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Born of Empire by Simon Brown

Publishers: Pan Macmillan (Tor Imprint)

Reviewer: Fran 

 

The ruling family of the Himalayan Empire is of the Kevleren dynasty. Their companions known as Beloveds are paired up with members of the ruling family and taken away from their families when they are only small children. These Beloved are to be lifelong companions and servants of the Kevlerens and they live with the knowledge they may pay the ultimate price for their loyalty.  They may be called upon to be a sacrifice to allow the Kevlerens to access the Sefid, a terrible magical power made all the stronger when the wielder kills something or someone they love.

General Maddyn Kevleren is a cousin to the Empress Lerena and has the misfortune to fall in love and make a baby with a non-royal woman.  This choice not to abandon his love leads to his exile to Kydan.  Kydan has recently had its parliament overthrown by a Kevleren wielding the Sefid and Maddyn aims to claim it for Empress Lerena.  Laden with shiploads of troops and settlers he heads off to war.

An uprising against the ruling family in neighbouring Rivald leads to all members of the Kevleren family being imprisoned and banned from accessing the Sefid.  The Empress Lerena must send an ambassador to Rivald to discover what has happened and the details of the revolt force her to make terrible decisions and undertake horrible actions to assert her authority against the biggest threat to ever have been made against the royal family.  

Rather dark and disturbing this story left me feeling a bit unsettled.  The political intrigue served to make this a very interesting story and the power plays between the parties was intriguing.  The story flows smoothly and is easily followed.  It left me wanting to read more and I look forward to the next instalment of the Chronicles of Kydan.

 


                              

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