The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison (Audiobook) - Paul's Review

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Title: The Goblin Emperor
Author: Katherine Addison
Year Published: 2014

Narrator: Kyle McCarley
Audiobook Length: 16 hours 25 minutes


Synopsis: The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an "accident," he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.

Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.

Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend... and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.

This exciting fantasy novel, set against the pageantry and color of a fascinating, unique world, is a memorable debut for a great new talent.

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Review: I heard of this book from the Sword and Laser book club. I enjoyed listening along with their pick of the month, although it took me longer to finish this audiobook. 

The pacing of this book is very slow. I have no idea how to spell so many things in this book. I could pronounce them as I was listening to the book, but I can't even remember them now. The language in this book is most definitely creative and exotic, but it is difficult to get used to. I used context to remember what most names and things were. 

This is a political story, but from the perspective of someone who isn't familiar with the system. This makes it easy for the reader to understand and learn as the protagonist discovers new things. The protagonist is very likable and his personality helps the book to be digestible. 

There are many interesting topics brought up within this book. Change is the main idea, how different people respond to it. Royalty and family are also at the forefront of this novel. 

I really enjoyed the literary use of bridges and building them. "The Bridge Builder"

The magic in this book is almost nonexistent. It is used in only few dire situations. The people are elves and goblins, but it really only serves as a parallel to race relations. The airships add a steampunky feel to this world. 

Kyle McCarley does an excellent job at reading this audiobook. His performance of so many characters is done so well. I loved his different voices. 

The first few hours of this book went by so slowly, but by the end I had been drawn in. I give this book a 3.5/5. I was entertaining, but heavy. If you enjoy political intrigue that addresses an old system and how to move forward, you'll like this. This is a fantasy novel, but there's hardly anything fantastical in this book. 


--PAUL

Moth and Spark by Anne Leonard - Paul's Review

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Title: Moth and Spark
Author: Anne Leonard
Year Published: 2014

Narrator: Christian Coulson
Audiobook Length: 14 hours 10 minutes

Paul's Pre Reading

Synopsis: Prince Corin has been chosen to free the dragons from their bondage to the Empire, but dragons aren’t big on directions. They have given him some of their power, but none of their knowledge. No one, not the dragons nor their riders, is even sure what keeps the dragons in the Empire’s control. 

Tam, sensible daughter of a well-respected doctor, had no idea before she arrived in the capital that she is a Seer, gifted with visions. When the two run into each other (quite literally) in the library, sparks fly and Corin impulsively asks Tam to dinner. But it’s not all happily ever after. Never mind that the prince isn’t allowed to marry a commoner: war is coming to Caithen. 

Torn between Corin’s quest to free the dragons and his duty to his country, the lovers must both figure out how to master their powers in order to save Caithen. With a little help from a village of secret wizards and a rogue dragonrider, they just might pull it off.

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Review: This book came out earlier this year in 2014. I was expecting a modern and fresh take, but it wasn't as progressive or ahead of the curve as I was hoping. I wanted something revolutionary and this wasn't, but it still was a great fantasy novel with intrigue and dragons. 

Different parts of this novel feel like completely different books. There's the fantasy heavy story about the dragon riders and their interesting past. There's the intrigue of the royal court. A war is going on. Then there's the instalove romance at the center of the novel. I think I would have liked this novel more if it was more focused on just one story or character with the other storylines more in the background. 

If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, you will find something you like in this book. But, overall it was too scattered for me. I wasn't invested in any of the storied or characters. I give this book a 3/5. 


--PAUL

Moth and Spark by Anne Leonard - Paul's Pre-Reading

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Title: Moth and Spark
Author: Anne Leonard
Year Published: 2014

Narrator: Christian Coulson
Audiobook Length: 14 hours 10 minutes

Synopsis: Prince Corin has been chosen to free the dragons from their bondage to the Empire, but dragons aren’t big on directions. They have given him some of their power, but none of their knowledge. No one, not the dragons nor their riders, is even sure what keeps the dragons in the Empire’s control. 

Tam, sensible daughter of a well-respected doctor, had no idea before she arrived in the capital that she is a Seer, gifted with visions. When the two run into each other (quite literally) in the library, sparks fly and Corin impulsively asks Tam to dinner. But it’s not all happily ever after. Never mind that the prince isn’t allowed to marry a commoner: war is coming to Caithen. 

Torn between Corin’s quest to free the dragons and his duty to his country, the lovers must both figure out how to master their powers in order to save Caithen. With a little help from a village of secret wizards and a rogue dragonrider, they just might pull it off.

The Sword and Laser Author Interview with Anne Leonard

Why?: I first heard of this novel from the Sword and Laser bookclub's author spotlight episode. It sounded really interesting with dragons and intrigue. When i was looking for my next audiobook on audible I saw this one and had to get it. I've been listening to mostly older books on audiobook so I'm excited for a book that was published this year.   

Expectations: I'm expecting a fun fantasy novel that takes an inetresting take on dragons. I'm also expecting a court intrigue kind of story with a little bit of romance. I am hoping for some modern themes.    

Judging a book by its cover: This cover looks cool. It leads me to ask so many questions. I'm intrigued to see what the moth and spark are referencing.   


--PAUL

Boneshaker by Cherie Priest - Paul's PRE READING

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Title: Boneshaker
Author: Cherie Priest
Year Published: 2009

Synopsis: Boneshaker derives its title from the Bone-Shaking Drill Engine, a device designed to give Russian prospectors a leg up in the race for Klondike gold. Unfortunately, there was one hitch: On its trial run, the Boneshaker went haywire and, long story short, turned much of Seattle into a city of the dead. Now, 16 years later, a teenage boy decides to find out what is behind that mysterious wall. Can his mother save him in time? Zombie lit of the first order.

Why?:  I was first introduced to Cherie Priest through the Sword and Laser Book Club on the Geek and Sundry youtube channel. They had an episode featuring an interview with Cherie Priest. You can find this episode below. But, onto the "why?". Zombies and Steampunk.

Expectations: I am expecting this to be well written. It is sometimes considered YA, but it seems like it was not intentionally written for a younger reader audience. I expect some cool steampunk tech and some awesome zombies. 

Judging a book by its cover:  The cover is so steampunk: the glasses, the dirigible, the coal stricken face. I like the cover. It already paints a world that I'm ready to read about. 

-PAUL