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Empress of a Thousand Skies
(Empress of a Thousand Skies #1)
by
Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta'an wants vengeance.
The only surviving heir to an ancient Kalusian dynasty, Rhee has spent her life training to destroy the people who killed her family. Now, on the eve of her coronation, the time has finally come for Rhee to claim her throne - and her revenge.
Alyosha is a Wraetan who has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the da ...more
The only surviving heir to an ancient Kalusian dynasty, Rhee has spent her life training to destroy the people who killed her family. Now, on the eve of her coronation, the time has finally come for Rhee to claim her throne - and her revenge.
Alyosha is a Wraetan who has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the da ...more
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Start your review of Empress of a Thousand Skies (Empress of a Thousand Skies, #1)
“Was there really so much hatred in the universe, so much prejudice, even among people who claimed to be unbiased? Had this always been true?”
Wow, this was... unexpected. I don't know about you, but these days I don't have very high hopes when it comes to the latest YA Fantasy/Sci-fi with a pretty cover. And, you know, Empress of a Thousand Skies was not the book I thought I was getting into when I picked it up. A male/female alternating POV, space travel, an empress trying to reclaim her th ...more
2.5*
This was a super fast read but it was almost rushed. I was very confused and bored quite frankly for the majority of it. I felt like the story wasn't very well fleshed out. It had tons of potential but just ended up falling flat. The characters were flat as well. I just didn't connect with them, or anything else about the story. The concept was cool but I just felt lost, frustrated because I couldn't figure out what was going on, and then bored for the majority of it. Writing was pretty good ...more
This was a super fast read but it was almost rushed. I was very confused and bored quite frankly for the majority of it. I felt like the story wasn't very well fleshed out. It had tons of potential but just ended up falling flat. The characters were flat as well. I just didn't connect with them, or anything else about the story. The concept was cool but I just felt lost, frustrated because I couldn't figure out what was going on, and then bored for the majority of it. Writing was pretty good ...more
Ugh. I'm torn; parts of my loved this and parts of me were bored to tears. I decided on a 3 star, middle ground "I liked it but it didn't blow me away" rating. I may try to read this again when the second book comes out to see if I like it more at a better time, but it was somewhat predictable (who names a character Nero and expects the plot to be a shocking twist?) and a stretch. Definitely potential there but we'll see.
...more
DNF at page 176/314
“Had she even ever bothered to find out?”
Am I being too harsh on this? Probably. But try to put up with all the things I'm going to list down below, and then we'll see who's the saint here.
→ Rhiannon is a brat, and I'm not even a bit sorry people won't let her forget it. In spite of having no proof whatsoever, she made up this conspiracy theory when she was little, convinced herself of its truth, and never reconsidered it afterwards (forgive me, you spoiled, inconsiderate wimp ...more
“Had she even ever bothered to find out?”
Am I being too harsh on this? Probably. But try to put up with all the things I'm going to list down below, and then we'll see who's the saint here.
→ Rhiannon is a brat, and I'm not even a bit sorry people won't let her forget it. In spite of having no proof whatsoever, she made up this conspiracy theory when she was little, convinced herself of its truth, and never reconsidered it afterwards (forgive me, you spoiled, inconsiderate wimp ...more
TW - Racist slurs (which are challenged and condemned, and do not come from the main characters)
Leave me alone. I'm innocent, he repeated to himself. I did nothing wrong.
Let's get this out of the way : yes, space princesses who seek revenge aren't new to the game. Yes, one cannot really praise Empress of a Thousand Skies for its unpredictability. Alright? We're good? Now let's talk about all the wonderful aspects that made me love it.
I've seen a lot of complaints about the somewhat mislea ...more
Princess Rhiannon is the sole survivor of the Ta'an legacy. Her family has had the throne for twelve generations. And if Rhee has her way, that won't stop now. She is finally turning sixteen in a week meaning she's coming of age and can take her throne. The only thing standing in her way is the vengeance she plans to take. When she was six, her entire family died in a crash officially called an accident, but Rhee knew it was murder. Her father had just signed the Urnew treaty ending the Great Wa
...more
May 13, 2017
♛ may
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
i-will-go-down-with-this-ship,
duology,
library,
fantasy,
sci-fi,
kickass-heroine,
300-pgs,
male-pov
Going in, I legit thought this book was going to be another over-the-top, dystopian, love triangle, tragedy that leaves me in tears from boredom and forced angst.
THANK GOODNESS I WAS SO BLOODY WRONG.
Pros
- Interesting, unique expression of a commonly used idea/plot
- Dual povs
- Alyosha is my son
- SO MUCH DIVERSITY
- I SCREAMED
- Deals with politics and racism
- NOT FRICKEN LIKE THE LUNAR CHRONICLES
- STOP COMPARING THEM
- Ugh
- Plot twists were more like revelations revealed over a long time bu ...more
People always measured war in terms of the numbers dead. Maybe they should measure it in terms of people left behind.
Uhhhhhh. This... was not terrible. I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews for it, as a matter of fact. And holy CRAP if it isn't filled with potential!! But I gotta say, this wasn't nearly as good as I expected. I expected solid gold and I got... boredom with some missed potential here and there.
In honor of the wasted potential, we'll be contrasting potential-filled aspects to ...more
I am sad to say that after promising start, Empress of a Thousand Skies went donwhill pretty fast for me and I lost interest in story and characters quite early in.
It all comes back to poor storytelling. I didn’t like the way individual chapters were composed. Told in dual POV, each chapter ended with its own cliffy, then it switched to different POV with different setting and when we got back to previous POV, everything was resolved and we were just informed what had happened but never shown. I ...more
It all comes back to poor storytelling. I didn’t like the way individual chapters were composed. Told in dual POV, each chapter ended with its own cliffy, then it switched to different POV with different setting and when we got back to previous POV, everything was resolved and we were just informed what had happened but never shown. I ...more
Amazing world building! Loved this fantastic debut. (Later review to come)
Empress of a Thousand Skies – Review & Blog Tour
About: Empress of a Thousand Skies is a young adult fantasy written by Rhoda Belleza. It was published on 10/31/17 by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Random House, paperback, 352 pages. The genres are young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. This book is intended for readers ages 12 and up, grades 7 and up.
My Experience: I started reading Empress of a Thousand Skies on 1/28/18 and finished it on 2/2/18. This book is a great read! I love the futu ...more
About: Empress of a Thousand Skies is a young adult fantasy written by Rhoda Belleza. It was published on 10/31/17 by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Random House, paperback, 352 pages. The genres are young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. This book is intended for readers ages 12 and up, grades 7 and up.
My Experience: I started reading Empress of a Thousand Skies on 1/28/18 and finished it on 2/2/18. This book is a great read! I love the futu ...more
Not bad, but a little... boring? Predictable? I saw the twist in the end from miles away. But so many things (and not just the ending) felt way too convenient, throughout the story.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza
Book One of the Empress of a Thousand Skies series
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Empress
Rhee, also known as Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta’an, ...more
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza
Book One of the Empress of a Thousand Skies series
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Empress
Rhee, also known as Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta’an, ...more
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner!
Beware spoilers ahead!
Empress of a Thousand Skies was taking the book community by storm. Not surprising considering that synopsis. Coupled with all the 5 star author reviews. I was hesitant to pick it up. While I enjoy Sci-Fi, I have found that the most popular YA Sci-Fi has not been for me. I was in the bookstore and I saw Empress of a Thousand Skies. I started to skim and knew that I needed to buy this book. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
Rhee is pre ...more
Beware spoilers ahead!
Empress of a Thousand Skies was taking the book community by storm. Not surprising considering that synopsis. Coupled with all the 5 star author reviews. I was hesitant to pick it up. While I enjoy Sci-Fi, I have found that the most popular YA Sci-Fi has not been for me. I was in the bookstore and I saw Empress of a Thousand Skies. I started to skim and knew that I needed to buy this book. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
Rhee is pre ...more
Jul 06, 2018
sunny
marked it as to-read
this has super low ratings because everyone says it’s really slow and boring.
i’ve been trying to read this for the past week, but i can’t make it past page ten because i keep getting distracted and finding myself rereading from the beginning because i zoned out, lmaoo. this is my third attempt at itttttt.
i’ve been trying to read this for the past week, but i can’t make it past page ten because i keep getting distracted and finding myself rereading from the beginning because i zoned out, lmaoo. this is my third attempt at itttttt.
1.5 Stars
This novel left me colder then an asteroid in deep space.
The novel utilises a lot of cheap tension building tricks that felt unearned. There were also several niggling irritations that ruined my immersion in the story.
The Hidden Info Dump
Whereby the author tries to avoid large info dumps by beginning the novel in media res but accidentally inserts flashbacks and info dumps into the opening scene. Made worse when the reader discovers there is no real danger and the character is actuall ...more
This novel left me colder then an asteroid in deep space.
The novel utilises a lot of cheap tension building tricks that felt unearned. There were also several niggling irritations that ruined my immersion in the story.
The Hidden Info Dump
Whereby the author tries to avoid large info dumps by beginning the novel in media res but accidentally inserts flashbacks and info dumps into the opening scene. Made worse when the reader discovers there is no real danger and the character is actuall ...more
I went into this book expecting to love it. I mean, look at that cover. And the synopsis sounded awesome. Plus I had seen lots of high reviews calling it a space opera. Sadly, I was quite disappointed.
I didn't really connect to Rhee or Aly. At first, I enjoyed the story and I figured the parts that were a bit meh would be fixed when they got together. You know, because the synopsis says they're "thrown together" yet, that never happened. There's one brief scene where they glance at each other fr ...more
I didn't really connect to Rhee or Aly. At first, I enjoyed the story and I figured the parts that were a bit meh would be fixed when they got together. You know, because the synopsis says they're "thrown together" yet, that never happened. There's one brief scene where they glance at each other fr ...more
Honor, bravery, loyalty–these made up her ma’tan sarili, the three values.
I was an everyday Kalusian greeting, but it meant much more than hello or goodbye. It translated to “highest self,” and to say it was a pledge to be the best person you could be.
In a time of heightened political turmoil, Empress of a Thousand Skies is relevant more than ever. Even though, this is a space opera, the story parallels the contemporary world we live in. It’s a tale of Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta’an, the last ...more
I'm on the fence with this one! I loved it but some parts were just all right. There just needed an extra push to be a four star or five star. Something along the lines of twists and turns and maybe more action? Also if the plot had a more direct way of telling the story than being broken up into parts. The writing is just lovely and easy to digest. This was a political sci-fi space opera, so deeply similar to our society today. Told in alternate point of views from Rhee and Aly, the story plays
...more
Rating ~3.5
Alright, let me start off by saying I really did enjoy this book. It was overall pretty fun, action-packed, adventure. It tackled a lot of important themes as well, from politics, social inequality/racism, scientific advancement and how it can infringe upon basic human rights etc.
And honestly, this book could have been a solid four if the two main characters did not start annoying me toward the end.
Rhee - She's the last remaining princess of the Ta'an Dynasty, who is on a quest to ...more
Alright, let me start off by saying I really did enjoy this book. It was overall pretty fun, action-packed, adventure. It tackled a lot of important themes as well, from politics, social inequality/racism, scientific advancement and how it can infringe upon basic human rights etc.
And honestly, this book could have been a solid four if the two main characters did not start annoying me toward the end.
Rhee - She's the last remaining princess of the Ta'an Dynasty, who is on a quest to ...more
This book was almost everything I wanted it to be and more.
I absolutely fell in love with the word building and the characters were amazing. I'd never read a "space opera", as this was repeatedly described as, but I loved it. It was so exciting and fun and I couldn't get enough of it. It was a little confusing at times but I didn't mind.
I really liked the characters even though I never became emotionally invested in them.
The only reason I gave this book four stars is because the synopsis says ...more
I absolutely fell in love with the word building and the characters were amazing. I'd never read a "space opera", as this was repeatedly described as, but I loved it. It was so exciting and fun and I couldn't get enough of it. It was a little confusing at times but I didn't mind.
I really liked the characters even though I never became emotionally invested in them.
The only reason I gave this book four stars is because the synopsis says ...more
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/01/29/...
The last couple years have seen me get a lot pickier with my choice of YA reads, the key reason being that originality is such a rare quality in the genre these days. That’s why when I first came upon the description of The Empress of a Thousand Skies, I thought it showed promise—because sometimes, it’s not what a book’s blurb says that seals the deal; it’s what it doesn’t say. Despite the synopsis being rather short and ...more
The last couple years have seen me get a lot pickier with my choice of YA reads, the key reason being that originality is such a rare quality in the genre these days. That’s why when I first came upon the description of The Empress of a Thousand Skies, I thought it showed promise—because sometimes, it’s not what a book’s blurb says that seals the deal; it’s what it doesn’t say. Despite the synopsis being rather short and ...more
“If all we are is what people think we are, then we’re all screwed.”
Ok, so I think I might be a big fan of science-fiction. Who knew? I've been turning my nose up at it for years. Thank you Illuminae for showing me the way and leading me to awesome books like this one!
Empress of a Thousand Skieswas a really fun ride. I have seen a lot of mixed reviews on this novel, people seem to love it or hate it. I'm in the love camp on this one. The idea of a princess getting revenge for her de ...more
Predictable and boring.
Before diving into Empress of a Thousand Skies I definitely had some expectations for it. I mean, the cover was beautiful and the synopsis sounded amazing. Yet diving into the book, well.. it was a very underwhelming and completely predictable.
It's a dual POV betwen Aly and Rhee. Aly, who is a guy even though my brain kept thinking girl, is on a ship with his best friend Vin. I loved their bantering friendship and definitely thought Vin was the comedic relief I needed so m ...more
Before diving into Empress of a Thousand Skies I definitely had some expectations for it. I mean, the cover was beautiful and the synopsis sounded amazing. Yet diving into the book, well.. it was a very underwhelming and completely predictable.
It's a dual POV betwen Aly and Rhee. Aly, who is a guy even though my brain kept thinking girl, is on a ship with his best friend Vin. I loved their bantering friendship and definitely thought Vin was the comedic relief I needed so m ...more
A fight for the sole rule of a barely-fleshed out generic space empire between very stupid people which doesn't even have the grace to come to a conclusion in this disappointing YA SF.
The Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta'an (Rhee) is the last surviving member of the Ta'an dynasty, the rulers of the Kalusian Territories which seems to be at least the planet Kalu (and more, the text is completely opaque about anything to do with the what, who and how of government). Until Rhee becomes an Empress at the ...more
The Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta'an (Rhee) is the last surviving member of the Ta'an dynasty, the rulers of the Kalusian Territories which seems to be at least the planet Kalu (and more, the text is completely opaque about anything to do with the what, who and how of government). Until Rhee becomes an Empress at the ...more
4.5/5 Stars
Read my full review of Empress of a Thousand Skies
Empress of a Thousand Skies would best be described in three words: constant adrenaline rush. From the very moment you start reading, there is a tremendous amount of intrigue, action, and grief. It's one of those books that is impossible to put down because laying it aside for even a second would disrupt the energy of the moment. Rhoda's writing style pulls you in, leaving you feeling just as passionately immersed in what's happening a ...more
Read my full review of Empress of a Thousand Skies
Empress of a Thousand Skies would best be described in three words: constant adrenaline rush. From the very moment you start reading, there is a tremendous amount of intrigue, action, and grief. It's one of those books that is impossible to put down because laying it aside for even a second would disrupt the energy of the moment. Rhoda's writing style pulls you in, leaving you feeling just as passionately immersed in what's happening a ...more
UPDATE: @abdulia_ortiz on Instagram won! Congratulations!
Book Giveaway!
I am giving away a copy of Empress of A Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza. To enter:
1) You must be a friend/following this Goodreads account (tiggertheturtle)
2) Leave a comment below telling me your favorite author
3) Must be 18 years of age or have parental consent
4) Open internationally
5) No giveaway accounts
6) This giveaway is no way endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, or Wordpress.
7) You h ...more
Book Giveaway!
I am giving away a copy of Empress of A Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza. To enter:
1) You must be a friend/following this Goodreads account (tiggertheturtle)
2) Leave a comment below telling me your favorite author
3) Must be 18 years of age or have parental consent
4) Open internationally
5) No giveaway accounts
6) This giveaway is no way endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, or Wordpress.
7) You h ...more
One of the best sci-fi books I've ever read, full of surprising twists, memorable characters and diversity. Loved it!
...more
3.5 stars! You know what? I actually liked this book in the end. I enjoyed the beginning but the middle made me lost interest but by the end I was really excited again. I understand why lots of people don’t like it but I think it has its high points.
*** 3.75 ***
Not bad for a start. A young adult Space Fantasy about a young princess about to step into her adult duties, when her unknown enemies act against her, throwing her life and the life of a young man into chaos and danger. There are different species of aliens involved, as well as a ton of chase sequences, a lot of immature outbursts and decisions made reacting without thinking, hopefully in order to see the characters grow as the story goes along, and thank goodness, almost no romance ...more
Not bad for a start. A young adult Space Fantasy about a young princess about to step into her adult duties, when her unknown enemies act against her, throwing her life and the life of a young man into chaos and danger. There are different species of aliens involved, as well as a ton of chase sequences, a lot of immature outbursts and decisions made reacting without thinking, hopefully in order to see the characters grow as the story goes along, and thank goodness, almost no romance ...more
I’m so confused by the reviews for this book! It was such a fast-paced rollercoaster of a read with interesting, complex DIVERSE character. It doesn’t rely on romance to push characters forward and isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects like colonization and the manufacturing of war and propaganda and SO MUCH MORE. It’s a super timely book, and I cannot wait to read book 2!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fans of Fairyloot: Empress of a Thousand Skies | 1 | 1 | Aug 13, 2020 05:22PM | |
| Play Book Tag: [Poll Book Tally] Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza 3+ stars | 1 | 7 | Jul 27, 2020 06:12PM | |
| Fantasy Buddy Reads: Belleza - Empress of a Thousand Skies [Apr 1, 2020] | 48 | 23 | Apr 16, 2020 11:43AM | |
| Challenge Corner: Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza -> Starting June 3rd, 2018 | 13 | 7 | Jun 19, 2018 08:44PM | |
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Empress of a Thousand Skies By Rhoda Belleza - Restarting June 3rd 2018 | 18 | 93 | Jun 19, 2018 08:44PM |
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Rhoda Belleza was raised in Los Angeles, where she grew up writing XFiles fanfiction and stuffing her face with avocados. When she's not writing, Rhoda obsesses over nail art tutorials, watches kung fu movies, and sews together crooked things that pass for clothes. She's a children's editor at a publishing house and writes from a sunny Brooklyn apartment stuffed far too many bikes and far too many
...more
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Empress of a Thousand Skies
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