A vividly imagined fantasy of court intrigue and dark magics in a steampunk-inflected world, by a brilliant young talent The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his … but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend . . . and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne–or his life.
Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor is an exciting fantasy novel, set against the pageantry and color of a fascinating, unique world, is a memorable debut for a great new talent.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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I read this book nearly two months ago, so I’ve forgotten many of the plot points and individual bits of prose that delighted me the most. However, this book was a joy to read and a real tour de force, and I vividly remember how obsessed I was with it while reading!
I have a serious weakness for court intrigue tropes, especially clothing as etiquette, and this book indulged me beautifully while always building the world and relationships necessary to the plot.
I’m sure I will read it again, probably multiple times. It’s my favorite thing I’ve read so far this year.
Just finished this, which was recommended to me by Hannah! Really smart fantasy about an exiled 18-year-old half-elf half-goblin boy, Maia, who becomes emperor of the elves when his father and older half-brothers are all killed in an accident. He knows almost nothing about the court or the position he’s thrown into, and has to navigate social and political minefields while dealing with his feelings of incompetence and inadequacy, as well resentment towards his late father, who he’s constantly compared to. Full of political drama and intrigue, and with really keen representations of racial, gender, and class issues. Unlike in Queen of the Tearling, which also featured an exiled youth suddenly thrust into power, all of Maia’s decisions and actions as he takes on the challenge of ruling a country feel very realistic and logical from his position of limited knowledge.
This is a gorgeous and haunting fantasy novel. Though the political sweep is large, this story focuses on the minutiae of power. This book held me entirely rapt, but it’s for readers who love the interplay of characters, manners and etiquette. It’s exquisitely written and meticulous in every detail. The worldbuilding is phenomenal. This book also explores prejudice and race in a fresh, original way. I only wish there would be a sequel, because with a world this vividly imagined and painted onto the page, it deserves far more stories. I would love to read more about Maia as he learns to be a good emperor, but especially I wanted more of Csethiro, who received regrettably little page time. She is a character worth much more exploration – and their romance promises to be an epic one. There is only the promise of it in this book, however.
Highly recommend.
I came across The Goblin Emperor after an unsurprisingly fruitless search for a fantasy book in which nothing happens. Readers like things to happen, which is fair; I suppose that if I managed to find a fantasy book with no events, it would be as boring as it sounds — but I would like to read at least one. At any rate, things definitely happen in The Goblin Emperor. I came across it during my search for boring, uneventful fantasy because nearly all of it takes place in one location, but rest assured: it is riveting, eventful stuff.
I will admit, though, that it took me an embarrassingly long time to get a handle on the near constant stream of new names and titles; the meat of the book is in rich characters and court intrigue, and I somehow seemed to have a total inability to keep a single name in my head. I have rarely found an appendix more valuable, or checked one more frequently. The Goblin Emperor has its own very specific, very beautiful fabric — but once I got a full handle on it, it grabbed me hard.
Also, please let me know if you find a fantasy book in which nothing happens.
I loved this brilliant book, and especially its good-hearted main character. Key for me, too: it ended well, i.e., neither a downer nor a cliffhanger. One note: there are guides to the complicated naming system and other parts of the rich world-building IN THE BACK; don’t struggle through without the help that’s right there. If only I’d known when I started… but I gave it near-5-stars it even with that challenge!
The Arthurian legend of Percival’s origins pop into mind when I read this novel. What would the innocent Percival be like if he had been in a position to step into the role of Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire? This is an enchantingly engrossing mashup of fairy tale, byzantine intrigue and Arthurian style legend. It is like throwing Kellen Tavadon (Mercedes Lackey’s Obsidian Trilogy) into the Game of Thrones and seeing what happens. The characters are engaging, the intrigue is mesmerizing and the story is enthralling. I personally think that this should be shelved with the Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter series as a new classic.
I love this novel. The premise is a simple outsider/underdog story: an exiled, overlooked young half-goblin prince unexpectedly becomes Emperor of the Elflands after his father and older brothers are killed in an airship crash. Maia is thrust into the glittering, deadly snake-pit of royal politics and must find allies, survive his enemies, solve the mystery of his father’s murder, learn to rule, and decide exactly what kind of emperor he wishes to become. The worldbuilding is gorgeous—fabulous clothes, jewels, rites and rituals—but the story is all about Maia. I love the way he grows in confidence and adapts to his new role without ever losing the kindness and decency instilled into him by his goblin mother.
I have re-read it at least five times since I bought it this year. It’s captivating.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
I’d give this 4 out of 5 stars. Good story and character development. It wasn’t quite as ‘steampunk’ as I was expecting. I liked it enough that I wish it were a series, but according to her website, it’s a standalone.
#fantasy
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and the author for the opportunity to review this audiobook. These opinions are my own.
I never had the chance to read this book. It was on my Must Read list, so when given the opportunity to review the audiobook I was very excited.
The author does an amazing job not only of creating an entire world for the reader to enjoy, but a whole culture and language. It’s not often that a reader is faced with a character that remains empathetic when faced with diversity and true to himself when faced with hard times. Maia is one of those unique characters who even when faced with a life of abuse and hidden griefs due to be unwanted, tries to rise above the hate around him to be. Surrounded by intrigue and political subterfuge, Maia has to learn to navigate the new world and society previously denied to him, without knowing who to trust. It’s a book that is not only well written in its prose and storyline, but will be a story to be re- read (or in this case re-listened too) over and over.
I usually don’t like male narrators, but this narrator does a great job with bringing the book to life (and pronouncing the unique language as well). It’s a great match up.
This is a feel good story that is original and lovely and will make you feel good. It was out of print for years and is now finally back in print (at least in paperback) as there was too much demand for it to be ignored.
I’ve had The Goblin Emperor waiting on my e-reader for a long time for a suitable time to read it. Now that I have, I wish I’d read it sooner—and that I could instantly read it again.
The book takes place in the Elfish Empire, in a world with clockworks and airships, magic and swords—and no humans. The emperor and his sons die in a tragic airship accident, leaving the youngest son Maia to inherit the throne. Maia is a half goblin, despised and ostracised by his father to a remote farm. He doesn’t know the first thing about being a ruler, the court, or how to conduct himself around other people. He doesn’t want to be a ruler, but instead of rueing his fate, he sets out to do his best.
Told solely from Maia’s perspective, the book follows him through the first bewildering days of his reign to when he finally starts to feel comfortable in his new life. In between there are power struggles, coup and assassination attempts, an investigation to his father’s death, and marriage negotiations where women aren’t given a say in who they want to marry—a state of affairs that Maia wishes to remedy, but finds nearly impossible to do.
At first, it seems like he’s alone facing the world, but little by little he realises that there are people around him that wish him good and are willing to help him to achieve his goals. The ending is hopeful yet wistful, as he realises that the one thing he cannot really have is genuine friendship.
Maia was a wonderful character. Thoroughly decent, and willing to be the best he can, not just as a ruler but as a person. He had many insecurities that he made a conscious effort to overcome, an ability to find good people to rely on, and a skill to bring out the best in people around him. He wasn’t perfect, but he was willing to apologise and make amends when he succumbed to anger or weakness. It was wonderful to watch him grow to become a great ruler.
The writing style was immersive even though it didn’t dwell on details, glossing over days and events, and often relying on telling instead of showing. The moments when the narrative paused to give a closer look on Maia’s life where all the sharper for it. The only confusing thing was the names. Everyone had honorifics that sounded similar from person to person, and given names that weren’t used, except occasionally, plus combinations of the same that made them seem like different persons. I was constantly lost, but even that didn’t mar my enjoyment of the book. The world would be a better place if we had more people like Maia in it.
Excellent political fantasy
Not original but interesting very sympathetic characters
Personally enjoyed this part SF/Fantasy story of a prince that never expected to be hero. Told from his perspective, it gives a royal insider view of a hierarchy that is treacherous and dangerous.
For those that want ultra-romance (paranormal fae stuff), or a fast paced story this one isn’t for you.
This is a hard read. Not gonna lie. But the payoff is SO worth it. (So don’t give up!)
I don’t know that I’d call this the most traditionally constructed story, but it is so deeply layered and wonderfully complex that it transcends story to become something more. If you’re up for political intrigue and skullduggery against a richly drawn fantasy backdrop, this could be the book you’ve been looking for.
One of the best fantasy novels I’ve read recently — a great new voice!
The worldbuilding is so rich I just wanted to eat the book. Narrator is sweet, compassionate, funny, and very realistic – he bears grudges, gets nervous around crowds, and can’t stand heavy jewelry. Loved every last word, especially the ones in fantasy languages.
My only problem with the book was that I spent a lot of time looking up words in the glossary. However, that could be a good point in that the kingdoms for the Goblins and Elves was were well constructed. I loved the story and the characters and the world building. I wish there was an additional book continuing on with the King and his reign. I really loved the twists and turns.