grid's review
4.0
This book was gripping and gritty and painful at times. There were a few points at which I also found it boring. (In such sharp contrast!) …overall it was definitely compelling and I’m just lucky to be able to move on immediately to the next in the series. (I’ve got the 3rd and final one also waiting for me on the shelf.)
rynaissanceenby's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75
This book has a brilliant mix of political intrigue and action, which I've come to expect from KB Wagers. I revel in the opportunity to continue to follow Hail's story, especially as Wagers doesn't shy away from realistic characterization of how a human might cope with everything Hail has been through. This book does a great job of not just continuing the story from the previous trilogy, but instead taking the opportunity to flesh out new facets of the universe and branch out into a less human-centered story. It did feel a little bit slow moving at times or the pacing of certain specific scenes was a bit off, but overall an enjoyable book and worth reading. Specific to the audiobook, I think the narrator did a brilliant job of giving each group of people/each species their own accent, so even if I didn't recognize a character's voice right away, I could recognize what group they were part of.
gearsandsteam's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing amazing amazing. What a cliff hanger for an ending, but KB Wagers handled it beautifully. I absolutely love Hail and her personality. I also enjoy how this series explores more of the galaxy that Wagers has set up. It truly feels like a possible future for humanity and I love seeing how various cultures would have colonized space the civilizations they would set up. But seriously, that fucking ending killed me. It has been torture waiting for the next book to come out. 10/10 recommend for anyone that enjoys space opera, sassy strong women, politicking, and/or awesome battles.
majkia's review against another edition
5.0
Hailimi Bristol, former gunrunner, now Empress of Indrana, has been manipulated into agreeing to head up a peace summit, to stop a war before it starts. Things go downhill from there.
I love Hail and her bodyguards and her friends. The action is great, the plotting is complex and the world building is intriguing.
Highly recommended for those who love Space Opera.
I love Hail and her bodyguards and her friends. The action is great, the plotting is complex and the world building is intriguing.
Highly recommended for those who love Space Opera.
reading_ninja's review
5.0
i really enjoyed this book it had a slow build up but never lagged, kept me reading for all 450 pages flipping each page eagerly to see what would happen next and read it in 2 days now it is all gone
kimu's review
5.0
*Received ARC through Goodreads drawing*
At the end of the Indranan War trilogy, I just wanted more of the characters and especially more of their universe. This book, the first in a new trilogy, totally delivers on that. For me, these characters evoke a very Bujold/Vorkosigan vibe, but with a different and very interesting flair. The storyline here is an interesting start to the trilogy and I look forward to seeing what happens next!
For readers new to Indrana, I wouldn't recommend starting here because I think the backstory is important to really enjoying this book - start with Behind the Throne and move forward from there.
At the end of the Indranan War trilogy, I just wanted more of the characters and especially more of their universe. This book, the first in a new trilogy, totally delivers on that. For me, these characters evoke a very Bujold/Vorkosigan vibe, but with a different and very interesting flair. The storyline here is an interesting start to the trilogy and I look forward to seeing what happens next!
For readers new to Indrana, I wouldn't recommend starting here because I think the backstory is important to really enjoying this book - start with Behind the Throne and move forward from there.
jennms_qkw's review
5.0
An amazing expansion of the Indranaan university. I need another re-read, I think I missed some things but wow that desolate ending. Thank you KB!
bcbirrer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nataliejcase's review
5.0
Excellent story telling, not that I expected anything less. The world of Hail Bristol and her people is instantly accessible and inviting, pulling the reader into the intrigue, danger and excitement as princess-turned gunrunner-turned empress tells us the story of Indrana and the universe surrounding her.