4 out of 4 stars
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Are you ready for the next big fantasy series? Would you like A Song of Ice and Fire reading level? Come and read An Empire of Traitors by Serban V.C. Enache, the first installment of the Of Hate And Laughter series. With multiple characters' perspectives, An Empire of Traitors is a book that I wouldn't consider a 'light read', but one I fully enjoyed.
In the five realms of the Empire, there has been little peace amongst the people for eight long years since the civil war between the Inquisition and the emperor Zygar Ferus Mero. After the war, Emperor Hagyai Rovines Mero sits on the Sun Throne and sends Sycarus in search for an Aharo maiden for his son. This future marriage is frowned upon by many in the Empire, but the emperor has his own reasons for the union. In the meantime, Birus from House Mandon, warden of the Streamlands and lord of Rivermark desires to keep the Empire at peace. When Birus hears of talk about a certain exile gathering strength and wanting to reclaim what's his, Birus is left unsettled. Whispers of another civil war begins.
In the midst of this storyline, meet Kalafar from House Sodomis, warden of the Northlands. His goal is to marry for love and not for dowry. Before long, however, Kalafar learns he has a big decision to make that will effect all of the people in the Northlands.
Over across the sea is strong-willed Drakanes from the Westlands. Pledged in the Sister of the Cloth out of necessity, she learns that her foolhardy “unladylike” behaviors may lead her to a powerful position.
With this book's strong plots and characters, Enache weaves a new world full of treachery and backstabbing. Unsure of who to trust, the reader is left with a sense of confusion and desire to know more. Because of this, I was engaged throughout the entire book. This is a read to challenge your mind and question characters' motives.
I found a theme that captured my eye while reading. It is this statement said by one of the book's characters, “Too much of one thing or the other produced dire consequences within the five realms..” (pg.103). Now, a little extreme on the words, but if taken on a more general basis, the theme of wanting too much may lead to negative repercussions can be applied to several occasions. For instance, a person continually wanting to win the lottery may end up spending too much money on tickets that now he/she may not be able to feed his/her family. This theme from a fantasy book is a strong one and something we all can learn from.
I will caution potential readers that there are some graphic scenes to this book. For instance, the battle scenes have some gruesome details and there are several murders throughout the book. Personally, I preferred to skim over these scenes rather than fully read and visualize them.
Overall, An Empire of Traitors deserves a 4 out of 4 stars. Enache does an amazing job in creating a complicated world that broadens a reader's mind. I would highly recommend this book to those who like to follow multiple story lines, enjoy strong fantasy plots, and who do not mind some graphic scenes.
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An Empire Of Traitors
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