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skippen's review against another edition
4.0
A very good conclusion to The Sarantine Mosaic. It read quite differently from the first novel which was mostly a travel book. This second book is mostly the political word of the city. Crispin, our hero and series protagonist, however, takes a large backseat in this book, and only pops up occasionally (sadly). Instead, mostly political figures feature heavily, a doctor, and a bit of chariot racing (which was teased heavily in the first book, but bore no fruit).
Overall, quite good, but perhaps a few too many characters and threads to keep straight at times. All the plot lines and small moves get lost in the bigger picture, but, still a great read. I suspect re-reading the duology would be even a better experience, and not taking a break between the two books would have helped. I do wish Crispin had larger part of the book. He is still central to the narrative but not like he was in the first novel.
Overall, quite good, but perhaps a few too many characters and threads to keep straight at times. All the plot lines and small moves get lost in the bigger picture, but, still a great read. I suspect re-reading the duology would be even a better experience, and not taking a break between the two books would have helped. I do wish Crispin had larger part of the book. He is still central to the narrative but not like he was in the first novel.
renni's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
definitely enjoyed it more than the first, has the whole world set up and we get to play in it this time. My favorite themes are around the value on pursuit of art despite impermanence. Plot lost me a bit interest-wise but think it is very well done and writing is top tier as per usual
spacebornfew's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-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
hannahws's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Absolutely incredible book. It genuinely brought tears to my eyes. The ending made me gasp out loud multiple times. Such incredible emotional depth and complexity. I adore this book.
downtowndaly's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
In Lord of Emperors, Guy Gavriel Kay masterfully completes the Saratine Mosaic duology. He interweaves new characters into the story while expanding on the stories of the characters from the first novel and building on the themes of legacy and the impermanence of things.
Easy 5/5
Easy 5/5
vreyone's review against another edition
4.0
Lord of Emperors continued the “unfinished” story of [b:Sailing to Sarantium|9746671|Sailing to Sarantium (The Sarantine Mosaic, #1)|Guy Gavriel Kay|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459869341s/9746671.jpg|1336666]. The plot become more complex. Machinations and intrigues have taken a deadly turn. Naturally, I like it.
The only reason I wouldn’t rate this 5 stars was pacing. The first part was really slow. New characters were introduced, while there’re good scenes, it’s kind of bore me out. But, the last third, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s emotional, beautiful, and heartbreaking; the Epilog was painfully bittersweet. And the characters. This is one of few books where I actually care for ALL characters—and there’re lots of them. Even the ‘villain’. They’re just so damn good.
Overall, a wonderful book.
The only reason I wouldn’t rate this 5 stars was pacing. The first part was really slow. New characters were introduced, while there’re good scenes, it’s kind of bore me out. But, the last third, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s emotional, beautiful, and heartbreaking; the Epilog was painfully bittersweet. And the characters. This is one of few books where I actually care for ALL characters—and there’re lots of them. Even the ‘villain’. They’re just so damn good.
Overall, a wonderful book.
73pctgeek's review against another edition
5.0
The sequel to Sailing to Sarantium, and final book in the Sarantine Mosaic, and I loved it!
Kay’s books seem to simultaneously have not much happen, while so much does happen. And so far all have a melancholy, realism to the ending. Just lovely.
Kay’s books seem to simultaneously have not much happen, while so much does happen. And so far all have a melancholy, realism to the ending. Just lovely.
artmajorese's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Again with the weird levels of misogyny.
isabel_tong's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
I just can’t get over how mad I was about everyone’s poor sexual decisions.