I really liked this one! I often see it recommended as cosy fantasy, but I don't feel it quite fits that category. But it is a very nice read nonetheless! The world-building is incredibly rich and I was a bit sad that we only get to see a very small corner of the Elvenlands (and beyond).

The main character does get off a bit too easy, he is suspiciously good at being an emperor and lucks out with the choice of his personal secretary

who was basically the first person he met from court, the only one he knew and then promoted, even though he used to be in the employ of his enemy at court, the Lord Chancellor

  So sometimes, things go a bit too easy, but overall a lovely read.

Initially I was quite happy to learn that this one is standalone (my TBR is long enough already!) now I wish there was more of Maia's story!

And fair warning to those that don't like that kind of thing: this book is one of the worst offenders in the Fantasy Name Syllable Soup that I've read in recent memory!