Yet an even greater threat is on the horizon, for the Alanga–the powerful magicians of legend–have returned to the Empire. They claim they come in peace, and Lin will need their help in order to defeat the rebels and restore peace.
But can she trust them?
Ok, there’s a bit of a theme happening here I guess? This is my second review in a row of the second book in a trilogy where the first book completely blew my mind. THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER is another book that wound up on my Best of 2020 list. I thought Andrea Stewart’s debut was just thrilling, wildly imaginative, and a whole lot of fun.
And while THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR didn’t quite bowl me over like the first book in THE DROWNING EMPIRE, this was a solid read & one that sets the stage for an epic finale.
It could just be my memory playing tricks on me, but it felt like we spent a lot less time with Phalue & Ranami this go-around. They’re settling in to a slightly more domestic way of life, to a point. And though their POV chapters felt too infrequent for me (because I love them!), through their story we are also introduced to a fascinating new character named Ayesh, and she seems poised to have a much bigger role in the third book!
Lin now finds herself Emperor, which is precisely where she wanted to be. But wow, things are fucking messy. She is mistrusted & second-guessed at every turn, and while she is determined to be fair where her father was cruel, the pull of her late father’s many & sordid secrets is strong.
Meanwhile, Jovis and Mephi are…Jovis and Mephi. They continue to be a lovable but potentially unreliable duo, with Jovis now the Captain of Lin’s Imperial Guard. But of course, Jovis’s loyalties are…up for debate. While he & Lin grow closer, at the end of the day, Jovis is ultimately a spy.
I’ve struggled writing this review, mostly because, well…. *gestures vaguely at life* I really did enjoy THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR, it just didn’t leave as big of an impression on me as I would’ve liked. I think one of the things I struggled with the most was not feeling super clear on Nisong’s motivation. I mean, I get it. But maybe not all the way. Ostensibly the antagonist at this point, I just didn’t super vibe with her whole agenda & struggled a bit with her chapters.
Mephi, of course, was a delight. No longer just uttering one or two words at a time, he’s now a fully conversational, badass, giant horned-otter-cat-thing, AND MEPHI IS A PRECIOUS CREATURE WHO MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS.
*ahem*
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Andrea Stewart wraps up this trilogy! This is really vivid world she’s created, with weird bone magic, arcane history, and compelling characters. While I definitely preferred the first book of the trilogy, this is still something really special to read!
Huge thanks to Orbit for the ARC! THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR releases November 23rd!
Grimdark Dad 