Another great addition to the series!

It was truly wonderful to see Diane uncover more about herself as she delved deeper into the rest of the world. These books possess the remarkable quality that I adore, where you become so engrossed that you forget you're reading and instead feel as if you're watching a movie unfold before your eyes. And, of course, Diane's new monkey friend was simply adorable, adding an extra layer of charm to the story.

I'm eagerly anticipating reading the final Immortal book. I can only imagine the excitement and revelations that await in this concluding installment. It's sure to be a thrilling ride that will keep me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I have no doubt that it will be a fitting conclusion to this captivating series.

This is one of my favorite Tamora Pierce books.

She truly excels in creating interesting and well-developed characters within the confines of a relatively short book.

The worlds she builds are equally captivating, filled with details and nuances that draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish.

It's amazing how much depth and complexity she manages to pack into such a concise story.

The characters feel real and relatable, with their own unique personalities, motives, and flaws.

Their interactions and relationships add another layer of richness to the narrative.

Overall, this book is absolutely wonderful.

It's a testament to Tamora Pierce's talent as a writer and her ability to create immersive and unforgettable fictional universes.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great character-driven stories and imaginative worlds.

Tamora Pierce was like, "Dinosaurs OR dragons in my fantasy novel? Why not both?"

She was a creative and imaginative author who loved to push the boundaries of traditional fantasy.

By incorporating both dinosaurs and dragons into her story, she was able to create a unique and exciting world that would capture the attention of readers.

The combination of these two prehistoric and mythical creatures added an element of mystery and danger to the narrative, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

Tamora Pierce's decision to include both dinosaurs and dragons in her fantasy novel was a bold and innovative choice that set her work apart from others in the genre.

It showed her willingness to take risks and explore new ideas, and it ultimately led to the creation of a truly unforgettable story.

Just finished rereading this at work today.

I am still completely on board the good ship [spoiler]. The way the story unfolds is truly captivating.

I have a particular affinity for the foreshadowing in this book. It adds an extra layer of depth and anticipation, making the reading experience even more engaging.

Moreover, the denouement is still as awesome as ever. Even though I know more or less exactly what's going to happen, down to the very words, it doesn't diminish the impact.

It's like watching a favorite movie again and still being able to appreciate every moment.

This book has truly stood the test of time for me, and I can't wait to pick it up again in the future. :D

Another one in the books (pun fully intended).

I truly appreciate the pacing of this series. It is like a well-choreographed dance, moving along at a perfect rhythm. With each new entry, we get to witness her magical powers take on new and exciting forms, evolving in ways that keep us on the edge of our seats.

This particular installment was a wild ride. The introduction of the new immortal added a whole new layer of complexity. The political intrigue was palpable, leaving us constantly guessing who to trust and who might become an unlikely ally. It was a masterful blend of mystery, action, and character development.

Well done to the author for creating such a captivating and engaging series. I can't wait for the last one to see how it all concludes. It's sure to be a thrilling finale that will leave us breathless.

Tamora Pierce is an incredibly talented author. Her works have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless readers around the world.

Her stories are filled with strong and inspiring female characters who face challenges and overcome them with courage and determination.

The worlds she creates are rich and detailed, drawing readers in and making them feel as if they are a part of the action.

Whether it's the adventures of Alanna in the Song of the Lioness quartet or the stories in the Tortall universe, Tamora Pierce's books are always a joy to read.

I love her writing because it not only entertains but also teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery.

Tamora Pierce, you are truly an amazing author and I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

As much as I loved this, I do have to say that I can clearly tell it was written in the 1990s. Pierce, as always, is generally very progressive. However, in this particular case, she unfortunately fell into a lot of the stereotypes of the Middle East and North Africa.

From depicting ruthless slave drivers to rulers who seem more concerned about their gold than the starving people under their rule, and a godless and power-mad emperor. She does have a diverse cast of characters, showing the complexities within each regardless of social standing or skin color.

But there are a few patronizing moments that may trigger certain readers.

Otherwise, I truly enjoyed this journey outside of Tortall. It was fascinating to explore more of Daine as a growing young woman, who is both smart and sassy, along with her friends, both two-legged and those of the People.

The story offers a unique perspective and takes the reader on an adventure that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

I recently had the opportunity to re-read this book, and I have to say that I really liked it.

As an adult, my perspective on the book has changed, and I now have a greater appreciation for the various themes it explores. These include diplomacy, religion, slavery, angry gods, magic, and a prince who is caught between different narratives of how his world should look.

However, as a kid, this was actually my least favorite of The Immortals Quartet. Maybe it was because the book made me feel uncomfortable. The emperor's zoo with its caged immortals, the presence of slaves, the huge and raucous armies, the frivolous use of mages and magecraft, and the ever-present threat of physical or magical harm to the delegation - all of these elements combined to create a rather dark and intense story.

It's not a lighthearted visit to a neighboring land by any means. The themes presented here are definitely worth thinking and talking about, but they do require some extra effort to process.

Sometimes, it even seems implausible that an entire book can take place within the space of just one week. The timeline of Emperor Mage is much shorter than that of most Tamora Pierce books. But does it succeed? I think so. At any rate, it doesn't fail.

The book manages to pack a lot of action, character development, and thematic exploration into its relatively short length, making it a memorable and engaging read.

Oh ho ho ho, in this story, Daine goes berserk, and I simply love every single moment of it.

It's truly remarkable to witness how Daine's emotions and actions unfold in such a wild and intense manner.

Additionally, I'm really feeling the "full cast family" vibe.

The interactions and relationships among the characters give a sense of warmth and unity, as if they are all part of one big, crazy family.

Each character brings their own unique personality and charm to the story, making it even more engaging and enjoyable.

Whether it's the humorous banter, the heartwarming moments, or the intense action scenes, this story has it all.

I can't wait to see what else unfolds in the adventures of Daine and the full cast family.

See full review for Emperor Mage at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves....

Out of all the novels I have read by Tamora Pierce, I can recall them all (albeit somewhat hazily) from when I first read them years ago. However, the only one that eluded my memory was Emperor Mage, and I have no clue as to why. After reading this book, probably for the third time, I have come to realize that it is definitely one of my favorites. The character development of Daine and Numair is truly remarkable. I was completely engrossed in their growth and evolution throughout the story. Additionally, I adored all the little hints that Pierce skillfully dropped about their true feelings for each other. It is so subtle that it makes you think, yet at the same time, it is mind boggling. These hidden emotions add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story, making it even more captivating.

This book is the third installment in the Immortals Quartet. It chronicles the adventures of a girl named Daine, who possesses the remarkable power to communicate with animals.

In this captivating story, Daine embarks on a journey to a land called Carthak along with others. Their mission is to determine whether the Emperor is attempting to seize control of the realm. Additionally, Daine is tasked with helping to heal the Emperor's sick birds.

During her time in Carthak, Daine encounters the Emperor Mage, Ozorne (interestingly enough, based on Ozzy Osborne).

As Daine and her fellow emissaries explore further, they discover that Ozorne is not only evil but has also managed to anger the patron goddess of Carthak. The goddess then enlists Daine's help to overthrow Ozorne and restore Carthak to its former glory.

I won't go into more details about the plot to avoid spoiling it. However, the only reason I'm awarding this book four out of five stars is because the Emperor character really gets on my nerves. Apart from that minor gripe, I absolutely adored this book. I highly recommend anything written by Tamora Pierce to all fantasy lovers.

Her storytelling is engaging, and her characters are vivid and relatable. Whether you're a fan of animal communication, magic, or just a good adventure, you're sure to find something to love in her books.

The gods seem to assist those who assist themselves. In this particular installment, Daine is a member of a delegation sent to the insane Carthaki Emperor, who has twice before hatched plots to harm Tortall.

Thankfully, there is a sort of resolution achieved. However, I was beginning to feel a bit irritated by the continuous interference of the gods. It seems that they are constantly meddling in the affairs of mortals, which can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help.

On a positive note, we also receive confirmation regarding Daine's heritage. This new revelation has piqued my curiosity even further, and I am extremely eager to see how Pierce will bring this series to a conclusion. Will Daine's true heritage play a significant role in the final outcome? Only time will tell.

I am looking forward to finding out and seeing how all the loose ends are tied up in the remaining books of the series.