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A review by jessalynn_librarian
The Empty Kingdom by Elizabeth Wein
5.0
This can be read as part of a larger series - The Winter Prince, A Coalition of Lions, The Sunbird, The Lion Hunter, and finally those one - but they can also be read out of order if you can't get your hands on the earlier ones. Do read The Lion Hunter and this one as a pair, because the tensions in this one won't make much sense without that background.
As with the earlier ones, the strengths are really an atmospheric sense of history and setting (rather than a slavish attention to accuracy) and complex, fascinating characters. You can never quite decide if some characters are good or bad, and then you realize they fall into that category of being completely human in their ability to be both generous and self-serving. Some plot elements are wrapped up at the end, but enough of the larger political issues are left hanging for further installations (please please please?) The story really focuses on Telemakos and Abreha, and we don't see much of old favorites like Medraut and Goewin, or even much of Athena (who really deserves some kind of award for most compelling and heartbreaking baby/toddler in fiction).
The whole series is recommended to kids (and adults) who enjoy compelling historical fiction with plenty of intrigue. They require some focus, but are worth the effort. I can see them appealing to kids interested in maps and ancient history, and the type who can read at a high school level but aren't ready for more mature books - although these can be pretty intense.
As with the earlier ones, the strengths are really an atmospheric sense of history and setting (rather than a slavish attention to accuracy) and complex, fascinating characters. You can never quite decide if some characters are good or bad, and then you realize they fall into that category of being completely human in their ability to be both generous and self-serving. Some plot elements are wrapped up at the end, but enough of the larger political issues are left hanging for further installations (please please please?) The story really focuses on Telemakos and Abreha, and we don't see much of old favorites like Medraut and Goewin, or even much of Athena (who really deserves some kind of award for most compelling and heartbreaking baby/toddler in fiction).
The whole series is recommended to kids (and adults) who enjoy compelling historical fiction with plenty of intrigue. They require some focus, but are worth the effort. I can see them appealing to kids interested in maps and ancient history, and the type who can read at a high school level but aren't ready for more mature books - although these can be pretty intense.