Rhoda Belleza’s space opera The Empress of a Thousand Skies may take place in a world far from our own, but it feels undeniably familiar. And until it lies in your hands, stalk it on Goodreads.A young woman is denied her birthright. Go search the stars (and your local bookstores or online retailer, maybe Amazon) to get this enthralling book. And I stayed up way past midnight to finish this captivating read. Watching these halves and characters come together was like eating some great popcorn (salty and sweet) while witnessing the birth of a new star.īelleza is the queen of broad world building, expert story telling, and little touches. (Did I also tear up about Rhee and Kara’s discovered sisterhood? You bet). Not only did I fall back in love with my favorites – Aly and Kara, I fell in love with new favorites and side characters.

There’s brilliant social commentary and reading this was like reading all my favorite fandoms in one (Doctor Who, Star Trek, a little bit of Sherlock).Īnd the characters were fantastic. I knew I would love this aspect, as it was my favorite from the first book, but if I thought it was delightful then, this is downright devious (in the best way). What threw me heads over heels in love with this book was the technology aspect. It was a compelling read from the societal rhetoric (anti-immigrants) to the technology to the characters. I saw Belleza speak a few times (both in Brooklyn and in Boston) and it’s clear from listening to her, how passionate she is about the important qualities of immersive atmosphere and doing it right! The descriptions are detailed and the entire thing nuanced. Belleza does a fantastic job with the world building (not to mention a beautiful map).

While I cannot seem to find my review of empress of a thousand skies, it was wonderful to be re-immersed in the universe.

This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

(Disclaimer: I received this free book from the publisher. Villainous media star Nero is out for blood, and he’ll go to any means necessary to control the galaxy. Kara knows that a single piece of technology located on the uninhabitable planet Wraeta may be the key to remembering-and erasing-the princess she once was. But to get his revenge, Aly may have to travel back to the very place he thought he’d left forever-home. With a revolution brewing, Rhee is faced with a choice: make a deal with her enemy, Nero, or denounce him and risk losing her crown.įramed assassin Alyosha has one goal in mind: kill Nero. It had more technology, more Aly/Kara, more intrigue and political turns.

Rhoda belleza books