Title: The Empress
Author: S.J. Kincaid
Type: Fiction
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date published: October 31, 2017
Page Count: 378
Source: Chapters/Indigo

A physical copy of this book was kindly provided by Chapters/Indigo, in exchange for an honest review.

It’s a new day in the Empire. Tyrus has ascended to the throne with Nemesis by his side and now they can find a new way forward—one where they don’t have to hide or scheme or kill. One where creatures like Nemesis will be given worth and recognition, where science and information can be shared with everyone and not just the elite.

But having power isn’t the same thing as keeping it, and change isn’t always welcome. The ruling class, the Grandiloquy, has held control over planets and systems for centuries—and they are plotting to stop this teenage Emperor and Nemesis, who is considered nothing more than a creature and certainly not worthy of being Empress.

Nemesis will protect Tyrus at any cost. He is the love of her life, and they are partners in this new beginning. But she cannot protect him by being the killing machine she once was. She will have to prove the humanity that she’s found inside herself to the whole Empire—or she and Tyrus may lose more than just the throne. But if proving her humanity means that she and Tyrus must do inhuman things, is the fight worth the cost of winning it?

– MY REVIEW –

3.5 stars to 4 stars. I am very happy to have been able to read this book, since it was one of the releases of 2017 that I most anticipated. As some of you may know, the first book in the series The Diabolic (you can read my rave review here), was originally meant to be a standalone novel. I really loved the world, the writing, and the roller-coaster-like plot though, and was saddened by this fact, because I wanted more. Well, my prayers were answered, when it was announced that this one, standalone book, would become a trilogy! You can imagine my excitement.

I really liked how unpredictable the story line of The Diabolic was, and The Empress was definitely no different, which made me happy. Both books kept me on the edge of my seat, and were quite thrilling! Every time that I thought I had predicted how the story would go, I was surprised by how things actually turned out. I remember sitting there, holding whichever of the 2 books in one hand, and biting the nails on the other hand with my teeth! The writing in The Empress was just as enjoyable as in The Diabolic, and both books were a pleasure to read in that regard. This truly is one of my favourite science fiction series.

So, the writing was good, the story was good (high-stakes, complex), there was a lot of character development, and I was happy to spend more time with the characters that I got to know and love in the first book. That being said, from a personal perspective, while the story did excite me, and entertain me, it didn’t entirely make me happy. Due to potential spoilers, I sadly cannot tell you why…but I will say again that this is a personal thing. Because I as left laying in a puddle of tears by the end of the book, doesn’t mean that you will be. Or if you like that sort of thing….I hope that you do? Haha.

This was probably the longest that I had to wait from the time that I finished a book, and actually reviewed it, because I really had to recover emotionally, and sort out my feelings before I could really lay down my thoughts, in as objective a manner as possible. Despite what I have said about The Empress, I would also like to mention this phenomenon that I experience with the second book in trilogies. I generally like the middle book of a trilogy the least, so, now that I think about ti that way, I’m not really surprised that this trilogy is any different. Also, despite what I have discussed in this paragraph and the one before, I will be reading the third book, because the story, world, and characters are worth it! I also need to complete the story, and find closure.

I recommend this book to those who have read the prequel, The Diabolic, and want to know where the story goes next. I also recommend it to those who enjoy action, badass heroines, complex story lines, politics, and an epic romance.

– ABOUT THE AUTHOR –

S.J. Kincaid originally wanted to be an astronaut, but a dearth of mathematical skills turned her interest to science fiction instead. Her debut novel, Insignia, was shortlisted for the Waterstones prize. Its sequels, Vortex and Catalyst, have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. Her next book, The Diabolic, comes out in the Fall of 2016. She’s chronically restless and has lived in California, Alabama, New Hampshire, Oregon, Chicago, and Scotland with no signs of staying in one place anytime soon.

You can visit her online at www.sjkincaid.com or follow her on Twitter (@sjkincaidbooks).

– PURCHASE LINKS –

THANK YOU FOR READING MY REVIEW! HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK? WHAT DID YOU THINK? AND IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YET, DO YOU WANT TO, OR NOT? HOW COME? LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!