The Goblin Emperor

For a 450 book in which pretty much nothing happens, The Goblin Emperor sure is a fast read. Nearly all plot is sacrificed for Addison to explore the character development of the new emperor, Maia, and even more than that to build her setting. The political intrigue is nuanced and intricate, without ever feeling too difficult to follow (although I will say that the naming conventions are hard to keep track of and it took me 250 pages to realize that there was a reference index at the back.)

Jon tells me that the book borrows wholesale from the Ottoman Empire, but my own world history is too weak to appreciate the parallels. Nonetheless, I found it perfectly enjoyable without understanding the allusions. Instead, I really enjoyed Addison's world, which felt totally self-sufficient and detailed, with a consistent language, multiple related religions and customs.