Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of Bone Shard Emperor by Andrea Stewart!

This was the sequel to one of the most refreshing fantasy books of 2020, Bone Shard Daughter. The universe in which the series is set is one that takes inspiration from Asian themes, but isn't overdone. I personally only realised the different nods to Asian cultures after reading about it in another review.

I really liked the different magic systems in this series and the fact that they are expanded on in the sequel. The main character, Lin Sukai, being the only one that can wield more than one type of magic while trying to reconcile her own existence and fighting for approval in her new position of power is written with such empathy that it makes the reader feel like they want to protect her.

The second book does not neglect the other characters that were introduced in the first book, either. It helps expand on their motivations and hopes and decisions as well, making this a well rounded book. The different factions vying for power all come out to play in full force in this installment and it makes Lin's personal developments all the more significant, as she has to adapt to the consequences of her father's rule of his empire.

The true MVP of this series will always be Mephi, and that is a hill I will die on. I want my own!

In conclusion, if you liked the first book then this is a must read! I am deeply curious about how this will end! Some very important revelations were made at the end of this book....

I have received this ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the drowned empire series, the book opens pretty much where we left off in Bone Shard. Daughter.

Lin is trying to settle into her role as emperor, working hard to maintain a tenuous grip on the empire as further disaster strikes and a pretender to the throne comes to the forefront.
We also get a few more details on who or what the Alanga are, and why the bone shard magic important to the imperial dynasty.

I would have liked a little more world building and a little less shoe leather, but the magic system remained interesting and original and some of the characters we came to love from book one became more fleshed out as little details and backgrounds were revealed. However, that said, both Lin and Jovis' acs didn't seem to move much at all, and I became frustrated at some of their decisions and/or lack of action.
I know a lot of other reviewers contest this doesn't suffer from "middle book" issues, but I have to say I disagree. It was slow to get going and a tad flabby around the middle. That said I have to give credit for a fast paced and fairly exciting ending.
I worry that too much is currently left unsaid about the alanga, their motives and what it means for the empire. Some new characters are under developed, and I am generally concerned that book 3 will require a lot of shoehorned exposition, or that the book will end up massive in size to tie up all the threads.
I know this review sounds like. I hated the book, but I have to say I was just a little disappointed. Its still a decent read, but does feel like a stepping stone to the conclusion, rather than a great book in its own right.

Hace relativamente poco tiempo que se ha anunciado la publicación en español por parte de Gamon de La hija de los huesos, pero el tiempo corre inexorable en el mundo en general y en el editorial en particular, así que en inglés ya está disponible la continuación, titulada The Bone Shard Emperor.


En este libro, de una longitud bastante mayor que el anterior, seguiremos viendo las andanzas de los personajes desde diversos puntos de vista, aunque las más importantes siguen siendo las de Lin, ya proclamada emperatriz y Jovis, que a la sazón se ha convertido en el capitán de su guardia. Hay otros dos puntos de vista en la novela, pero son más accesorios y aparecen cuando sus acciones están directamente relacionadas con lo que le ocurre a Lin.

Si bien no se puede decir que haya revelaciones tan rompedoras como las que nos encontramos en el último tercio del primer libro, no se puede negar que Andrea Stewart tiene muy bien pensado el mundo en el que se desarrolla la historia, porque lo que van descubriendo los personajes parecen las miguitas de pan que hacen de cebo para que el lector siga interesado en el desarrollo de la historia. El pasado de los Alanga, los poderosos magos que en su momento fueron expulsados del mundo, se va desvelando poco a poco antes nosotros, con todo lo que ello implica. Es una maniobra muy habitual que el lector vaya descubriendo los secretos del mundo al mismo tiempo que los protagonistas, pero la autora es capaz de modular estas revelaciones evitando en cierta medida el aluvión de información. Esto no es óbice para que el primer tercio del libro sea un poco más lento que el resto, pero también lo podemos achacar a que un libro tan largo tiene que ser forzosamente de mecha lenta para no agotar las sorpresas justo al principio de la lectura.

Aparecerá en particular un personaje nuevo que no sabemos si es trigo limpio o si conspira contra la emperatriz, como prácticamente la totalidad de los habitantes del archipiélago. Ya sabemos que las transiciones de poder no suelen ser muy fluidas en los libros de fantasía, pero es que a la pobre Lin parece que solo la apoya su mascota. Uno de los puntos fuertes del libro precisamente son Mephi y Thrana, los “familiares” de Lin y Jovis, que vemos cómo se van desarrollando a ojos vistas en el transcurso de la historia.

Por lo demás, Stewart consigue evitar el temido síndrome del segundo libro en una trilogía con cierta prestancia, aunque como digo hay problemas de ritmo y se podría haber aplicado un poco más de tijera al relato. La historia de amor, aunque no me parece demasiado forzada, tampoco acaba de convencerme. Tendremos que esperar al próximo libro para poder juzgar la historia como un todo.

The Bone Shard Daughter had blown me away last year and I was really excited to read the sequel. Although this one felt slightly short if my expectations it was still a solid sequel that builds on the foundation set in book 1.
The Bone Shard Emperor explores the aftermath of everything that happened at the end of book 1 and how Lin. Jovi, Phalue, Ranami and Nisang alldeal with it. The character development for Lin was excellent . I loved how we get to see a more vulnerable to her in this book. Jovis as always was amazing and Mephi of course stole the show. I also really enjoyed reading Phalue and Ranami’s chapters. Their equation as a ruling couple was .off the charts. But having said that I would have loved to get more insight into Nisang and her companions. That’s basically my only complaint.
I loved loved loved how Andrea Stewart expanded the world building in this sequel.It answered a lot of questions but at the same time had me intrigued to learn more. I also loved learning more about the Alangas. The political machinations Lin had to navigate through added an extra layer to the already intricate world built by the author and made the plot all the more interesting.
The climax was the absolute best and worst. It was action packed with so many twists that had me on the edge of my seat but has also left me really anxious for some of my favourite characters. I cannot wait to read the finale and hope it exceeds all my expectations

An absolute masterpiece of world building, and a brilliant piece of fantasy. A Chinese inspired empire of islands was created after a war against powerful, almost god like beings known as the Alanga. The first emperor created constructs made of dead beasts and powered by a strange magic written on shards of bone. Centuries later, every citizen of the empire is required to give a tithe of a bone shard, powered by their own life force. Never knowing when their shard may be used and kill them, a rebellion has spring up to try and stop the emperor. Five different narrators from the emperor’s own daughter to a smuggler still looking for his lost five after seven years find themselves caught up in chaos and action as islands start to sink, and it seems as though Alanga magic is reawakening....

It is rare that the middle book in a trilogy is as strong as this one. The many different narrators in Bone Shard Daughter created a beautiful, vast picture, but by the end of the many different characters, only two had crossed paths, and that at the very, very last moment. In Bone shard emperor, not only have these individual characters grown and evolved, but each one had finally met all of the others. With.......differing results. The possibility of friendship between Lin and Phalue is one that makes my heart happy, plus the beginnings of a romance between Jovis and Lin. Sand/Nisong's meetings are a little more difficult. Although she seems to be hellbent on making new friends herself. Uh oh. It is a sequel that doesn't feel like a place holder between the beginning and the grand finale, but broadens, and strengthens the story as a whole. The history of the islands, and of the bone shard magic is explored in greater depth, and many questions are answered. Who were the Alanga really? And how did the first emperor truly defeat them? What is the power that Lin and Jovis share? This is a book that opens its world up, and leaves space for much more and a hunger in its reader without any contrived cliffhangers.

Extra Kudos for the lovely healthy relationship between Phalue and Ranami after their marriage. Not only are queer relationships so much a part of society that it's nothing to remark on, but these two have a marriage that is strong, healthy, and full of genuine love and affection. Their discussions about adopting a child to be their heir in the future are less dynastic, and more because of the love that they share and have to give, and also lead to one of the best bits in the entire book. When you meet Shark, you will understand what I mean!

A rare piece of writing that leaves you both satisfied, and excited for September '22.

I loved this second book from The Drowning Empire series, although for some reason I still feel the first book was somehow better. Nonetheless it was a great read and I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC.

The Bone Shard Emperor is the sequel to The Bone Shard Daughter that had left me wondering where it would take this book. Because after that ending there were so many ways this book could be going. In the end it didn't take a surprising route as the title already eludes to.

That doesn't nessecarily take anything away from the plot. Lin is struggling to gain the respect of her governors and people. Taking away the constructs that are in her power and giving back the shards only makes them remember now they don't have to fear her. Only having appointed Jovis as her guard captain seems to be looking in her favor.

Much of the book is about the continued growth of Lin and Jovis as they try to find their way. Jovis is struggling because so many are pulling at his strings. Not only Lin, but also The Shardless Few and the previous smuggling organization he was apart of. And hey he would also still like to live up to some of his moms expectations. Who I did love seeing briefly in this installment.

But I think the book failed a little in the relationship between Lin and Jovis. Their progress kept being stalled. There should have been honesty between them, especially from Jovis side, much sooner. Sometimes he seemed to be making a decision to support Lin and then in the next chapter he would still by lying. I found that extremely frustrating.

Their romance also didn't quite feel right. There was so much dishonesty between them that I could not really take their 'love' serious and I feel like at the end there just wasn't enough resolved to be happy with them.

Other than that I did truly enjoy reading this book though. Following Lin and Jovis journey was interesting despite my irritations. And seeing Phalue and Ranami continue on the road they set out was good as it began intertwining more with Lin. Their relationship works so well and they are taking the next steps. And that last chapter? Totally called it!

Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read The Bone Shard Emperor. After falling in love with the first installment, this was one if my most anticipated books of the year.
The first book gripped me with interesting characters, a cute magical companion and an original magic system and the second installment delivers and escapes the curse of the second installment slump you often find in series.

Lin is now the Emperor and now has the gruelling task of trying to win over the people and the governor's of the empire... whilst trying to figure out how to stop islands from sinking and how to fight and stop an uprising of rouge constructs.

Basically, the girl has a lot going on. Luckily for her there is a great supporting cast, mainly in the form of Jovis and Mephi - my two favourite characters.

The book was a little slower paced than the first, but I inhaled the last half of the book and it left me wanting more.

I can't wait for the next installment!

I was very happy to get back into this story and reconnect with the characters that I loved from the first book. However, I wasn’t very enamoured with the pacing.

What I liked - it was great seeing Lin come into her own as Emperor and see the budding relationship between her and Jovis. Loved seeing Mephi and Thrana grow (both physically and character wise as well). Still love Philaue and Ramini and their relationship. We get a bit more history and context about the Alanga and uncover more of the old Emperor’s secrets.

What I didn’t like - the pacing felt quite slow. I found this quite difficult to read and kept feeling reluctant to pick it up. I only understood why at the end because not much happens. We spend half the book at sea with Lin travelling fr9m island to island fighting constructs, and trying to get the governors on side. Nisong who is leading the battle of the constructs on the other side seems to have no real reason other than wanton destruction. She’s not likeable on any level and there is no sympathy for her cause. Jovis was also quite irritating with his constant back and forth between being a smuggler/spy and being Lin’s Imperial Guard.

Despite some of the very obvious surprises, there were a few I didn’t see coming. Overall I enjoyed reading it just not sent much as the first one. I would still continue the series but this one is a 3/5 for me.

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group/Orbit for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Bone Shard Emperor’ by Andrea Stewart in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 2 in the Drowning Empire trilogy and is a richly detailed epic fantasy told from various characters’ points of view. I combined reading with its unabridged audiobook edition.

As this is a continuous story that picks up from the events at the conclusion of ‘The Bone Shard Daughter’, I won’t say anything about the plot in order to avoid spoilers for readers new to the series.

I had been very impressed with the first book, especially Andrea Stewart’s vivid world building. I was pleased that this excellence continued along with further character development and some fascinating revelations. As Book 3, ‘The Bone Shard War’ is due to be published next autumn, I was prepared for this to end on a cliffhanger.

Overall, an impressive second volume in this powerful epic fantasy trilogy.

Highly recommended.

This was a solid sequel to an interesting book. I especially liked the twist at the very beginning where we learn that our main characters are exactly the thing that the whole first book convinced us was the dangerous enemy the empire needed protection from. It was done really well and I truly enjoyed the book.

The world is amazing and I love to learn more of it in this book.

Thank you to the publisher for my earc of this book. I read this in part ebook and part audio and loved the audio!! The narrators are brilliant. The story itself was intriguing but felt like it took me away from the adventure aspect I loved in the first book. I think the change in tone to a more war/political & strategy based theme was brilliant but felt a bit slower. I adore the characters and really rooted for my favourites, and the change in POV added so much!

The Bone Shard Emperor is the second book of in Andrea Stewart’sThe Drowning Empire Series, and follows on from where The Bone Shard Daughter left off. Lin is now Emperor of the Phoenix Empire after defeating her father, but she has an Empire that is under attack from her father’s constructs, with the aim of taking the throne off her and destabilising the Empire. She is having to try and build bridges with the Islands as no one trusts her, but that is difficult with her family’s history. With rumours of the Alanga, the powerful magicians who once ruled the Phoenix Empire, returning and Islands sinking Lin finds herself fighting to prove herself and her role as Emperor.

Like in the first book, The Bone Shard Emperor has several narrators, the main two being Lin the Emperor and Jovis and ex smuggler and member of the rebel The Shardless Few, and now Captain of the Guards. Lin’s start as Emperor isn’t easy, but she is determined to prove she can govern the Phoenix Empire, bring the Islands together and rule in a very different way to her father. With Jovis, she visits some of the Islands in the hope that they will support her reign and help fight the Constructs who are waging war on the Empire. Lin shows grace and poise on these visits where she is not welcome by the governers who want her to abdicate. I was drawn to how she managed to deal with the issues head on and by finding out each governers weakness and using that to her advantage, and by returning the bone shards from each Island to show she will not rule by fear like her father. Jovis, once a smuggler and now a spy for The Shardless Few, who want to get rid of the Emperor, is now Captain of the Guard. Whilst he starts as a spy, the more time he spends with Lin he becomes conflicted in his views; he sees her as a good Emperor and they both share a secret. In the first book I fell in love with Melphi, his pet and was glad to see him back, and now he has a friend in Thrana, who is Lin’s pet, both of whom give advice and are protective of Lin and Jovis. The other points of view are from Phalue, who like Lin deposed her father as governor of Nephilanu, and is also finding her feet as ruler and wanting to do things different from her father, and Nisong who is leading the army of Constructs in the hope of overthrowing the Empire and becoming Emperor herself.

From the first page Andrea Stewart grabbed me and took me back into her wonderful world of the Phoenix Empire. Sometimes the second book in a trilogy can be a bit flat, but not here, it was packed with action, great storylines and characters who just jump of the page and come to life. The Constructs are still creepy with different parts of people and animals mixed together, with the inclusion this time of the dead also being brought back to life with bone shard magic. Andrea Stewart’s prose flows seamlessly throught the book, with its multi-layered plot, the different relationships between the characters and the unique voices of the narrators, that make The Bone Shard Emperor such an enjoyable book to read.

I flew through The Bone Shard Daughter completely lost in this fasciating world of floating Islands, frankenstien type constructs and wonderful animals, especially Melphi and Thrana. Lin is a fabulous heroine and I can’t wait to see what she and the other characters do next. Andrea Stewart’s world building is imaginative and with the mix of action, thrills romance, magic and Chinese Folklore make for a fascinating and immersive read. This book met all expectaions after the stunning first book in the series, and I really cant wait for the next chapter in this fabulous trilogy; a spellbinding read.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the follow up to The Bone Shard Daughter and that hinged on one thing, the dynamic between Jovis and Lin. I just didn't see it coming! And I really didn't like the lies and drama that came with it. Especially after Jovis spent so long looking for his wife in the first book, it was a bit sudden for him to just get over that for me.

The best thing about the book was still Mephi and Thrana. I love this unique element to this series and it really provides those light moments a series with so much darkness needs. It was interesting to see Lin grow into the role of emperor, and Phalue grow into the role of governor. I liked Phalue and Ranami's story a lot more this time, they became their own people with their own values, and I loved that they took in a little girl to be their adopted daughter.

The book did feel really, really long and I wasn't really as invested as I was in the first book, but the ending set up the third book really well so I'll still read on and see if the series ends as strongly as it begun.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for providing the ARC for an honest review.
Plot:
Emperor Lin is all set to fix her father's mistakes and gain alliances but that's not easy with war brewing on all sides. Rebels, Constructs and people like her, all want her gone. With Jovis and their talking pets by her side, she learns more of her secret heritage and goes to war to help people.
There is all the secrecy, misunderstanding and drama but there's also truth, love and victory. They've won one war but many more to go.
Thoughts:
Frankly, this book had a good follow up story with more background explained. But, it made some obvious holes in characters to make way for something in the future🙄. The writing was not gripping enough to make it unputdownable but I am eager to see how the story ends for all. The grand reveal of the past is yet to come so it is impossible to set lower expectations on the final book.

Even if it's not as brilliant as the first story, it's a riveting and highly entertaining read.
There's a lot of world building and the story starts where the first book ended.
Some romance, intrigues, magic and author did a good job in using classic fantasy tropes and making them work in an original way.
I think that my doubts are cause by the "second book syndrome".
I enjoyed it and it's recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit and Andrea Stewart for my arc of The Bone Shard Emperor in exchange for an honest review.

Out now!

I felt very mixed feelings about the first book in this series. There were elements I loved and elements I really didn’t but I liked it enough (or at least was left with enough questions to want to read book 2).

Book 2 for me was possibly a bit of a middle book syndrome sufferer it sort of trudged along and the same issues I had with book 1 kept cropping up to the point that I don’t think I would continue with the series going forward.

There wasn’t anything I hated about it don’t get me wrong it was just a bit, well, meh. The change in POV’s had my head spinning all the time, I didn’t feel like the pacing was very fast and I just really didn’t care about what happened to any of the characters.

As many other reviewers have said this is an adult fantasy series that reads like YA.

The second instalment of The Drowning Kingdom is packed full of intriguing twists, character dynamics, and, most importantly, more Mephi. Please note this review will contain spoilers for the first book in this series, The Bone Shard Daughter.

Picking up from where The Bone Shard Daughter left off, Emperor Lin Sukai is struggling to solidify her power in her fracturing empire. She must attempt to gain the loyalty of the leaders of each island and prove she’s different from her cruel father. Returning people’s bone shards and outlawing constructs seems like a step in the right direction, but without them, she’s left vulnerable to the multiple threats springing up around the Empire. The Shardless Few are pushing for her to abdicate, a construct army descends, the mysterious Alanga threat grows, and her Empire is sinking. Lin’s new Captain of the Guard, former smuggler and renowned hero Jovis, is a positive reflection on her new image. They both have secrets, but their fragile trust is necessary if the Empire is going to survive.

The Bone Shard Emperor is a fast-paced and fun read that further develops the characters and mysteries of the first book. The character work is particularly notable here as Lin, Jovis, Phalue, and Ranami have to consider the allegiances and motivations under the ever-changing dangers of the archipelago. As Lin travels through the islands the setting shines with ocean adventures and smaller tight-knit communities. The world is larger and more developed than ever, unveiling hidden secrets and world-changing knowledge. You also can’t talk about this book without mentioning how brilliant Mephi is, and oh wow, Mephi is such a wonderful little friend in this book. If you don’t know, Mephi is an otter, cat, dragon, animal-thing and I would die for him. Although The Bone Shard Emperor is a compelling, entertaining book it wasn’t without its faults. The antagonists were underdeveloped in their goals and characterisation. This was offputting when juxtaposed against the detail in other areas. It made the main conflict feel lacking, which is a shame considering how brilliant it could have been. Sometimes it seemed like it was trying to do too much, and fragments were dropped to accommodate its scope. Regardless, it’s a brilliant set-up for the next book. The reveals that came in towards the end were fantastic, and I know I’m going to be pouncing on the finale as soon as it releases.

4.5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2021/11/29/the-bone-shard-emperor-the-drowning-empire-2-by-andrea-stewart/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : A solid second in series

The Bone Shard Emperor is a very strong second instalment in The Drowning Empire series by Andrea Stewart. This is such a unique concept with excellent world building, strong characters, plenty of twists and great writing.

Before I start this post. Firstly, this review may contain spoilers for book 1 so if you haven’t started this series yet then keep that in mind before continuing. Secondly, this is not a series that you can easily jump aboard half way through (imo). The first book established a lot in terms of the history of the place and the central characters so if you dive straight in here then I think you will missing a lot of context. Thirdly, I won’t be elaborating on the set up because I covered a lot of that in my review of the Bone Shard Daughter and I don’t want to repeat it here.

Instead, lets focus on events that take place in No.2, look at character arcs and hint at developments.

This instalment once again brings to us a number of povs so plenty here for everyone to enjoy (I think). The story picks up almost immediately following the Bone Shard Daughter. Lin is Emperor but her rule is fair from secure. Rogue constructs roam the islands attacking people and causing chaos and Lin needs to travel around the empire to try and gain support for her rule from the Governors. Lin and Jovis begin to form an attachment of sorts but this is also hampered by the number of secrets both are keeping. Primarily Lin, having a very personal secret that if it was discovered would have disastrous consequences, plus she’s also struggling to come to terms with all the hidden secrets in the palace and the lack of knowledge she actually has about ruling an empire. Jovis, no longer a smuggler but given control of Lin’s army also keeps secrets which could see him executed were they discovered. What I really enjoyed about seeing these five different povs is the insight into the other character’s way of thinking. Of course, sometimes, this can also be frustrating because you can sometimes see how much easier things would be if they simply opened up. I really enjoyed Phalue and Ranami’s chapters this time around. It felt like they really grew and in fact I found myself really looking forward to their storyline (much more than in book 1). Again, I think that the companion talking critters are undoubtedly show stealers here and I suspect will be absolute favorites.

There are a lot of twists and turns with this one. Spies, construct armies, the return of the Alanga, the nature of Lin herself, strained relationships, politics between the islands, scheming and some pretty cool reveals. In fact with this instalment I felt like I came away with a much better understanding of the place and the interactions between all the different factions. There is, without doubt, a lot to unload but fortunately this episode gives enough time for all the aspects to unfold naturally and with enough attention to prevent confusion. Also, did I mention sinking islands?

In terms of slight reservations. There is a little bit of going back and forth in some respects. Plus a feeling of slight frustration with Jovis with a number of his decisions, but, neither of these caused any issues for me and I found the pages turning with ease. Also, there are a number of open threads at the conclusion of this one that have me jumping up and down for the next book (no pressure at all!)

Overall I have to say that I am really enjoying this series. It’s very easy to get along with. The writing is confident and the world is so wonderfully creative. I can’t wait for more

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

I didn't think that the first book could be topped! I absolutely adored this next installment and can't wait for next! Have been raving about this to anyone who'll listen!