Reviews

Empire of Exiles is a fantasy mystery with a cast of characters connected to the imperial archives-- a place brimming with the histories and artifacts of ten cultures. Here, those born with affinities for specific materials use their abilities to learn about the artifacts in their care. The downside of these natural talents is a boundless, consuming curiosity akin to addiction, swallowing specialists whole when they're calendrically "in alignment." When this happens, generalists are charged with bringing them back to themselves before the material takes over.

The ten ancestral groups of the empire once fled the changeling invasion and found themselves safe within the Salt Wall, now protectorates of the Semillan Empire rather than independent nations. And while the concept of changelings who can take the shape of even a dear loved one, impersonating them completely with the right training, still lives on as a source of fear in the public consciousness-- it's a distant thought. After all, changelings are safely kept out by the wall. Or so everyone assumes.

The story takes place in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt. Though it's decades in the past, it's left an indelible mark on what was supposed to be a united, peaceful empire. And this moment in time has a particular bearing on our mystery in the present. Details of the coup are revealed through the characters, but also each section of the book starts with a key flashback to clue the reader into the bigger picture.

The murder mystery is enshrouded in political conspiracy in the present with a busy cast of characters to investigate. I love a whodunnit like this where all the characters hold only part of the story. It makes me desperate for them to collaborate even as I understand exactly the distrust that keeps them apart... and all the more satisfied when I get the epic team-up I desire. Plus, the fantasy components keep readers on their toes. Without knowing the limits of the world, from mysterious venoms to saintly powers, anything could happen.

The only official investigator is Richa, and he's been told to let the case go. The assumed murderer is dead with all kinds of evidence against him, including multiple (overly?) consistent witness statements. But there's no motive to speak of. And worse, Richa's inquiries run up against the indomitable "no" of the imperial family, so his work must continue in only an unofficial capacity. Other POVs come from Quill, a scribe whose best friend was caught red-handed before killing himself at the scene before Quill's very eyes. Grieving and determined, he stands up for who he knows his friend to be even when everything's stacked against him. Meanwhile, Yinii feels torn between her affinity for ink which earns her a job at the archives, and a family who finds her specific skills impossible to understand. And my favorite of the protagonists was the one with the most complicated history -- Amadea Gintanas. She has a calm and compassionate teacherly vibe I can't help but empathize with as she organizes the specialists in her care and keeps them safe as their generalist. She's reliable and good in a crisis, even when she's roiling with PTSD and anxiety internally. Amadea is first drawn into this mess when two of her specialists' families are affected by the murder. Then, Quill seeks sanctuary at the archives. And finally, Amadea's spotty past catches up to her.

I love this book's inspiring, nerdy setting, political duplicity, and charming characters. It's a rich world with both depth and breadth. Though not necessarily dark, it definitely has that academia vibe (and just my flavor, too). Archivists argue about provenance, categorization, and the purpose of historical objects with passion. I love the mystery components, the action and revelations right up to the end, and the promise of more world-building to come. Thank goodness the sequel is just around the corner. And thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!

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