Empire's Hostage: A Worthy Sequel
“Empire’s Daughter,” Book 1 of “Empire’s Legacy,” was one of the first books the Two Doctors Review gave five stars. I loved it. And I enjoyed its sequel, “Empire’s Hostage,” for many of the same reasons I loved “Empire’s Hostage.” Lena’s tale has expanded in compelling ways; just as her understanding of the world transforms, the world around her increases in complexity and moral ambiguity.
“Empire’s Hostage” begins not too long after the events of the first book, and even though it had been six months since I read “Empire’s Daughter,” it didn’t take me long to reconnect with the characters. Within the first few pages, Lena is thrust into another adventure (very much against her will), and for the next significant sections of the novel, she explores a foreign land.
Like in her first book, Marian expertly weaves together worldbuilding, character interaction, and narrative, though in this second book it felt like “world exploration” took priority in some instances over narrative. Now, I understand and appreciate the choice to do so: Marian wants readers to learn about the greater world at the same time Lena does. Readers who love constant exploration of creative and incredible cultures (which Thorpe designs with skill) will love the first two-thirds of the novel.
It’s not until Act III truly begins, however, that the action and plot of the book snapped into focus for me. And the final Act of the novel is stupendous, making all of the worldbuilding worth it. The ending of “Empire’s Hostage” leaves you at a cliff-hanger, unsure where the narrative goes next. Thorpe is incredible at endings, I’ll say. “Empire’s Daughter” was similarly compelling in its finish.
To the scores!
Writing: 8/10. While Thorpe is a fantastic writer, I knocked a point from her “Empire’s Daughter” score because I felt too much worldbuilding occurred through dialogue in this sequel.
Characters: 9/10. The motivations and personalities of Thorpe’s central cast continued ringing true, even when a few were barely even on the page.
Plot: 7/10. While the plot is slow-building throughout the first parts of the novel, when it comes to its head at the end of Act II, you immediately recognize the purpose for the slow-burn all the way through the climactic finish.
Setting: 8/10. The “Empire’s Legacy” series is fundamentally about understanding your greater place in the world, at least through my read. And with it, comes understanding that world as a reader. While in this sequel I didn’t get as much of a feel for the “places” Lena visited as I may have in the first book, I loved the cultures explored and cultures teased.
Overall: 8/10. 4 stars, a worthy successor to “Empire’s Daughter.” Looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy in “Empire’s Exile”!