A review by stormwise
The Empire of Gold, by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
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
4.5
The conclusion of the Daevabad trilogy picks up right where The Kingdom of Copper ended, starts running, and doesn't stop for 752 pages. (Maybe picking this up immediately after reading The Lord of the Rings was a bit ambitious?)
Dara, the only Daeva retaining his ability to cast magic, struggles not only against Manizheh's efforts to turn him into a weapon but also his own internal conflict about his role and actions during the conquest of Daevabad.
Meanwhile, Ali and Nahri delve deeper into their pasts as they travel from Egypt to Ta Ntry, unravelling secrets about themselves, their heritage and their vast, magical world.
As a reader, finally unlocking the mysteries of the marid was VERY satisfying - the worldbuilding truly is magnificent. The climax of the story hit just right - it really felt like the protagonists had earned their victory and that the antagonists had real motivations and reasons for their actions. Also, diversity win! The gay couples survived!
If you're a fantasy fan who likes chunky books filled with magic, intrigue and truly phenomenal action sequences then please read this trilogy. Big content warnings, however, for explicit descriptions of medical procedures and a lot of fantasy-coded xenophobia and genocide.
Spoiler
Political tensions run high as the sudden absence of magic in the wake of Daevabad's violent conquest impacts every aspect of Daeva, djinn and shafit life.Dara, the only Daeva retaining his ability to cast magic, struggles not only against Manizheh's efforts to turn him into a weapon but also his own internal conflict about his role and actions during the conquest of Daevabad.
Meanwhile, Ali and Nahri delve deeper into their pasts as they travel from Egypt to Ta Ntry, unravelling secrets about themselves, their heritage and their vast, magical world.
As a reader, finally unlocking the mysteries of the marid was VERY satisfying - the worldbuilding truly is magnificent. The climax of the story hit just right - it really felt like the protagonists had earned their victory and that the antagonists had real motivations and reasons for their actions. Also, diversity win! The gay couples survived!
If you're a fantasy fan who likes chunky books filled with magic, intrigue and truly phenomenal action sequences then please read this trilogy. Big content warnings, however, for explicit descriptions of medical procedures and a lot of fantasy-coded xenophobia and genocide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Injury/injury detail, Medical content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Torture
Moderate: Xenophobia