The Emperor's Blades (Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne Book 1)

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Mike mentioned that this book has his most favorite prologue and because Mike wrote one of my most favorite prologues in Wisdom Lost, my expectations went higher, I mean if the prologue is good, the rest of the book has to be even better, right? It is no coincidence that the MRA movement evolved out of the gaming community. There is a reason women read and write “feminist” fiction. Despite the obviousness of what was going on, the characters kept right on scratching their heads. At times, these obvious things were even stated OUT LOUD: I have a real issue with love interests who are sexually assaulted and then fridged to provide impetus for a male POV character. It is so disrespectful. I have wanted to read Staveley’s series ever since I got into the adult fantasy world, the book cover definitely played a huge role in that and because it just sounded like something I would enjoy. My friend Mike recommended it for my 10 readers, 10 recommendations challenge which made me read it this year.

Considering this is meant to be morally grey “grimdark” fantasy there are clearly drawn lines between the “good” and “bad” guys.Of course not. That’s the nice thing about borrowed gear—if it gets busted, it’s no skin off your nose. If Amie had been yours, maybe you would have taken better care of her.” I was absolutely and thoroughly Blown.Away. This book is amazing. I highlighted dozens of moments throughout this book, was on the edge of my seat for most of it, and was absolutely enthralled the entire journey. The problem isn’t the killing. The problem, rather, is love. For to complete her trial, Pyrre has ten days to kill the seven people enumerated in an ancient song, including “the one who made your mind and body sing with love / who will not come again.”

An explosive fantasy debut, The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley is a fast-paced, thrilling epic. If you like Joe Abercrombie and George R. R. Martin, you'll love this.And then we have the final POV, Adare. I really liked the political intrigue this perspective offered, and spent most of the book fascinated with this character. I sincerely couldn’t figure out if she was that painfully nieve, or if there was a grander plan in place I’d yet to discover (you’ll have to tell me what you think – I won’t spoil anything here). What I saw in this first book was the potential for some really great character growth with Adare, and that prospect enticed me.

Fortunately, these were the only minor issues I had with the book, and overall they didn’t diminish my enjoyment too much. Brian Staveley’s prose—although there were a few repetitive phrases—was terrific, and the world-building felt immersive and vivid. The world-building has a flavor of Asian culture, and I loved how the lore, culture, and setting of the world was implemented gradually together with the plot. There’s no info dump; we learn more about the world and characters with each chapter progressed. The Emperor’s Blades is a ‘Kent-kissing’ awesome debut. I’m so excited to be diving into the sequel, The Providence of Fire, as soon as possible. A lot of necessary foundation has been laid out for the sequel, and it’s safe to say that the quality of the narrative lives up to the quality of the gorgeous cover arts. At a glance it feels like we’ve seen this song and dance before. An army of white-armored soldiers stand in perfect square formations beneath the comings and goings of Offworld spaceships. They’re soldiers; the supposed elite; the Emperor’s very own Sardaukar hit squad. But to anyone who’s watched a Star Wars movie or nine, they’re not that threatening, right? This supposed scourge off the Empire—excuse me, Imperium—is built up to be unbeatable until our protagonists start mowing them down by the dozen.The Emperor's Blades are an elite unit within Ursus' Royal Guards who, as the name suggests, directly answer to the Emperor of Ursus and carry out "the will of Ursus itself" with extreme prejudice. However, they are more infamous for the horrendous legends surrounding their acts, such as the sinking of Simonch City, the massacre of an Elafian village, and their severe casualties in the Valley of the Setting Sun, earning them titles like the " Facerending Liches". [1] [2] These feats, combined with their inhuman appearances, have earned them both respect and fear from the Ursus people, as well as those who oppose them.

It took me a little while to get into it because of that, but once this book got going, it was really quite good. All in all, the overarching plot was (or had the potential to be) a brilliant one – separate the three leads but have them be intrinsically linked and in danger, in a world that’s both intriguing and interesting, with mythology and mystery. Sounds great right? Well yes, except for the issues that played a big part in hindering me from fully enjoying the story.Du Yaoye • Grand Tutor • Liang Xun • Ning Ciqiu • Second Brother • Shang Zhong • Shen Lou • Taihe • Zheng Qingyue • Zuo Le As the heir, one would expect Kaden’s story to be centered on court life and political machinations, but Mr. Staveley sidesteps that tired narrative device – instead placing the future Emperor in a monastery on the fringes of civilization. His thoughts and concerns more on news from the outside world and not being beaten by his master for yet another failure in his monastic training than royal ambitions. The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must prepare to unmask a conspiracy. His son Valyn, training for the empire's deadliest fighting force, hears the news an ocean away. And after several 'accidents' and a dying soldier's warning, he realizes his life is also in danger. Yet before Valyn can act, he must survive the mercenaries' brutal final initiation.