Tags
Politics, Religion, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense, YA Fiction
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Children for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: October 31st, 2017
320 Pages
Synopsis: 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, not just the elite.
But having power isn’t the same as keeping it, and change isn’t always welcome. The rolling 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?
After finishing The Diabolic last year which was supposed to be a standalone, I was one of the fans who clamored for a second book. And S.J. Kincaid listened and has made this a trilogy! So, YAY! However, as Shakespeare wrote, “the course of true love never did run smooth”, and is that ever the case here for our young lovers, Nemesis and Tyrus. By the time I reached the end of the book I think I went through half a box of Kleenex!
Before I forget, I need to mention, The Empress is not a book you can jump into without having read the previous book. There’s a lot of world-building and complicated politics and technology, so you’ll be completely lost if you try this without being caught up first.
Without giving away any spoilers, in the first book we were introduced to Nemesis, part of a genetically engineered human hybrid race, that thanks to their enhanced DNA, are incredibly strong. Each of them are bonded for life to one person with their sole purpose being to protect them. While fulfilling her duties protecting her charge, who also wound up becoming her friend, Nemesis uncovered a dangerous plot reaching the highest levels at the royal court, and by the end of the book had teamed up with Tyrus, a member of the royal family, previously thought to be mad.
This story picks up basically at the same point where things left off. Nemesis and Tyrus, now in love, want nothing more than to rule and protect their people. Unfortunately, an enemy who holds a deep grudge against Nemesis, as well as harboring political ambitions himself, betrays them and rips the two young lovers apart. There are still many scenes of them together, and despite the flaws each one has, they’re a couple you can’t help but desperately want a happy ending for. Tyrus brings out the more human aspects of Nemesis, and she curbs his more impulsive decisions. They work so well together, which makes what happens to them even more heartbreaking.
There is even more world-building in this sequel and you get a lot more insight into the politics and religion that is part of this society. Because of this there were a few sections that were a little slower paced, but for the most part I didn’t find this to be a huge problem. The ending is an enormous cliffhanger which seriously has me wondering if and how there will be a happy ending in the final book.
The Empress is an emotional rollercoaster ride that evoked strong emotions in me because of all the heartbreak and betrayal. As horrible as that may sound, it’s proof of how connected I was to the characters. If you haven’t read either of these yet, just be warned that S. J. Kincaid isn’t a sunshine, rainbows, and puppies kind of author. You may want the plot to go in one direction, but be prepared to be disappointed and to have your heart ripped out and stomped on….multiple times! I HIGHLY recommend The Diabolic and The Empress to older teens and adults who love gripping science fiction mixed with sinister political plots, nefarious characters, and heartbreaking romance. I’m both eagerly anticipating and dreading the final book which is due out next year.
I’m starting this one tonight, but now you have me worried. I’ll have the Kleenex ready and waiting…
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Ooh Megan! I think you’re going to love and hate it at the same time! I can’t wait to hear what you think.😊
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Another Fantastic Review Kim from a fantastic lady!!!❤💃📚 This is going on the TBR pile for sure📚
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Aww. You’re too good to me Dani! I think you’d like Nemesis. She’s not your usual heroine. She’s got quite the dark side!
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Sounds great! 😊
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Hmm, this sounds like a great read, but I haven’t read the first one yet, so am adding both to my to read list. (Sure why not…what’s another two books to the hundreds that are already there lol). Seriously though, great review. Am worried about books that need me to keep tissues nearby though…already have to cry way too often these days lol 😂
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You can’t have too many books Michel!😏
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Fantastic review! I still have to read the first one but the good news is that I already own it! PS: Do you need me to send more kleenex? LOL
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Yay! Hahaha!😏
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Great to hear you got your desired sequel, and enjoyed the outcome. Maybe not my thing, but I have to give full marks for the excellent cover.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank You Pete!😊
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Great review Kim! I have no idea what will happen in book 3 but that’s a great thing since it’s hard to surprise me and this series continues to do so. 🙂
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Thanks Carrie! Candace and I were talking about that. How is she ever going to resolve this?😰
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Great review. I adore the cover and the title.
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Thanks Jay! The cover is gorgeous.😊
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ooh awesome- I’m really keen to read Diabolic- so glad this and the first one is good!! 😀 Great review!
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Thanks! When you get to it I’d love to know what you think.😊
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You’re welcome!! Thanks 😊
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I’m reading this right now, and I’m LOVING it!!! I haven’t got to the heartbreak or betrayal parts yet, but now I’m absolutely terrified to see what is going to happen! Wonderful review!
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Thanks Krysti! Are you going to review it? I’d love to know what you think.😊
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I am! I should have it finished tomorrow, so I can post my review on Tuesday. 🙂
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Awesome!🌈
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Glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I loved the first one, but I never know what to expect from books that were meant to be standalones, but were expanded into series. Some turn out great. Others turn out . . . not so great.
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Thanks Jacqueline! In my humble opinion, the author definitely made the right decision.😊
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Good to know. Can’t wait to read it!
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Also wanted to add I love that cover Kim!!! So glad you enjoyed this title!😊📚💗🤗
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I tend not to get into series, and I think something that comes with this serious a kleenex warning is probably more than I want right now 😉
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I can’t blame you Jay.
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I haven’t read the first book but now I really want to. I’m glad enjoyed this book! I really need to read to start this series ASAP! 🙂
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You definitely do Raven! I promise you won’t be sorry!😊
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Gosh, the world-building sounds fantastic and just the fact that you felt so connected to the characters really promises a fantastic run with this series. I still remember when The Diabolic first came out, as if it was just yesterday. Don’t know how we’re already at its sequel! Here’s hoping the third book will be mind-blowing. Great review, Kim! 🙂
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Thanks Lashaan! I loved this, but I’m half dreading the final book because I’m so anxious about how things may end.😨
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Interested to peruse this book and find out how th author managed to create such an intense reaction.
Anyway, u’ll b pleased to learn that, today, I managed to find: Trapped, in th Iron Druid Chronicles.
Usually I have search minimal success trying to find recent novels, but glad to get any Kevin Hearne at all in th UK!
Looking forward to reading it
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If you can get this Brad, definitely read The Diabolic first. And that’s great news about Trapped, although I think it may be the 3rd or 4th book in the series. I just checked on Amazon UK and they have all the books including the first one, Hounded.😊
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Yes, if I can, but th Reservations queue at th main library in town goes on forever!
In th meantime, soo amazed to find ANY K Hearne novel.
It’s Hounded, Hexed, Hammered, Tricked, then Trapped (phew, sounds exhausting)
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😁
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This trilogy sounds amazing and I was just texting with Chelsea about binge reading it when the final book releases but she’s thinking of starting it this month. Fingers crossed we love them as much as you!
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