caelumkatana'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
melodelfe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.5
jrudy's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Really fun court intrigue, although it felt slow at times.
indianoceanwalkman's review against another edition
4.0
Hard to follow the people (all those variations on names and titles) and politics at times. Frustrated with the main character at times. But overall very cute. Well written and really love the slow tentative to deep bonds that are formed between good people.
judehelens's review against another edition
4.5
when ursula me guin said that goodness was more interesting than evil she was talking about maia. i don’t make the prophecies i interpret them though
saluki's review against another edition
3.0
Liked it but didn't love it.
Maia is half goblin, half elf and had been an exiled prince and secluded in childhood with only an abusive relative. Fast forward to an unexpected rise to the throne. Maia's concerns are navigating court politics, learning court customs and manners and trying to overcome his self-doubt and awkwardness in his new role. He's a thoughtful, just and fair new ruler and very likeable.
So, why didn't I love it as I'd expected to? The pace was slow... just a sliver of action that is over in a heartbeat and there isn't much plot either. It's a character study and a study of manners. And, the names. The names are too elaborate and jarring. And, everyone has a few names to boot! I got confused about characters several times and had to retrace... just annoying.
Overall, I liked the way Addison explored cultural prejudices within elven society, especially pronounced with manners and affectations, or open hatred, towards the grey skinned goblin emperor. The role of women is important for Maia too and he works against elven customs to implement some new laws and I felt touched by his care and concern for all his people.
Liked his Serenity immensely. Loved the court intrigue. But, I needed some action once I stopped tripping over my tongue trying to pronounce those names.
sarahdeborah11's review against another edition
5.0
One of my top 3 books of all time
This book is such a delight! If you enjoy the fantasy genre at all, this is a must-read. Maia is a thoroughly flushed out character that you’ll root for from page one. His determination to do right by people in the face of a contentious government and court drama is endearing. Also features Downton Abbey-esque conversations between characters who walk the line between politeness and insubordination. Love this book!
This book is such a delight! If you enjoy the fantasy genre at all, this is a must-read. Maia is a thoroughly flushed out character that you’ll root for from page one. His determination to do right by people in the face of a contentious government and court drama is endearing. Also features Downton Abbey-esque conversations between characters who walk the line between politeness and insubordination. Love this book!
avery5683's review against another edition
4.0
Do you like descriptions of outfits? Meals? Do you like fantasy that makes you figure world details on your own? Do you like just a little magic? Do you like taking notes of which character is which? Do you like a soft boy? Do you find conversations to be as tense as action scenes?
Honestly, I have no reason for why I enjoyed this book as much as I did, but I did. The main character is utterly adorkable, and I guess I don't need as much action as I thought I did. Most novels have to choose between realism and the traditional beats of a story, and this novel leans hard towards realism. Really enjoyed the writing style itself. Honestly, just give it a try.
Honestly, I have no reason for why I enjoyed this book as much as I did, but I did. The main character is utterly adorkable, and I guess I don't need as much action as I thought I did. Most novels have to choose between realism and the traditional beats of a story, and this novel leans hard towards realism. Really enjoyed the writing style itself. Honestly, just give it a try.
vanillabee's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
saturdayreaderinpink's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
What an excellent book. I asked for a recommendation that would have a competent character navigating political intrigue— and I got that!
Compared to other books I’ve read as of late, I took a longer time with this. The pacing is relatively slow. But, what really struck me is the excellence of the writing. Sarah Monette has a clear and precise literary voice. Some books will linger on realizations or experienced the character has to emphasize how profound they sound. Monette has no need to do that. She has a story to tell and doesn’t waste time indulging in her own genius. Instead, this profound and clear literally voice flows austerely swift through a slow and even narrative.
I would give The Goblin Emperor five stars because it’s one of the best written books I’ve ever read but I rank based on personal experience. The slow even pacing I like so much about this book made the end drag a bit for me. Not much! But the dense descriptions and obscure fantasy name/references (which the Kindle search feature helped wonders with) could sometimes feel bothersome.
What kept me engaged was not only fondness for the lovable main character Maia, but his relationships with those around him. Particularly with his nohecharis, Idra, the Avar, Csevet, and Dach’osmin Ceredin. Watching Maia grow into a more capable and capable leader so so satisfying. I loved his internal monologue and I loved the slow, tentative, and rewarding build of his relationships.
The Goblin Emperor also goes into some detail about the impact a patent can have on you and the impact an abuser can have on you, and the lingering of both.
Compared to other books I’ve read as of late, I took a longer time with this. The pacing is relatively slow. But, what really struck me is the excellence of the writing. Sarah Monette has a clear and precise literary voice. Some books will linger on realizations or experienced the character has to emphasize how profound they sound. Monette has no need to do that. She has a story to tell and doesn’t waste time indulging in her own genius. Instead, this profound and clear literally voice flows austerely swift through a slow and even narrative.
I would give The Goblin Emperor five stars because it’s one of the best written books I’ve ever read but I rank based on personal experience. The slow even pacing I like so much about this book made the end drag a bit for me. Not much! But the dense descriptions and obscure fantasy name/references (which the Kindle search feature helped wonders with) could sometimes feel bothersome.
What kept me engaged was not only fondness for the lovable main character Maia, but his relationships with those around him. Particularly with his nohecharis, Idra, the Avar, Csevet, and Dach’osmin Ceredin. Watching Maia grow into a more capable and capable leader so so satisfying. I loved his internal monologue and I loved the slow, tentative, and rewarding build of his relationships.
The Goblin Emperor also goes into some detail about the impact a patent can have on you and the impact an abuser can have on you, and the lingering of both.