that his father, and half-brothers, were all killed in a tragic airship accident. Leaving him to ascend the throne of Emperor of the Elflands. The book is written by the American author Katherine Addison and has numerous awards and nominations including the 2015 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel.
What I really enjoyed about this book is how the main character, Maia, has to try to take on the new role that he has had zero training for. This even starts with his own understanding of what has happened to his father and now, to him. The use of writing the story from the 1st person really helped to connect to the troubles, worries and confusion that he had to face at every turn in each day. Even the trouble of trying to find clothes, sleeping or a simple moment of quiet.
The story develops really well with a range of different storylines that are melded together to keep the flow going through the whole book. The focus of the book is on Maia and the court of the Emperor with him trying to weave through the twists and turns he has found himself in. Throughout the book, it is very clear, which adds to the story, how he is in almost everyway unprepared for the job, and even unwilling to take the role. The disunity of his family and the struggles he faces, with those around him trying to keep him in the role of ‘serenity’ keeps the story flowing and willing the character to find a way to move on to the next.
Of all the characters in the story, I really enjoyed Csevet Aisava, Maia’s secretary. Following his attempts to support Maia as Emperor, his own back story and the insightful knowledge he brings to the Emperor. This was great for me as I could learn so much about the world Addison has created. How different elves can rise up in the empire, the history of the Elflands empire and the relations with other empires. The history and depth of the world which has been created was amazing to read and at each turn of pageantry or awkwardness kept me reading.
Overall, I really recommend this book for those who like fantasy stories, it blends really well the story of a young disliked son who is forced into a position that they are not ready for. How the political system of the empire was mixed with those who want to support his place and those who question if he should be there. It keeps progressing with new points and characters that will keep you guessing with what they are really doing. The awards that this book has received clearly show how many see it as a must read.
You can find the author, Katherine Addison, at her website https://www.katherineaddison.com/ where you will see other pieces of her work.
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S J Lister. Author 