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heddas_bookgems 's review for:

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
4.0

The Goblin Emperor is a story about Maia, the youngest son of the Emperor. He has lived his whole life in exile Until his father and three half-brothers in line for the throne are killed in an "accident" making him the rightful heir to the throne. He must navigate through the deadly intrigues of the Imperial Court, surrounded by sycophants while also being aware of the danger to his life. The new Emperor must learn how to adapt to his role, make friends, and even find love, all while being vigilant against hidden enemies that threaten his his life.

Although I found it to be an enjoyable read, I'm hesitant to categorize it as a cozy fantasy book. While grief is a beautiful literary theme, it doesn't quite fit within the cozy fantasy genre.

Additionally, keeping track of all the characters can be daunting, as the book features a large and diverse cast, each with their own backstory and personality. If you're finding it difficult to remember who's who, don't worry – many readers share your struggle.

The book's political intrigue and backstabbing caught me off guard – it's much more focused on politics than I initially thought. The main character - his serenity - experiences a rough journey.

Despite the slow pace, the writing style is straightforward and easy to follow. Overall, I would still recommend "The Goblin Emperor" as an enjoyable read.