I really liked this book, particularly the second half. I will say that I would rather it have explored more of the internal workings of the empire, and maybe have a stronger opinion on the effect of the war in its citizens. I feel like it skirted around the edges of these topics.

I loved every bit with Eight Antidote in it! Because I read the Goblin Emperor recently, it's so interesting to see the opposite of Maya - someone who was born and knows they will be the emperor, and yet is still a child. I appreciated the intrigue and exploration of the city we got through him a lot.