If you’re looking for a light and breezy read, keep browsing because this is no such book. It is, however, a story with intricate details and includes characters whose lives intertwine in a labyrinth of relationships. Author Rhoda Belleza is a great storyteller who takes us on a journey as the Ta’an Dynasty struggles to sustain their crown all the while the sly villain, Nero, attempts to overthrow them. Said villain’s selfishness and laser-focus produce many casualties along the way. Belleza also adds some clever inventions to intensify the plot. Furthermore, things get a little crazy at the end so buckle up for an intense conclusion.

There were several occasions when the story reminded me a bit of Star Wars in that they traveled or referred to several fictitious planets, there was fighting, and the characters were diverse in appearance. Belleza made several references to what must’ve happened prior to the events in this story, but occasionally I felt a little in the dark so I would recommend picking up the first of the series, “Empress of a Thousand Stars” prior to reading this one. Those who enjoy fantasy, especially on different planets, will enjoy this elaborate tale.

Review of an Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Razorbill

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  22 mild obscenities; 2 religious profanities; 1 derogatory name; 9 scatological words; 10 anatomical terms; 4 f-word derivatives. 

Violence/Gore:  Many (54) brief incidents including character felt like getting strangled; character has potential to snap another’s spine or strangle another; character telling another that he will have to die; character doesn’t care if another is torn apart; character wants to kill another; verbal threats; character thinks of ways to kill another; character wants to fight and blow things up; reference to characters dying; character has cut from prior injury; character sees a wounded character; references to war; reference to character getting beat up; second-hand report of bombings causing deaths; character admits to killing many people; riots; second-hand reports of surgery; character trips another which causes bruising; character tackled to the ground; fights break out; character cuts self and wants to die; character has violent dream; character fights a droid; attempted murder; fighting resulting in severe injuries; explosions; murder.

One extended incident of fighting and killing.

Sex/Nudity:  Several (11) brief incidents including holding hands; arm around; hugging; kissing; character makes an obscene gesture (no detail given); video of two female characters holding hands (romantically); implied sexual activity.

Mature Subject Matter:

War, murder.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Droid acts drunk; reference to drug; drugs being sold on the street.