This was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I chose to read it during a challenge where I logged pages every day — I'm amazed I got through it in only two weeks! A trope-tastic fantasy masquerading as space opera. I really enjoyed the world(s), all of the vivid settings, and the tastes of political intrigue.

I think Ruocchio found a good balance of action and reflection. Surprisingly, I didn't mind the first-person narration which usually turns me off. That device gives us a decent look into Hadrian's mind both as a young man and as an author much later in his life. I appreciated that the story knew when to give play by play narration and when to skip over months or even years, though there were a few times where this felt like it could have been handled more deftly.

It was a bit over-written at times, and I didn't love the romance plot. Hadrian's inability to communicate with Valka was understandable, but inconsistent with the rest of his characterization. I'm excited to see where the series goes from here.

 *Borrowed from BPL*