The 6th and final book in this fantasy/real world series has the author not only telling tall tales, but also a cautionary tale reflecting the cyclical nature of history - and an uncanny reflection of modern day political madness.  The theme of East versus West with the battleground in the middle is prevalent as the Jade Emperor and the Western Emperor decide they both want to stretch their boundaries, with the land of Inda being the prize.  It is a story filled with irony as the three sons of a minor Inda rajah choose different paths for their lives as the Jade Empire begins it's conquest.  The irony doesn't stop there, but I will not say more about that, I will let the reader enjoy the unfolding tension and unexpected developments without any spoilers from me.

In the many books I have read by Mr. Turney, I was always blown away with his mastery of description, and he doesn't disappoint in this one.  An example is the telling of the monsoon season and the effects it has on the land and on the two armies facing each other across a vast plain they cannot cross.  The differences in the three cultures, the differing approaches to the military; the differences in religion; the differences in the ruling hierarchies - all are exquisitely told.

This has been an exciting and thoroughly entertaining ride through The Tales of the Empire, and I highly recommend it.  4.8 stars

I will hold my hand up and say that Turney is an author about whom I knew little, if anything. The book's blurb and cover appealed to me, so I thought I would give it a go.

I really got into the book and was pleasantly surprised. My biggest surprise was reading the Author's Notes at the end when i realised that this story was but one of several in a series. It stands on its own and does not need previous stories to allow the reader to enjoy the story.

Rest assured, coming into the series on the last novel does not leave you disappointed with the book. Go for it!

Having only recently discovered Turney, I have to say I’m disappointed to not have begun reading his works sooner. The richness of his characters is evident through Jade Empire and you get a real sense of story progression. What I admire most about this book (and Turney in general) is the simple but effective humour - again, throughout Jade Empire. I am normally a stalwart, sequential reader of any series, however, Jade Empire was easily read as a stand-alone (I will read the rest when I get chance).