The bloody throne by S.C. Emmett

Name of Book: The Bloody Throne

Author: S.C. Emmett

ISBN: 978031645343

Publisher: Orbit 

Part of a Series: last book of hostage of Empire ( the throne of the five winds and POISON PRINCE prequels) 

Type of book: Fantasy East Asia style, secrets, poisonings, trust, role of emperor, murder, war, conquer, politics, details, shock, tangled webs, siblings

Year it was published: 2022

Summary:

"Intricate, elegant and sharp as a blade―sweeping political fantasy at its finest." ―Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

A richly detailed epic of ambition, honor, and sacrifice, The Bloody Throne is the masterful conclusion to Hostage of Empire, a medieval East Asia-inspired fantasy trilogy. 

The great Zhaon empire is in turmoil. The emperor is dead and the crown prince has fallen to hidden schemes, leaving the most dangerous prince to assume the throne. The imperial court is seething, and whispers of war grow to shouts. The once vanquished kingdom of Khir marches again to regain their honor, the savage Tabrak raid the borders after ravaging the South, and assassins lurk in the shadows seeking imperial favor.

Komor Yala, her position deeply uncertain, finds shelter in marriage to the cunning Third Prince―but there is little safety in Zhaon. Death and destruction mount as a blood-drenched summer ends, and to the victor will be left an empire—if it is not turned to smoking ruins first. 

The wheel of destiny is turning, and all will be caught under its weight...

Praise for the Hostage of Empire:

"With a deliberate pace and fine attention to details of dress and custom, Emmett weaves a masterful tale of court intrigues." ―Booklist (starred review)

"Emmett’s worldbuilding is sophisticated and captivating." ―Publishers Weekly 

"Action and intrigue takes place within a layered and beautifully realized fantasy world that will appeal to readers of K. Arsenault Rivera's The Tiger's Daughter."―B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

Characters:

Important characters would be Yala, a maidenservant to a princess who has recently become deceased. Like in previous novels, Yala is clever, resourceful and extremely dutiful, especially when she tries to live with a man she doesn't love but sees it as a necessary duty. 3rd Prince Takshin is adopted by Shan Empire, therefore he is not a threat to 2nd prince. 3rd Prince is best described as a bit naive and despite his upbringing often doesn't see others emotions. He is also Yalas husband. 2nd prince Kurin is manipulative but despite his careful maneuvers he often underestimates his opponents. He will do correct things but can't trust anyone to help him. 4th Prince Makkar is a scholar who has little to no desire to assume the crown but he knows more than he should. 5th prince Sensheo is manipulative and often takes advantage of others weak spots. He wants to see himself in the right, but I personally think history will remember him differently. 6th prince Jin loves weapons and playing at war but has little experience in real world. He is innocent and loyal. General Zakkar Kai is also loyal and will do whatever he can for the Empire of Zhaon be it war or giving up a woman he loves to someone like a brother. There are plenty more but I hope the readers will enjoy meeting them for themselves.  

Theme:

In for a penny, in for a pound 

Plot:

The story is in third person narrative from everyone's points of view. Just like in last two, there is enough plotting and poisoning to confuse even the most intrepid souls who think that THE BLOODY THRONE will be different than it's predecessors. What I found most curious is how it didn't feel like a long book as the first one had. ( I loved first one, but was shocked to discover I understood what it meant when one keeps reading but can't reach the end...) The story starts with Kurin, the second prince who has become an emperor through nefarious means, finally understanding his father and older brother. However, there are more princes in wait who desire the throne of five winds, and they aren't willing to wait or to respect inviolable boundaries when it comes to the remaining mothers in their lives. The story reads quickly and if first two are familiar, there is a lot of nuance and relationships between the characters. I honestly can't say which characters dominated the tale, although I think Yala and second prince Kurin would be my candidates. While General Zakkar Kai had a lot more bigger role than in second book, most of the tale got taken up by various princes. 

Author Information:
(From goodreads)

S. C. Emmett is a pseudonym for Lilith Saintcrow.

Opinion:

At first I tried to read it without reading the first two books and experience was both confusing and frustrating. However, when I read the first two books and came back to this one, I had a different experience, that of understanding the nuance of characterizations as well as relationships between them. It immediately picks up from the ending of the second book, and here is where reading the first two pays off. ( best description is drum solo in in the air tonight by Phil Collins.) It also feels as if in this one the author hits the right stride and notes, especially when it comes to balancing between the inner and outer world of Zhaon, and the transitions didn't feel awkward. Like the previous two books, there is plenty of tension, of plotting, but at the same time a lot of secrets are hinted and revealed. Also, for those who think the Zhaon is too opulent and cruel and want to see certain characters get what's coming to them, don't worry the last book will definitely satisfy those urges. 

This was given for review 

5 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)