What do you think?
Last Gate of the Emperor #2
The Royal Trials
Yared has traveled a long way to find his place in the universe. Light years, even. Though the battle of Addis Prime is over, the spacefaring Axum Empire is still fractured. The kingdom once gave their technology away free of charge, to better humankind. Now, having been missing for over a decade, they’re returning to the planet where their galaxy-spanning civilization began—Earth.
But they find the planet in disarray. Old Earth’s atmosphere is a mess of junked shuttles and satellites. This is especially true of Debris Town, an orbital flotilla where poor spacefarers—left to rot by the Intergalactic Union that rose up in Axum’s place—have taken to piracy to survive.
Yared is set to speak at the opening of the Royal Trials, a competition of the best exo pilots in the Sol System. But on the day of his speech, the pirates launch an attack!
The siege sets off a chain of events that will lead Yared into the depths of Old Earth—and the jaws of a cruel betrayal. There’s more to the pirates—and Debris Town—than anyone saw coming.
But they find the planet in disarray. Old Earth’s atmosphere is a mess of junked shuttles and satellites. This is especially true of Debris Town, an orbital flotilla where poor spacefarers—left to rot by the Intergalactic Union that rose up in Axum’s place—have taken to piracy to survive.
Yared is set to speak at the opening of the Royal Trials, a competition of the best exo pilots in the Sol System. But on the day of his speech, the pirates launch an attack!
The siege sets off a chain of events that will lead Yared into the depths of Old Earth—and the jaws of a cruel betrayal. There’s more to the pirates—and Debris Town—than anyone saw coming.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published July 19, 2022
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July 26, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Overall
I feel like it’s pretty obvious by now that I will read anything and everything that Kwame Mbalia writes, ever since reading and loving the Tristan Strong series. So when I realized that he had a middle grade science fiction series, I was all over it! Plus, do you see how cool those covers look?! They promise all sorts of action and adventure . . . and let me tell you, these books deliver!
Last Gate of the Emperor series is a hilarious, rip-roaring science fiction adventure with a super relatable narrator, a cranky robotic guardian, and some fast-paced, video game-inspired action.
As far as I’m concerned, this series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys humor and science fiction. It has everything one might want in both: tongue-in-cheek humor and sarcasm, fast-paced action, a relatable protagonist, a super fun squad, and futuristic games! Science fiction is hit or miss for me, but I decided to just trust Mbalia’s writing and went with it, and I’m so glad I did! I’ll definitely be adding Prince Joel Makonnen to my “must-read” author list, as well, after this one.
My Thoughts
- If you thought there wasn’t enough action in Last Gate of the Emperor, hold on to your seats, because The Royal Trials dials it up to an eleven. I sat down to read this book in the evening, and I stayed up until it was done. Even though it was ridiculously late and the rational center of my brain was screaming that I needed sleep. But sleep is for the weak! Neither Sammie nor Yared TheGr8 are weak! Once I started this book, I just absolutely couldn’t stop, okay? I had to finish it.
If you thought the stakes were high in the first book, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Because now Yared is loose in the universe, which is objectionably bigger than just Addis Prime. So the stakes are much higher. Readers who enjoyed the gaming aspects of the first book won’t be disappointed with the gaming scenes in the second book, even though they take a backseat to the bigger plot. There’s still plenty of action and adventure to carry the story, even without the focus being on a game.
- Even though The Royal Trials isn’t any less funny than the first book, it does touch on some pretty heavy topics, as Yared learns exactly what it means to be a prince. Hint: it isn’t all good times and video games, surprisingly. Who knew? Yared is forced to do things he doesn’t particularly want to do, like give speeches and think through the consequences of his actions. They’re not at all easy things. Yared is having a hard time reconciling the idea of being Prince Yared rather than just Yared TheGr8, even though they’re not mutually exclusive.
The Royal Trials sees the heartwarming discussions of family and belonging in the first book and says, “Hold my tej.” The small squad Yared made in the first book is quickly growing . . . sometimes in ways Yared isn’t entirely comfortable with or prepared for. He isn’t the center of his friends’ attention anymore, as they go on to discover their own interests. And Yared doesn’t know yet who (or what) he wants to be enough to pursue interests of his own. There’s only so much change a kid from Addis Prime can handle in a year, right?!
- The old squad from book one is back and better than ever . . . with a few new exciting additions, of course. Yared is getting to know his family and also meeting family members he didn’t know he had. It’s a bit of an awkward time for him. But every squad needs more members, right? So it’s natural that Yared’s squad gain a member or two.
I can’t talk about any of the new members, of course, due to spoilers, except to say to expect the unexpected! Also, another AI. Because you can never have too many AIs on your team. If readers loved the old squad, though, not to fear because they’re back together. Albeit maybe a little reluctantly. Still, you know The Ibis and Besa could never let Yared go off into adventure on his own, as much as they grumble about it. Someone has to protect the kid from himself!
Overall
I feel like it’s pretty obvious by now that I will read anything and everything that Kwame Mbalia writes, ever since reading and loving the Tristan Strong series. So when I realized that he had a middle grade science fiction series, I was all over it! Plus, do you see how cool those covers look?! They promise all sorts of action and adventure . . . and let me tell you, these books deliver!
Last Gate of the Emperor series is a hilarious, rip-roaring science fiction adventure with a super relatable narrator, a cranky robotic guardian, and some fast-paced, video game-inspired action.
As far as I’m concerned, this series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys humor and science fiction. It has everything one might want in both: tongue-in-cheek humor and sarcasm, fast-paced action, a relatable protagonist, a super fun squad, and futuristic games! Science fiction is hit or miss for me, but I decided to just trust Mbalia’s writing and went with it, and I’m so glad I did! I’ll definitely be adding Prince Joel Makonnen to my “must-read” author list, as well, after this one.
My Thoughts
- If you thought there wasn’t enough action in Last Gate of the Emperor, hold on to your seats, because The Royal Trials dials it up to an eleven. I sat down to read this book in the evening, and I stayed up until it was done. Even though it was ridiculously late and the rational center of my brain was screaming that I needed sleep. But sleep is for the weak! Neither Sammie nor Yared TheGr8 are weak! Once I started this book, I just absolutely couldn’t stop, okay? I had to finish it.
If you thought the stakes were high in the first book, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Because now Yared is loose in the universe, which is objectionably bigger than just Addis Prime. So the stakes are much higher. Readers who enjoyed the gaming aspects of the first book won’t be disappointed with the gaming scenes in the second book, even though they take a backseat to the bigger plot. There’s still plenty of action and adventure to carry the story, even without the focus being on a game.
- Even though The Royal Trials isn’t any less funny than the first book, it does touch on some pretty heavy topics, as Yared learns exactly what it means to be a prince. Hint: it isn’t all good times and video games, surprisingly. Who knew? Yared is forced to do things he doesn’t particularly want to do, like give speeches and think through the consequences of his actions. They’re not at all easy things. Yared is having a hard time reconciling the idea of being Prince Yared rather than just Yared TheGr8, even though they’re not mutually exclusive.
The Royal Trials sees the heartwarming discussions of family and belonging in the first book and says, “Hold my tej.” The small squad Yared made in the first book is quickly growing . . . sometimes in ways Yared isn’t entirely comfortable with or prepared for. He isn’t the center of his friends’ attention anymore, as they go on to discover their own interests. And Yared doesn’t know yet who (or what) he wants to be enough to pursue interests of his own. There’s only so much change a kid from Addis Prime can handle in a year, right?!
- The old squad from book one is back and better than ever . . . with a few new exciting additions, of course. Yared is getting to know his family and also meeting family members he didn’t know he had. It’s a bit of an awkward time for him. But every squad needs more members, right? So it’s natural that Yared’s squad gain a member or two.
I can’t talk about any of the new members, of course, due to spoilers, except to say to expect the unexpected! Also, another AI. Because you can never have too many AIs on your team. If readers loved the old squad, though, not to fear because they’re back together. Albeit maybe a little reluctantly. Still, you know The Ibis and Besa could never let Yared go off into adventure on his own, as much as they grumble about it. Someone has to protect the kid from himself!
November 8, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Yared has finally solved the mysteries of his past in The Last Gate of the Emperor AND protected his country against the Werari, but now he's a little concerned about giving a speech at the opening ceremony for the Royal Trials. He's not quite used to having parents and so many royal advisors around to tell him what to do, since it was his Uncle Moti and bionic lioness Besa for so long. He's not used to being hidden and protected, even though being fitted with Radials, a digital protection system, is pretty cool. Things are heating up again, and when he and his parents head to the headquarters of the Intergalactic Union, Yared meets up with his cousin Balamba Ras, who is concerned about growing trouble on Old Earth. Before long, Yared and his friends Ibis and Fatima are heading to Amba fortress that guarded Axum's brain. When they find out there's been a pirate attack, Uncle Moti and Mesfina want to keep Yared safe, but he of course wants to strike out on his own. With the help of Jemal Ammanuel, whose mother works at the Amba station, will Yared be able to stay safe, save his country again, and give his speech without embarassing himself?
Strengths: There are so many excellent details about Yared's royal family, the history of the country, and the massive amounts of cool technology! There's a decided video game feel, with surveillance, different creatures, and exo suits, as well as nonstop action. We do see some of Yared's difficulties in trying to get to know his parents and feeling like he is no longer able to do whatever he wants, as he was able to do when it was just him and Uncle Moti. This would make a great summer blockbuster film with tons of special effects-- it would be the kind of movie you would watch, and then be completely disoriented when you left the theater and got out into the sun because you had become so immersed in the world.
Weaknesses: This is the kind of science fiction fantasy that is perfect for readers who adore the genre and want extremely complicated world building and technology. I, on the other hand, suffer from Fantasy Amnesia, so struggled a bit with all of the details.
What I really think: The first book has been hugely popular in my library and never makes it back to the shelves, so I will definitely be purchasing a copy for school.
Yared has finally solved the mysteries of his past in The Last Gate of the Emperor AND protected his country against the Werari, but now he's a little concerned about giving a speech at the opening ceremony for the Royal Trials. He's not quite used to having parents and so many royal advisors around to tell him what to do, since it was his Uncle Moti and bionic lioness Besa for so long. He's not used to being hidden and protected, even though being fitted with Radials, a digital protection system, is pretty cool. Things are heating up again, and when he and his parents head to the headquarters of the Intergalactic Union, Yared meets up with his cousin Balamba Ras, who is concerned about growing trouble on Old Earth. Before long, Yared and his friends Ibis and Fatima are heading to Amba fortress that guarded Axum's brain. When they find out there's been a pirate attack, Uncle Moti and Mesfina want to keep Yared safe, but he of course wants to strike out on his own. With the help of Jemal Ammanuel, whose mother works at the Amba station, will Yared be able to stay safe, save his country again, and give his speech without embarassing himself?
Strengths: There are so many excellent details about Yared's royal family, the history of the country, and the massive amounts of cool technology! There's a decided video game feel, with surveillance, different creatures, and exo suits, as well as nonstop action. We do see some of Yared's difficulties in trying to get to know his parents and feeling like he is no longer able to do whatever he wants, as he was able to do when it was just him and Uncle Moti. This would make a great summer blockbuster film with tons of special effects-- it would be the kind of movie you would watch, and then be completely disoriented when you left the theater and got out into the sun because you had become so immersed in the world.
Weaknesses: This is the kind of science fiction fantasy that is perfect for readers who adore the genre and want extremely complicated world building and technology. I, on the other hand, suffer from Fantasy Amnesia, so struggled a bit with all of the details.
What I really think: The first book has been hugely popular in my library and never makes it back to the shelves, so I will definitely be purchasing a copy for school.
July 12, 2022
RATING: 4 STARS
After the events of Last Gate of the Emperor, Yared has unraveled the secrets surrounding his past and had his whole life changed. Now, instead of just being Yared the Gr8, he’s Lij Yared the First, Prince of Axum. Instead of it just being his Uncle Moti and his bionic lioness Besa, now he’s got parents, bodyguards, and a whole set of advisors to deal with. Will Yared be able to make it into the Royal Trials (the biggest video game tournament ever), deliver the speech of his life, and save the galaxy all while staying out of trouble?
First of all, the worldbuilding in this book is incredible. In the first installment, the story mostly stuck to the area around Addis Prime. Now, the world has been opened up more with characters traveling between different planets and space stations (in sometimes less than fashionable shuttles shaped like pigs *cue amused laughter*). I loved learning more about the royal family, the history of Axum, and all the different pieces of technology the authors dreamed up. I was also really impressed by how the video game references and mechanics were incorporated into the main storyline - if this book ever gets made into a project on the big screen, I imagine it’s going to be epic.
The characters were once again a highlight of the book as well. Yared is an insanely engaging and humorous narrator - his inner commentary and one-sided conversations with Besa and other AIs in the book always had me laughing. I also enjoyed getting to see the growth of Yared’s relationships with his newfound family members and some of the newer characters that were introduced.
Although there’s obviously a lot of big stuff that Yared has to learn now that he’s a prince, I appreciated the authors featuring the small moments too. For example, one particularly meaningful moment for me was when Yared asks his father (the Emperor) what he was supposed to call him. It’s an interaction that takes less than a page, but it stood out to me for some reason and stayed with me for a while after I finished the book.
Overall, The Royal Trials is another fantastic book from Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen. Being a crossover between genres, I can see this book (and the series as a whole) appealing to fans of diverse fantasy (like Mbalia’s Tristan Strong series), die-hard video game enthusiasts, and lovers of science fiction action-adventure tales. I look forward to reading more by these authors in the future, especially since the ending of this book leaves the door open for more stories in the series!
Thank you to the authors, Scholastic, Jaime at Rockstar Book Tours, and Edelweiss for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review The Royal Trials immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
After the events of Last Gate of the Emperor, Yared has unraveled the secrets surrounding his past and had his whole life changed. Now, instead of just being Yared the Gr8, he’s Lij Yared the First, Prince of Axum. Instead of it just being his Uncle Moti and his bionic lioness Besa, now he’s got parents, bodyguards, and a whole set of advisors to deal with. Will Yared be able to make it into the Royal Trials (the biggest video game tournament ever), deliver the speech of his life, and save the galaxy all while staying out of trouble?
First of all, the worldbuilding in this book is incredible. In the first installment, the story mostly stuck to the area around Addis Prime. Now, the world has been opened up more with characters traveling between different planets and space stations (in sometimes less than fashionable shuttles shaped like pigs *cue amused laughter*). I loved learning more about the royal family, the history of Axum, and all the different pieces of technology the authors dreamed up. I was also really impressed by how the video game references and mechanics were incorporated into the main storyline - if this book ever gets made into a project on the big screen, I imagine it’s going to be epic.
The characters were once again a highlight of the book as well. Yared is an insanely engaging and humorous narrator - his inner commentary and one-sided conversations with Besa and other AIs in the book always had me laughing. I also enjoyed getting to see the growth of Yared’s relationships with his newfound family members and some of the newer characters that were introduced.
Although there’s obviously a lot of big stuff that Yared has to learn now that he’s a prince, I appreciated the authors featuring the small moments too. For example, one particularly meaningful moment for me was when Yared asks his father (the Emperor) what he was supposed to call him. It’s an interaction that takes less than a page, but it stood out to me for some reason and stayed with me for a while after I finished the book.
Overall, The Royal Trials is another fantastic book from Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen. Being a crossover between genres, I can see this book (and the series as a whole) appealing to fans of diverse fantasy (like Mbalia’s Tristan Strong series), die-hard video game enthusiasts, and lovers of science fiction action-adventure tales. I look forward to reading more by these authors in the future, especially since the ending of this book leaves the door open for more stories in the series!
Thank you to the authors, Scholastic, Jaime at Rockstar Book Tours, and Edelweiss for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review The Royal Trials immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
September 26, 2022
In this sequel to Last Gate of the Emperor, which picks up not long after the previous book's ending, we find Yared struggling to adjust to his new life as a prince. Instead of being known as Yared the Gr8, he is now Lij Yared the First, Prince of Axum. Where before it was just Uncle Moti and Besa protecting him, Yared now has to contend with bodyguards, advisors, and parents.
Not only that, but Yared learns that he is to give the opening speech of the Royal Trials, a huge gaming tournament that he also hopes to compete in. Of course, while doing all of this, Yared also has to find time to save the world from the attacking pirates. Has Yared gotten in over his head or will he find a way to pull all of that off?
Just as in the first book, we get this story from Yared's point of view, including all the snark I loved from the first book. From his crazy commentary of the goings-on to his one-sided conversation with Besa - and anyone who's ever been selected as a cat's human will get a kick out of them - I was again entertained from the very first page. At this point, I should just realize that if Kwame Mbalia has written a book, I am going to read said book. It's inevitable.
In addition to Yared, there is a whole host of other great characters throughout, some new and some returning from the first book, all of which add to the story. One really touching scene is when Yared is talking with his father, the Emperor, about what he should call him. He points out that it's easy for him because there is only one word - son - for him to call Yared. But there are so many different options for Yared to use, he doesn't know which one is best. In typical Yared style, there is levity and snark in the question, but it ends up working really well and highlighting the strange situation he's trying to navigate.
The world-building in book 1 was fantastic, but it begins to pale compared to this book. Book 1 was set almost entirely on Earth, even if it was a futuristic Earth with lots of tech that we don't have at the moment. But this book allows us to explore that larger galaxy, with other planets, space stations, and various ships showing up.
As with the first book, I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which was also narrated by Prince Araya Mengesha. As with the first book, he did a fantastic job with this book. His performance of Yared's personality was spot on and absolutely raised to book to another level. I will absolutely be listening to him narrate book 3 when it comes out, because there's no way that Mbalia and Makonnen could leave the story where it ended in this book. I mean, they could, but it would be mean. LOL.
Not only that, but Yared learns that he is to give the opening speech of the Royal Trials, a huge gaming tournament that he also hopes to compete in. Of course, while doing all of this, Yared also has to find time to save the world from the attacking pirates. Has Yared gotten in over his head or will he find a way to pull all of that off?
Just as in the first book, we get this story from Yared's point of view, including all the snark I loved from the first book. From his crazy commentary of the goings-on to his one-sided conversation with Besa - and anyone who's ever been selected as a cat's human will get a kick out of them - I was again entertained from the very first page. At this point, I should just realize that if Kwame Mbalia has written a book, I am going to read said book. It's inevitable.
In addition to Yared, there is a whole host of other great characters throughout, some new and some returning from the first book, all of which add to the story. One really touching scene is when Yared is talking with his father, the Emperor, about what he should call him. He points out that it's easy for him because there is only one word - son - for him to call Yared. But there are so many different options for Yared to use, he doesn't know which one is best. In typical Yared style, there is levity and snark in the question, but it ends up working really well and highlighting the strange situation he's trying to navigate.
The world-building in book 1 was fantastic, but it begins to pale compared to this book. Book 1 was set almost entirely on Earth, even if it was a futuristic Earth with lots of tech that we don't have at the moment. But this book allows us to explore that larger galaxy, with other planets, space stations, and various ships showing up.
As with the first book, I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which was also narrated by Prince Araya Mengesha. As with the first book, he did a fantastic job with this book. His performance of Yared's personality was spot on and absolutely raised to book to another level. I will absolutely be listening to him narrate book 3 when it comes out, because there's no way that Mbalia and Makonnen could leave the story where it ended in this book. I mean, they could, but it would be mean. LOL.
May 23, 2023
Yared is adjusting to the whole being a prince thing. Some of it is pretty cool, like nice clothes and cool tech. Other parts are awful, like all the training sessions and being required to gives speeches and not being able to participate in the Royal Trials. While he gets used to disappointment and responsibilities, Yared also stumbles across a group who would like to see the IU crumble to bits and integral tech that used to be part of Harrar Station to never be found.
It takes about half of the book to get to the main conflict that Yared and gang have to deal with, so it goes a little slower until then. Mbalia and Makonnen do their best to keep things moving by having Yared bumble with some dangerous tech and misunderstand some visitors, but I wish the conflict had been introduced earlier so you know the point of the story. It's still fun. There are some good points about lower class people and their plight woven in, and of course some cool futuristic tech. Ibis and Besa are still around to help keep Yared in check and provide comic relief, and Yared even learns some things about leadership along the way. Entertaining, and will likely be enjoyed by those who liked the first book.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are battles with some serious consequences, but usually robots suffer the most damage.
It takes about half of the book to get to the main conflict that Yared and gang have to deal with, so it goes a little slower until then. Mbalia and Makonnen do their best to keep things moving by having Yared bumble with some dangerous tech and misunderstand some visitors, but I wish the conflict had been introduced earlier so you know the point of the story. It's still fun. There are some good points about lower class people and their plight woven in, and of course some cool futuristic tech. Ibis and Besa are still around to help keep Yared in check and provide comic relief, and Yared even learns some things about leadership along the way. Entertaining, and will likely be enjoyed by those who liked the first book.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are battles with some serious consequences, but usually robots suffer the most damage.
July 18, 2022
The Royal Trials is the second installment from the Last Gate of the Emperor series by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen. I loved reading this book. I have not read the first book in the series, but I will definitely will be going back and checking it out to see what had transpired previously. I thought this one was a fun, entertaining, and quite adventurous read and could not put it down until I was completely done reading it.
I am giving The Royal Trials is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve who enjoy reading Sci-fi and fantasy will want to pick this one up. I look forward to reading more books from the Last Gate of the Emperor series.
I received a hard cover copy of The Royal Trials from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Royal Trials is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve who enjoy reading Sci-fi and fantasy will want to pick this one up. I look forward to reading more books from the Last Gate of the Emperor series.
I received a hard cover copy of The Royal Trials from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
June 2, 2023
Quick Summary: Another hit!
My Review: The Royal Trials by Kwame Mbalia and Joel Makonnen is book two in the Last Gate of the Emperor series. In this installment, Yared is on another adventure. He learns more about himself, his family, his people, and the world he is trying to save.
My Final Say: Twists, turns, and tons of action - that is what is in store for readers who venture into The Royal Trials. The story puts the audience front and center in the middle of the action. It is so well done.
Other: Why isn't this a movie?! It ought to get a nod from Netflix, to be sure.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Suggestions: YA Book Club, Featured Lit in the classroom setting, Reading Bowl recommendation
* I have both read and listened to the books in this series. Either way it was consumed, it proved to be crazy good.
#Seriesfollower
#Libraryread
My Review: The Royal Trials by Kwame Mbalia and Joel Makonnen is book two in the Last Gate of the Emperor series. In this installment, Yared is on another adventure. He learns more about himself, his family, his people, and the world he is trying to save.
My Final Say: Twists, turns, and tons of action - that is what is in store for readers who venture into The Royal Trials. The story puts the audience front and center in the middle of the action. It is so well done.
Other: Why isn't this a movie?! It ought to get a nod from Netflix, to be sure.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Suggestions: YA Book Club, Featured Lit in the classroom setting, Reading Bowl recommendation
* I have both read and listened to the books in this series. Either way it was consumed, it proved to be crazy good.
#Seriesfollower
#Libraryread
September 11, 2022
Yared Hewat, aka Yared the Gr8 is back, trying to balance life as a prince of Axum with his persona as gamer extraordinaire. Again he narrates the tale with his classic snarkiness. There is non-stop action, amazing world-building with a combination of Ethiopian culture and futuristic technology. Besa and the Ibis return although they play slightly smaller roles this time. There are new characters, new threats, and more opportunities for Yared to almost destroy the world even as he begins to understand what it really means to lead his people. Mbalia and Makonnen have written another winner.
August 17, 2023
*spoiler alert* This is an amazing book. This book involves finding a lost continent, named Old Earth. Old Earth is under attack when they get there. Old Earth has a ship called the Amba, and they are trying to restart it. During this time, Yared and the Ibis, the main characters, find a important audio recording. Soon after, Yared reunites with his aunt. In the end, they fix Amba, and Yared defeats Jemal, and the star path they made is finally traveled. The book ends with a cliffhanger. A droid they send for a one way trip comes back with the message : "Find us."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
Well done sequel that picks up shortly after Yared has learned his true identity. Readers see him struggle with the duties and requirements of being a prince. As the story unfolds, he figures out what kind of leader he wants to be and works to protect those in danger. Readers see a small character surprise near the end that brings a twist to Yared's actions and leads to the final race to save the spaceships. An interesting cliffhanger to build from for the next book.
August 30, 2022
Another great offering by Kwame Mbalia. I'm not sure how I missed the first book in this series, but it didn't matter. The storyline stands on its own and captures all of the youthful naivete, enthusiasm, humor, African culture and adventure of the Tristan Strong series. But with more science fiction as well as fantasy.
July 12, 2023
Fun second book in the series, end on a cliffhanger to the next book of course.
The WALYA bot in this book gives me serious Martha Wells murderbot vibes.
These books are a great step for middle grade readers to step into sci fi, as there aren’t a ton of options in that level.
Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
The WALYA bot in this book gives me serious Martha Wells murderbot vibes.
These books are a great step for middle grade readers to step into sci fi, as there aren’t a ton of options in that level.
Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
March 13, 2024
Short or not, I simply don't resonate with this duology and even if I forced myself to listen to the first one due to a challenge, there is no obligation for me to continue listening to this one.
The book is pretty awesome and action-packed, but I simply cannot pay attention to it and there's that. There are other books for me out there, waiting.
DNFd at approximately 45%.
The book is pretty awesome and action-packed, but I simply cannot pay attention to it and there's that. There are other books for me out there, waiting.
DNFd at approximately 45%.
August 13, 2022
Having discovered his place in the universe, Yared the Great now has to defend and strengthen it. There are some strong lessons about leadership, and failure in this fun, past-paced adventure.
Read
September 24, 2022I am very much not the right reader for this, as it is stuffed to the gills with busy scenes of high tech fighting, which overshadows what to me are more interesting, slower paced, plot points.
October 19, 2022
It was a fantastic adventure. The version of earth that was shown was cool. I also liked the ISS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2022
I'm very happy Last Gate of the Emperor got a sequel. The Royal Trials was a great book! Now I can only hope there will be a 3rd book in the series.
March 25, 2023
It was great
June 29, 2023
This is a fun, fast-paced book as well written as others by these authors. I really enjoy these books and this second book is as good as the first.
August 16, 2023
Fun! Sarcastic, great asides as Yared tells his story. It’s just a great read.
September 1, 2023
3.5⭐️ Not as captivating and exciting as the first but a fun little read nonetheless.
February 2, 2024
If your kids love fast paced adventure, fun characters, gaming themed books! This series is a fun choice! The audio was great!
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