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Empire: Judgment
The avatar of an evil god is putting the Solarian Empire on trial for their crimes against the demon world. Acquittal isn't an option. Neither is survival. Tia, Peter, and Kyle fought against this dark deity in the past. Now they work for him, their loyalty secured via spells and oaths. Meanwhile, Rebecca, Tia's former maid, embarks on a desperate quest with the outcast wizard Lysander to avert this catastrophe. There is no real hope. But they will try anyway. .
408 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2023
About the author
Tim Goff
20 books19 followersI was raised on an Alaskan homestead at the edge of civilization, an upbringing that brought with it passing knowledge of everything from mechanics to gardening to carpentry.
I was an avid reader from an early age - and started my first writing efforts as a teenager. It took me a while to actually get published.
I was an avid reader from an early age - and started my first writing efforts as a teenager. It took me a while to actually get published.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 8, 2024
I enjoyed Tim Goff’s intriguing tale, which in many ways reads like everyone’s favorite sci-fi shows we see today on reruns like “Lost in Space” and “Star Trek,” combined with modern favorites like “Game of Thrones.”
The story begins with an evil demon named Li Pang forcibly summoning rulers from various territories (I imagined them as solar systems) to appear in a mock trial. But to even arrive before Li Pang for the court appearance, the rulers (Sir Peter Cortez, Tia Sanos, Tia’s maid Miss Rebecca, and Master Kyle (with his nephew Barry) must travel together and fight off strange creatures.
These strange creatures include flaming soldiers, the Kumbandas (blue-colored dwarfs) and golems, among others. Golems are the most intriguing, as Li Pang creates them from clay and fills them evil spirits.
What kept me reading the story was the innovative descriptions of new races and species the main characters discovered on their way to the trial. In a storytelling style that harkens back to the sci-fi series of old, in each chapter (instead of episode) the traveling main characters must battle one set of attackers, emerge triumphant, only to face another menacing group of attackers in the next chapter.
The high point of the story comes during the court's appearance. After an assassination attempt on Li Pang, the characters flee with their goal being able to meet together in a “safe place” called the Dimmurian League.
But before the hoped-for reunion, the group is separated in the midst of a battle. Miss Rebecca and Master Kyle’s nephew Barry escape through a portal to Tut-Took-Vick.
Will Miss Rebecca and Barry meet the others at the Dimmurian League for a happy ending? Read this story and find out.
I gave this book four stars because I enjoyed 3 things:
1. the author’s vivid imagination. Very few people can create such colorful worlds and characters, with a new outrageous species of attackers on almost every other page.
2. The Star Wars like concept reflected in a clear battle between good and evil.
3. The happy ending that was totally unexpected and very romantic (not revealing this because of spoilers).
The story begins with an evil demon named Li Pang forcibly summoning rulers from various territories (I imagined them as solar systems) to appear in a mock trial. But to even arrive before Li Pang for the court appearance, the rulers (Sir Peter Cortez, Tia Sanos, Tia’s maid Miss Rebecca, and Master Kyle (with his nephew Barry) must travel together and fight off strange creatures.
These strange creatures include flaming soldiers, the Kumbandas (blue-colored dwarfs) and golems, among others. Golems are the most intriguing, as Li Pang creates them from clay and fills them evil spirits.
What kept me reading the story was the innovative descriptions of new races and species the main characters discovered on their way to the trial. In a storytelling style that harkens back to the sci-fi series of old, in each chapter (instead of episode) the traveling main characters must battle one set of attackers, emerge triumphant, only to face another menacing group of attackers in the next chapter.
The high point of the story comes during the court's appearance. After an assassination attempt on Li Pang, the characters flee with their goal being able to meet together in a “safe place” called the Dimmurian League.
But before the hoped-for reunion, the group is separated in the midst of a battle. Miss Rebecca and Master Kyle’s nephew Barry escape through a portal to Tut-Took-Vick.
Will Miss Rebecca and Barry meet the others at the Dimmurian League for a happy ending? Read this story and find out.
I gave this book four stars because I enjoyed 3 things:
1. the author’s vivid imagination. Very few people can create such colorful worlds and characters, with a new outrageous species of attackers on almost every other page.
2. The Star Wars like concept reflected in a clear battle between good and evil.
3. The happy ending that was totally unexpected and very romantic (not revealing this because of spoilers).
July 30, 2024
Good vs. Evil in a Fascinating Fantasy Universe
Tim Goff has created a fascinating, detailed fantasy universe, replete with a rich history and illustrative maps, as the stage for his six-part “Empire” series. “Empire: Judgment” is the sixth in the series and the second one that I’ve read so far. The action follows Tia Samos and Lord Peter Cortez (the principal characters representing the good), the ultra-evil Li-Pang, many of the other characters first introduced in Book 1, and several new characters as well. In “Judgment,” Li-Pang plots to stage a trial in his palace on the Demon Star to put the Solarian Empire on trial for their affronts against the demon world. In exchange for their lives, Tia and Peter have been bound to Li-Pang through magic, much to Peter’s constant chagrin. With seemingly no hope of survival, let alone escape, the two heroes strive for some way out.
The story is told in forty (XXXX) chapters (denoted by Roman numerals, presumably to emphasize the historic tone) from alternating points of view by the various characters – Tia, Peter, Rebecca, Kyle, and many others. It’s a classic tale of good vs. evil, with the survival of the Empire hanging in the balance throughout the tale. I was impressed by the extensive detail Goff has brought to his Empire, including a wide array of places and species, including wizards, elves, sylphs, monsters, ghosts, and goblins. I’ve rated “Empire: Judgment” with four stars, as Goff’s impressive world-building will certainly be appreciated by fantasy fans.
Tim Goff has created a fascinating, detailed fantasy universe, replete with a rich history and illustrative maps, as the stage for his six-part “Empire” series. “Empire: Judgment” is the sixth in the series and the second one that I’ve read so far. The action follows Tia Samos and Lord Peter Cortez (the principal characters representing the good), the ultra-evil Li-Pang, many of the other characters first introduced in Book 1, and several new characters as well. In “Judgment,” Li-Pang plots to stage a trial in his palace on the Demon Star to put the Solarian Empire on trial for their affronts against the demon world. In exchange for their lives, Tia and Peter have been bound to Li-Pang through magic, much to Peter’s constant chagrin. With seemingly no hope of survival, let alone escape, the two heroes strive for some way out.
The story is told in forty (XXXX) chapters (denoted by Roman numerals, presumably to emphasize the historic tone) from alternating points of view by the various characters – Tia, Peter, Rebecca, Kyle, and many others. It’s a classic tale of good vs. evil, with the survival of the Empire hanging in the balance throughout the tale. I was impressed by the extensive detail Goff has brought to his Empire, including a wide array of places and species, including wizards, elves, sylphs, monsters, ghosts, and goblins. I’ve rated “Empire: Judgment” with four stars, as Goff’s impressive world-building will certainly be appreciated by fantasy fans.
May 31, 2024
Reviewing Empire Judgment meant stepping outside my comfort zone. This is not the genre I usually read, not even close, but I put to one side all my preconceived views and opened my mind to a new experience. I would call Empire Judgment a science fiction / supernatural story. I’m not sure if that is the correct classification.
The planets are in turmoil, a demon, Li Pang has abducted the rulers from Kitrin, Agba, and Solaria and proceeded to bring them to account in a mock trial. The story details the almost impossible odds facing the groups who attempt to nullify Li Pang and his considerable powers and free the imprisoned former rulers.
The story is awash with wizards, spells, elves, sylphs, monsters, ghosts, and goblins. You name it, they are there. It took me some time to come to grips with the story and the multitude of unworldly characters but the further I read the more accepting I became. Empire Judgment is well written and I suspect a lot of thought has gone into concocting the storyline
In conclusion, if the above resonates with you then this is the book for you.
The planets are in turmoil, a demon, Li Pang has abducted the rulers from Kitrin, Agba, and Solaria and proceeded to bring them to account in a mock trial. The story details the almost impossible odds facing the groups who attempt to nullify Li Pang and his considerable powers and free the imprisoned former rulers.
The story is awash with wizards, spells, elves, sylphs, monsters, ghosts, and goblins. You name it, they are there. It took me some time to come to grips with the story and the multitude of unworldly characters but the further I read the more accepting I became. Empire Judgment is well written and I suspect a lot of thought has gone into concocting the storyline
In conclusion, if the above resonates with you then this is the book for you.
June 18, 2024
Judgment is an interesting tale. It's like a mix of high fantasy and maybe sci fi?? The premise is a group of characters who are traveling to demon Li Pang's palace to be judged and it takes off from there. The story is well written, but for some reason it was difficult for me to get into it. I'm not sure why, I think I'm just not used to this kind of storyline plus the array of mythical creatures. And I would have really preferred more interiority and exposition. But that might also be the appeal for someone else. It's definitely squarely genre by plot, but also quite complex.
updated review after reading another book in series also
updated review after reading another book in series also
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews