pickThis was a reread for me and if anything I loved it even more the second time around. Who knew a 900 page book about a paper pusher in the government could be so riveting? But it is, because the characters of the emperor, Artorin Damara, and his Secretary, Cliopher Mdang, are wonderful. The friendship between them and others in the emperor's household, as well as Cliopher's governmental reforms (maybe TOO perfect) are just a delight to read.
pickWell!
This book is well worth the time-investment, and I loved it very, very much. There's a certain repetitiveness to it as people underestimate Cliopher and he comes out on top, but in a way that -- to me -- was delightful. It is “hopepunk“ and wish fulfillment and I love it dearly.
EXCEPT. HOW CAN IT END THERE WHEN I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
After burning myself out on this last month by making it into an obligation, like a dummy, I'm back to adoring this. I just love the interactions between Kip and his Radiancy. Also, my interest is piqued about the other stories in the same world.
I kinda burned myself out on this for a while, trying to read it All At Once, but now I'm back into it slooowly and it's really nice. I've heard it described as “like The Goblin Emperor, from the point of view of Csevet“, and it's definitely it's own thing as well... but yes, it's that too.
I love this a lot so far, but it's such a chonker and my brain is so tired. Having to admit that I may not finish it this month for #BookSpinBingo. Bah.
Oh wow, this is a chonker. I heard it compared to The Goblin Emperor, though, so I obviously needed it.
So far I'm just a bit irritated by the (lack of) copyediting -- several times the same word is repeated twice in a row, obviously accidentally. Otherwise, it's an interesting setup.
Books read in February. A bit of a mixed bag. Tagged book was my favorite, but I also highly recommend Good Neighbors, Money Shot, The Return of Fitzroy Angursell, The Love Con, and Hopepunk.
pickThis was amazing! A very long book where nothing big happens. It should not have worked but it was perfect. It's hopepunk and glorious! It's about the unlikely friendship between an emperor and his secretary, who is one of the few who sees the man beneath the divine.
pickWow, I loved this. The first third is absolute perfection. There are moments afterwards which my critical voice pointed towards the odd plothole but the rest of my brain gagged that voice because overall it was so lovely and so entertaining. All I can say is that after finishing this book I gleefully binged the sequel as well as her other completed series.
A must read for fans of The Goblin Emperor. 5 stars.
pickThis is a wonderful book. Theoretically it‘s about upheavals and changes to a whole world, but really it‘s about friendship and family, and the problems and misunderstandings that are part and parcel of relationships.
The Hands of the Emperor | 
