The Goblin Emperor
Locus Award 2015. World Fantasy Award nominee 2015, Hugo Award nominee 2015, Nebula Award nominee 2014.
A vividly imagined fantasy of court intrigue and dark magics in a steampunk-inflected world, by a brilliant young talent
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an "accident," he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend... and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.
This exciting fantasy novel, set against the pageantry and color of a fascinating, unique world, is a memorable debut for a great new talent.
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Katherine Addison
Katherine Addison is the literary voice behind The Goblin Emperor, a novel that has captured the imaginations of readers around the world with its intricately woven world-building and deeply human exploration of power, identity, and personal growth. Known for her rich prose and ability to craft complex, multi-layered characters, Addison has made her mark in the fantasy genre with works that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
But Katherine Addison is not her only identity—she also writes under the name Sarah Monette, an accomplished author whose works in fantasy and horror have garnered widespread acclaim. With a writing career that spans multiple genres, Addison brings a distinct perspective to her stories, one shaped by a lifelong passion for literature, storytelling, and the exploration of the human condition through fantastical lenses.
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