Reviews

The Empty Kingdom by Elizabeth Wein

macklin's review

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

SpoilerTelemakos becoming heir presumptive to three different empires because he’s such a loveable rascal is so funny. But oh man he has been living in fear for so long and now it will never go away.

jessalynn_librarian's review

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5.0

This can be read as part of a larger series - The Winter Prince, A Coalition of Lions, The Sunbird, The Lion Hunter, and finally those one - but they can also be read out of order if you can't get your hands on the earlier ones. Do read The Lion Hunter and this one as a pair, because the tensions in this one won't make much sense without that background.

As with the earlier ones, the strengths are really an atmospheric sense of history and setting (rather than a slavish attention to accuracy) and complex, fascinating characters. You can never quite decide if some characters are good or bad, and then you realize they fall into that category of being completely human in their ability to be both generous and self-serving. Some plot elements are wrapped up at the end, but enough of the larger political issues are left hanging for further installations (please please please?) The story really focuses on Telemakos and Abreha, and we don't see much of old favorites like Medraut and Goewin, or even much of Athena (who really deserves some kind of award for most compelling and heartbreaking baby/toddler in fiction).

The whole series is recommended to kids (and adults) who enjoy compelling historical fiction with plenty of intrigue. They require some focus, but are worth the effort. I can see them appealing to kids interested in maps and ancient history, and the type who can read at a high school level but aren't ready for more mature books - although these can be pretty intense.

katmarhan's review

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3.0

7/10
Political intrigue and a good wrap-up to the series.

annika2304's review

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dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

gennis124's review

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

5.0

cosmogyral's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring tense
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

nostoat's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

5.0

My head hurts from crying. 10/10 recommend this series.

brookepalmer796's review

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3.0

Probably my favorite book in the series.

annalise's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

cosbrarian's review

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4.0

A very satisfying conclusion to Wein's Mark of Solomon series - the plot may make you rush through to know the ending, but give it a second read to enjoy Wein's rich prose and intricate plot.