I’ve read plenty of books featuring elves, goblins, magic and intrigue, heroic battles and courage in the face of danger. While this book contains all of the above, it is unique in focusing on the deep rooted kindness of the main character and how that kindness is rewarded.
I thought at first that this would be the usual style, but quickly the story showed its individuality by spending more time on the feelings of the people involved, the etiquette of each situation, and even the fashion, jewelry and proper behavior of the emperor. Other books show heroism with dripping blades and mouthfuls of dirt from muddy battlefields – this shows instead the power of kindness and thinking of others.
I would call this a feel-good story, and even though it is a longer book I really enjoyed spending time with Maia, the main character who suddenly finds himself the leader of the kingdom, underprepared and in the crosshairs of his enemies.
The characters here are deep and full of mysteries themselves. The story moved along quickly and I was impressed that it was written in a non-male-centric way. I’m not saying it was a feminine point of view, rather that it was illustrating what treating people (of all genders, races and income levels) equally should look like. In many books I have read the kindness shown by characters is often treated as a fatal flaw until the end, but this book shows the main character’s thoughtfulness as a virtue, which helps to build his new relationships – from what he calls “bulwarks” at the beginning to “friends” at the end.
I did have some trouble following the intricate genealogy of the characters and members of the royal court, as there was so much mixing of families, former emperors with multiple wives, and names that sounded similar. Sometimes I got lost and had to turn back to recheck things, and although this made for a more immersive world, I don’t think it made it any easier to read. I do have a lot of respect for the author to dream up this very complex and fleshed out world, however.
I liked the refreshing approach of this book. I wonder that maybe I read too many “mean” books – or maybe mean books sell better. Hopefully this book will change that.
Next I’m reading through a cookbook, Food of Indonesia by Lother Arsana and Heinz Von Holzen.
