A trip down South and a brush with death

Daine, along with her master Numair, the King's Champion Alanna, and other Tortall diplomats, embark on a journey to Carthak. Their aim is to negotiate peace and prevent war between the two countries. Daine's specific mission is to heal the Emperor Mage's beloved birds. However, she encounters an old slave woman who shouldn't be there and receives warnings from the Beaver God to stay away.

Let me begin this review by noting that I listened to this on audiobook, so I may misspell the names. I'll do my best to look them up on Wiki.

Also, it's important to mention that this book feels a lot like a combination of Prince Caspian and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The protagonists travel to the South, where it's warmer, the people have a Middle Eastern feel, the Emperor is mean and nasty, he has a kind nephew, and they worship different gods. But in my opinion, "Emperor Mage" does the "Prince Caspian" story better than "Prince Caspian" itself. And despite the similarities, there are differences.

I've been making my way through this quartet. The first book, Wild Magic, really impressed me, while the second, Wolf Speaker, bored me. This book, though it had some issues, was a great improvement.

The characters are back and in good form. Daine has adjusted well to being a shapeshifter, but she's getting closer to the Mary Sue line in this book. She learns yet another magical ability - to wake up the dead. It seems like she learns at least one new ability in each book (although this one isn't related to her Wild Magic but was a gift). Fortunately, this series is only four books long, or she might have gained super strength, super hair growth, and super bug repellant by the end. But one thing I can't fault Daine for is her independence. She doesn't rely on a man to save the day. Her fate is in her own hands, and she gets angry and reacts when someone dies, rather than waiting for her emo boyfriend to show up. In fact, despite her Mary Sue qualities, Daine makes me long for the days when this type of character was the norm, rather than the whiny, emo, sparkly, teenage brats we have now.

Numair and Alanna are back and are great. I really missed Onua, though (she was my favorite!). I liked Qadar, the Prince, and his relationship with Daine. There was some potential chemistry there, but it wasn't overly sexual and didn't annoy me. Even the Emperor Mage was a great villain - clever without being a cackling, mustache-twirling stereotype.

Daine acquires another animal minion, Zeek, but I have to wonder what the point of him was. I'm not a fan of monkeys or marmosets, and he doesn't seem to do anything that couldn't be done by someone else, like Kit. Speaking of Kit, she's another character who's venturing into Mary Sue territory (can that even apply to dragons?). Frak, the things this dragon can do: detect magic, open doors... she's like the Swiss army knife of this realm!

The story was more interesting than "Wolf Speaker". Although there were some dull parts (I had to read the Wiki summary to jog my memory of some events), it felt more unique. Having the Tortollans travel to Carthak for diplomacy was a great idea, and having Daine come along to heal the sick animals was clever and gave her something to do instead of just being a tagalong. I didn't like the main character who appears to die at one point - it was so obvious that they wouldn't actually die. What made it even more ridiculous was how Daine had to spend so much time convincing herself that the character wasn't dead. It reminded me of how Bella Swan in "New Moon" kept thinking Edward hated her even though she was making out with him for a quarter of the book and had to be convinced otherwise. I also liked how we finally got some closure about Daine's father.

What really improved my opinion of this book were two things: the climax and the religion/pantheon of gods and goddesses. The climax was heart-pounding. I loved how Daine took control and chased down the Emperor Mage, never backing down or wussing out and letting a man take over. The way the story ended, leaving just enough room for the final book, was also genius. The second thing, the gods and goddesses, was really clever. It was like both the Tortall and Carthak gods and goddesses existed in an even bigger pantheon. I'm sure this has been done before, but it was the first time I'd seen it, and I thought it was a great idea.

"Emperor Mage" is an improvement over "Wolf Speaker". The characters are great (as always), and the story seems to be going somewhere, with a clear focus and an end in sight. For me, it's a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 (to distinguish it from the disappointing "Wolf Speaker"). On to "Realm of the Gods"!

This is the third book in this series, and I am still completely in love with it. It was an outstanding read that truly captivated me from start to finish.

Daine found herself in a rather unique and perilous situation. She was in a region where not even the gods looked favorably upon the dictator, who held the titles of ruler and emperor of the land.

The emperor was a true megalomaniac, intoxicated by power and ambition. He was not only cunning but also charming, using these qualities to lure people into fueling his insatiable desires. He thrived on the suffering of his people, keeping slaves and even making them mute. His ambition and cunningness, which were once considered his greatest strengths and the source of his evilness, ultimately became his downfall.

There is just one more book to go in this series, and I am beyond excited. I can't wait to see how the story concludes and what new adventures and revelations await Daine.

This is the third instalment in the Wild Magic series. Just like the previous two books, the reader embarks on a journey with Daine as she navigates the complex and rocky political landscape of Tortall. She continues to learn and refine her wild magic skills, which add an element of mystery and excitement to the story.

However, what sets this book apart is the setting. Daine ventures beyond the borders of Tortall and into neighbouring Carthak on a crucial mission. Her goal is to put an end to the unrest and tension between the two kingdoms. But upon her arrival, she discovers an enemy that she never could have imagined.

While this may not be my absolute favourite in the series, perhaps due to the relatively smaller number of animals present, it still manages to be a thrilling addition to this unique and unforgettable fantasy series. I typically gravitate towards more complex and grimdark fantasies, but this book offers a lighter and more enjoyable break in between. The political intrigue remains, but the element of fun has been increased, and I'm almost certain that Pierce will provide her readers with a happy ending that is neither overly saccharine nor heart-wrenching. As always, she closes this book on the perfect note, leaving me longing to return to the relative safety of her fictional worlds.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to express my gratitude to the author, Tamora Pierce, and the publisher, Harper Voyager, for giving me this opportunity.

Full review that includes some graphics can be found on my blog here.

This was such a quick read. I finished it in less than a day. It was truly compelling, and I simply could not put it down.

I loved book one. It was truly a captivating read that left me eager for more. I really, really liked book two as well. It continued to build on the world and the characters in an engaging way. However, when it came to book 3, my feelings were a bit more mixed. I... enjoyed it to some extent, but there was a disappointing downward trend. This series was striving to be one of the greatest things in the history of YA fantasy, and while it's still better than 99ish% of middle grade options, it just didn't quite live up to my expectations.

My issue with book 3 is largely an extension of the nit I picked with book 2 compared to book 1. It simply wasn't as emotionally well-rounded. There are more new ideas in Emperor Mage, and a more complicated political plot, as well as a fairly detailed non-romantic relationship between Daine and a prince of another country. So, in terms of maturity and breadth, this book is a step forward. But when it comes to emotional satisfaction, it falls short compared to its predecessors, both in terms of the main interpersonal relationships and the main inter-species bonds.

[spoily bit. necessary to explain the above sentiment.] Daine's new ability in this book is borrowed for the duration of the story arc. A Foreign God needs her to be more helpful to The Cause, so temporarily gives her the ability to re-animate animal bones. Dinosaur skellies get involved, which is a fun idea. But when compared to Daine's meaningful experiences like running with a wolf pack or bonding with sea lions and dragons, it just doesn't have the same emotional impact. The re-animated bones are basically just instinct-driven and not living, sentient creatures, so the emotional possibilities are limited. There's also a glorious aviary that is beautifully described, but Daine's interactions with the birds lack the detail and depth of her relationships with other species in the first two books.

And then there's the relationship with the prince. Instead of building the much-desired Daine/Numair relationship, this book halfheartedly throws in a red herring with Daine/Kaddar. But nothing really happens between them. She doesn't have a real crush on him, he doesn't cause her to grow or change in a meaningful way, and at the end of the book, they part ways as placidly as Daine and book 2's rather unthrilling Maura. Both Kaddar and Maura are fine as characters who affect the world, but they don't matter to the series once they're off the page. It's disappointing.

I think this series remains incredibly strong for middle grade readers. It's still smart, imaginative, rich in diversity, and appropriate for middle school age and up. But for those who love the animal telepathy and the sweetness of Daine's relationships with animals, Emperor Mage isn't going in the direction they're hoping for. And for those wondering when Daine/Numair will finally happen, the answer is: not yet. Sigh.

These reviews seem to be getting rather repetitive. However, it must be said that in volume 3, Daine remains quite an annoying character. The book is so bad that it makes one wonder how much nostalgia affects one's perception of Alanna.

Daine is not only endowed with yet another awesome power, but she is also confirmed as important and beloved by everyone, including Tortall's enemies. Despite her idiotic behavior, no one comments on it. Continuously being told how awful someone is, seeing that it's true, and then simply ignoring it, only to be captured as a result, seems to deserve more scorn and exasperation.

Her love for all animals and inability to weigh the life of a mouse or cat against the future of the world is annoying. The amount of time it takes her to recognize divine intervention is unbelievable. The lack of any tension, since we know nothing bad will happen to her or her friends, is boring. Her weird white western savior complex makes one uncomfortable. And the conveniently placed sympathetic heir is painfully obvious.

Perhaps the most ridiculous event in this volume is her so-called "captivity." Are you kidding me? It is so devoid of any excitement or tension that it seems intentionally bad, like a parody. (A very close second is the ridiculous "ploy" of Ozorne that gets Tortall in trouble. I mean, really! Why would any other nation believe that rubbish? Why would it matter what a weird 14-year-old writes in a letter? It's just so stupid!)

I am truly done with Daine. I will still read the last installment, where I'm sure her awesome godlike qualities will multiply, but it's not going to be an enjoyable experience.

Reread 2020:

Ahhh, it's just as good as the first time around. I have an intense love for Daine. She is truly scary when she's angry, and in a strange way, that makes her even more endearing. She would go to any lengths for those she holds dear. I adored the addition of Zek and Bonedancer, and Kitten is as lovely as she has always been. The Graveyard Hag still manages to annoy me, lol, but that's okay. I'm excited to complete this series soon!

***

I'm literally awarding all of these 5 stars because I simply can't resist.

All I have to say is: NUMAIR. He is such an interesting and complex character. His relationship with Daine adds another layer of depth to the story. I can't wait to see how their connection develops further as the series progresses. The world-building in these books is also outstanding. It's so vivid and detailed that I feel like I'm right there with the characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.

I'm pretty sure at this point everyone has read this book. If you haven't, you really should.

Daine is off to Cathark, accompanied by a delegation from Tortall. Her task is to heal the emperor's birds, while the delegation endeavors to forge a peace treaty. As the talks progress, Daine discovers numerous things in Cathark that she doesn't approve of. There also seem to be some interfering gods who are dissatisfied with the situation.

I truly love the expansion of the universe. Venturing out of Tortall and interacting with other lands is simply wonderful. In this book, we finally witness more development in the relationship between Daine and Numair. Additionally, there are a plethora of not so subtle hints regarding Daine's origins.

This is likely my favorite quartet, and I am now eager to read the fourth book.

[Happy sigh]

If nothing else, "Daine Loses Her Temper" is a classic chapter title. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what could have possibly caused Daine to lose her temper.

Perhaps it was a frustrating situation at work, or maybe a difficult encounter with a friend or family member. Whatever the reason, we know that Daine's temper has flared up, and this is sure to lead to some interesting developments in the story.

As the reader, we can't help but be curious about what will happen next. Will Daine be able to control her temper and resolve the situation peacefully? Or will her outburst lead to more problems and complications? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - this chapter is bound to be a thrilling read.

This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/

Daine, Numair, and Alanna embark on a journey to Carthak. Their hope is that if Daine can heal the Emperor Ozorne's prized birds, it will contribute to the peace process between Carthak and Tortall. However, things don't go as smoothly as they expect. Daine finds herself entangled in both political and religious affairs. The Goddess, the Graveyard Hag, bestows a power upon her that has the potential to disrupt everything.

This series truly has it all. It features captivating magic that will leave you in awe. The action scenes are thrilling and keep you on the edge of your seat. There is also a touch of romance that adds an extra layer of depth to the story. The narrative is so engaging that you'll find yourself completely drawn in, and before you know it, hours have passed.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys books like Sabriel or Eragon. It's a must-read for fans of fantasy literature.

UGGGGH YOU GUYSSSS /whine. This is truly both my favorite book in this series and the one that gives me the most "problematic!" vibes. I really wish I could figure out this issue. What I absolutely love about it is the vivid evocation of Carthak, a city/country that I wish Tamora Pierce would write more extensively about. It's such a fascinating blend of Carthage and Rome, and likely a whole host of other classical civilizations that I'm not even aware of. Wasn't Pierce supposed to pen that book about Numair's younger years at the university, studying under Lindhall Reed and having complex and conflicted relationships with Varice and Ozorne? Why hasn't that come to fruition? I'm in desperate need of it.

Anyway, yes, the whole concept of introducing a POC culture to Tortall only to have a white woman come in and discuss all of its social ills is rather grating. Even if the criticism is justified within the logic of the text (slavery is bad - obviously - and I kind of appreciate that a YA fantasy novel addresses it, given that many fantasy worlds are based on simply accepting rigid pre-modern social hierarchies), and while we do get at least one sympathetic Cathakian in the form of Kaddar, it still bugs me that Pierce decides to establish this framework with this book and this culture. The thing about having Tortall as essentially some sort of idealized progressive medieval fantasyland (which is super fun, don't get me wrong) is that it often ends up looking extremely good, raised up on the moral high ground in comparison to any other society introduced into that world, especially one based on a classical empire. I suppose Pierce does a decent job of attributing most of that to the actions of one crazed emperor rather than some inherent flaw in the Carthaki people.

Also, Pierce finally addresses her strange bias against women who, in her view, under-utilize their femininity by focusing on being decorative and eye-pleasing. She's written many "bad," ambitious, petty women who like to paint their faces and wear beautiful gowns, and when contrasted with all the down-to-earth practical women she usually champions in her stories, it's a rather telling imbalance. At least in this one, she finally has Varice speak up in defense of those pursuits, of liking pretty things and parties, etc. That being said, there's still a general sense of the overly aestheticized = degenerative and decadent trope in the wealth on display in the Carthaki Empire, which might not have bothered me if I hadn't had those other concerns I detailed above.

*spoiler alert*

Finally, the archival-buff in me was like NO NOT THE IMPERIAL RECORDS THAT HAS VALUABLE HISTORICAL DATA. Like, okay, go for the treasury, sure, but come on. Also, did, uh, all those dinosaur bones just vanish from the museum at the end? Whole apatosaurus skeletons might be rather difficult to obtain in the future - I feel sorry for the natural historians at the Imperial University.

This is a really nice addition to the series.

The story is engaging and captivating from start to finish. It takes the readers on an exciting journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

The characters are well-developed and each has their own unique personality and charm. They are relatable and easy to root for, making the readers emotionally invested in their stories.

The author has done a great job of creating a vivid and detailed world that draws the readers in and makes them feel like they are a part of it.

Overall, this is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre. It is a must-read for fans of the series and a great introduction for those who are new to it.

I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.