![Empress of Forever: A Novel by [Gladstone, Max]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qj3Gs1jyL._SY346_.jpg)
Empress of Forever is a very odd book. While technically sci-fi, the setting is so far far far future that most of the technology is indistinguishable from magic when viewed from our current perspective. More accurately I would described it as a party-based fantasy adventure set in the far future. The work also borrows significantly from the classic Chinese work Journey to the West, especially regarding the character archetypes, and overall the work is almost parable-like. However one classifies Empress of Forever, it is definitely worth a read.
The plot is fairly predictable overall but includes many interesting twists and turns that keep any readers engaged. The middle of the book does become a little tedious but the ending wraps up the plot nicely and there are numerous emotional events scattered throughout. And I should note that Empress of Forever is a standalone book, which has become quite rare in the fantasy/sci fi genre.
The characters begin as archetypes (with significant influence from Journey to the West) but quickly become more fully realized as the plot moves along. While some of the characters are more interesting then others, they are overall a compelling group. While the main character provides most of the POV there are occasional POVs from her companions to provide more insight.
As discussed above, the setting is possibly the most unique part of the book. The main characters are transported through a myriad of fascinating locales on their quest. Unfortunately the galaxy described is long past its prime and even more wonderous sights are only hinted at. The author does quite an impressive job of describing locations from the end of time and the ending sequence especially is not quite like any sci fi setting I've read.
It is worth mentioning that this book does feature a female protagonist who becomes romantically involved with other female characters. I assume that is the "political" content that the negative reviews seem enraged over. Viewed as part of the larger work, the main character's sexual proclivities are much not the focus of the novel and as a reader who simply wanted a good story I did not find it distracting it all.
Overall, I would highly recommend this novel. While certainly not perfect, it provides a very unique and worthwhile experience.
- File Size: 4413 KB
- Print Length: 476 pages
- Publisher: Tor Books (June 18, 2019)
- Publication Date: June 18, 2019
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07GVCXWR5
- Text-to-Speech:
Enabled
- Word Wise: Enabled
- Lending: Not Enabled
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Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#27,063 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #693 in Space Operas
- #647 in Science Fiction Adventure
- #503 in Space Opera Science Fiction (Kindle Store)
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