The goblin emperor by Kathrine Addison
Book information
The Goblin Emperor and Kathrine Addison
Published first on the 1st of April 2014
Published first by Tor Books
4.5 stars out of 5
A wonderful reader’s experience into a Victorian inspired society, with elves and goblin (and some forms of discrimination) and a young man who needs to find his place in a hostile environment, soaring to the requirements of the job, becoming an incredibly inspiring leader (also for real life) and an inspiration for many. Maia - the goblin emperor - is also a leader in the modern term, not only being able to recognize his gaps but also being able to recognize the skills of the ones around him and making sure they get their space to shine.
Ultimately, I love this story for sharing what great leadership looks like, even in difficult situations. Yes, it is fictional but it still an inspiration.
A few highlights
Witness for the Dead - a unique monastic group with the ability to talk to the dead and investigate crimes
this aspect was so interesting that it is the basis for the other books in this world, The Witness for the Dead and The Grief of Stones (at the date of publishing this review; another wonderful set of stories, with a unique sensitivity).
The relationship between different nations, the elves and the goblins
Maia is uniquely positioned to make this relation work and he focuses his work on this
Mistrust for those who are different
Maia has to expertly navigate his heritage that makes him different than the elves.
Tropes/themes that work for me
I will repeat myself: leadership
““You cannot keep change from happening, Lord Pashavar,” Maia said sympathetically, and Lord Pashavar flapped a hand at him to get on with things.” (p. 444 in the Kindle Edition of The Goblin Emperor)
Empathy
This is mostly explored in connection with grief and it is shared in different moments in this story
political intrigue
the whole reason Maia becomes emperor is the start of this political intrigue, mostly treated as a mystery slowly unveiled through this book.
Friendship and family relations
Maia offers a new take - compared to his predecessors - to family and friends and this colors his ability to connect with people he loves.
