Empire of Shadows

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Mara travels to the Imperial City to put into practice the oath of protector that was bestowed upon her from the Order of Khatar. Her ancestry allows her to change into a tiger, but has not done so since she went on a killing spree to defend the death of her family by hunters. In her travels to the city, she runs into a caravan and Revathi, a noble girl in trouble. From there the story unfolds into a world divided with deadly courtiers, heroic traitors and deeply laid conspiracies. Similar story lines to Pullman's "Golden Compass" and Meyer's "Acadia Trilogy" series.

The plot was well defined and the characters developed quite well as the story progressed. The underlying theme would be friendship and atonement for one's sins. As a protector, Mara needs to find someone to guard over for the rest of their natural lives -- not for pay, but for duty. Citizens know of the Order of Khatar and understand the oath that she needs to follow. Secrets are well kept in this story and are broken as necessary to continue. Maybe well enough to create a sequel; only the author knows!

Anyone interested in fantasy would enjoy this book by Miriam Forster. It is a fun read and very enjoyable.

Overall Book Score: very good