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Sealed Empire
-Norbert Zsivicz first book, the Hungarian Literary Award winner Sealed Empire now available in English by the famous translator Tamás Pétersz (Game of Thrones).
Blurb
Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, embarks on perhaps the most daring expedition of the Kingdom of Esenworth so far. His mission is to try to earn the blessing of the Reverend Sven, who is none other than his love’s father, probably the most influential man in the realm. But on his journey beset by fierce storms, he and his men encounter something that could shake to the core not only their faith, but their very concept of the world as well. Meanwhile, far from the oceans, his love, Emma, is trying to disentangle herself from the spider’s web of intrigue and scheming, into which she is being drawn ever deeper by Erick the new king.
And the dark clouds just keep gathering above – ancient beasts, stranger than ever, appear at sea, on land and even in the skies more and more frequently. They roar with a metallic screech, their eyes glow with an unnatural light, their skin hard and rigid as armor.
Can order be upheld in this age blind to divine prophecy, in the largest kingdom of the North, where the monarch’s mind is coming undone just like reality itself?
Our heroes must struggle ceaselessly to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins. But what are they going to do once they have the answers?
Blurb
Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, embarks on perhaps the most daring expedition of the Kingdom of Esenworth so far. His mission is to try to earn the blessing of the Reverend Sven, who is none other than his love’s father, probably the most influential man in the realm. But on his journey beset by fierce storms, he and his men encounter something that could shake to the core not only their faith, but their very concept of the world as well. Meanwhile, far from the oceans, his love, Emma, is trying to disentangle herself from the spider’s web of intrigue and scheming, into which she is being drawn ever deeper by Erick the new king.
And the dark clouds just keep gathering above – ancient beasts, stranger than ever, appear at sea, on land and even in the skies more and more frequently. They roar with a metallic screech, their eyes glow with an unnatural light, their skin hard and rigid as armor.
Can order be upheld in this age blind to divine prophecy, in the largest kingdom of the North, where the monarch’s mind is coming undone just like reality itself?
Our heroes must struggle ceaselessly to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins. But what are they going to do once they have the answers?
356 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2023
29 people are currently reading
3535 people want to read
About the author
Norbert Zsivicz
1 book72 followersNorbert Zsivicz is a Hungarian-born SFF author who lives in London, UK.
His first book Sealed Empire is won the best Fantasy Choice Award in Hungary in 2022. He is now working on the sequels and some other sci-fi, fantasy & horror scripts for TV and Cinema.
His first book Sealed Empire is won the best Fantasy Choice Award in Hungary in 2022. He is now working on the sequels and some other sci-fi, fantasy & horror scripts for TV and Cinema.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 11, 2023
A real page turner!
What on earth have I just read, my brain is still spinning? It would appear to have been part medieval fantasy and part science fiction. Gods, fighting amongst themselves and using human beings as cannon fodder, or so it would appear. This was a fast moving adventure thriller that was quite shocking and emotional at times. However, it was the ending that really blew me away. A stand alone story or the beginning of a series? I can only hope for the latter.
What on earth have I just read, my brain is still spinning? It would appear to have been part medieval fantasy and part science fiction. Gods, fighting amongst themselves and using human beings as cannon fodder, or so it would appear. This was a fast moving adventure thriller that was quite shocking and emotional at times. However, it was the ending that really blew me away. A stand alone story or the beginning of a series? I can only hope for the latter.
June 21, 2023
"Be patient with my read of this book. It is dense and I expect it will take me a long time. The writing and translation are gorgeous and I wanted to savour the experience."
I wrote that when I was a quarter of the way through this book, but by the time I'd finished, it felt like the time in this world had flown by. The pacing was nearly perfect. The characters were fully drawn. The world was immersive.
I don't want to say more about the plot because it contains many surprises and I don't want to be the one to spoil it for the next reader. The author did leave enough unanswered questions to continue the story or create a prequel.
As The Library of a Viking said, more people should be reading this book.
However, this is definitely a book for adults. In particular, there is an event that created repercussions for several characters through the rest of the story and their reactions were more realistic than is normally depicted in fiction. I had a hard time with it but the author wrote it with more care and compassion than most.
Addendum: The title of the book "Sealed Empire" is explained on the very last page.
Thank you, Norbert Zsivicz, for the gift of this book. It was a joy to read.
I wrote that when I was a quarter of the way through this book, but by the time I'd finished, it felt like the time in this world had flown by. The pacing was nearly perfect. The characters were fully drawn. The world was immersive.
I don't want to say more about the plot because it contains many surprises and I don't want to be the one to spoil it for the next reader. The author did leave enough unanswered questions to continue the story or create a prequel.
As The Library of a Viking said, more people should be reading this book.
However, this is definitely a book for adults. In particular, there is an event that created repercussions for several characters through the rest of the story and their reactions were more realistic than is normally depicted in fiction. I had a hard time with it but the author wrote it with more care and compassion than most.
Addendum: The title of the book "Sealed Empire" is explained on the very last page.
Thank you, Norbert Zsivicz, for the gift of this book. It was a joy to read.
April 7, 2023
I read this book in 3 days because it is such an addicting read! Brilliant pacing, fascinating plot-lines, lots of intrigue and some great characters and this is a standalone (I think!). Also, just look at that cover! I was also impressed by how good the translation of this book is although I wouldn't say the prose is anything special.
However, I literally never in my wildest imaginations would have guessed that ending 😂 Very unsure how I feel about it but nonetheless had a great time with this book. While the ending is absolutely wild it did leave me with a lot of questions which I think is the point?
This book is mostly a medieval fantasy with some... interesting sci-fi elements. I will not say anything else about the sci-fi elements since you just have to read this book to find out.
There is much more to be said and I might write a longer review for it someday but in conclusion - I would recommend this book. It is especially worth checking out if you are looking for a fantasy standalone that is fast paced and will definitely surprise you in the end.
4 / 5 stars
Trigger warnings: Rape, torture and abuse in this book.
However, I literally never in my wildest imaginations would have guessed that ending 😂 Very unsure how I feel about it but nonetheless had a great time with this book. While the ending is absolutely wild it did leave me with a lot of questions which I think is the point?
This book is mostly a medieval fantasy with some... interesting sci-fi elements. I will not say anything else about the sci-fi elements since you just have to read this book to find out.
There is much more to be said and I might write a longer review for it someday but in conclusion - I would recommend this book. It is especially worth checking out if you are looking for a fantasy standalone that is fast paced and will definitely surprise you in the end.
4 / 5 stars
Trigger warnings: Rape, torture and abuse in this book.
Read
October 16, 2024Norbert, a very nice guy, gave me a copy of this at Bristolcon last year, and with just days to go before the next Bristolcon, I've finished reading it. Again, my productivity readingwise (matched by a slump writingwise) has been occasioned by my youngest daughter's prolonged hospital stay (she's out now) and daily bus rides to and from the hospital.
Sealed Empire tells a lot of story at a breakneck pace. If I'm honest, having just closed the back cover, I couldn't really tell you why a lot of what happened actually did happen. But, hey, I've enjoyed a number of films about which I could say the same. A significant part of this confusion might just be that the book is setting up a ton of questions for book 2 though. Certainly the explanation of the title only appears on the last page or three, and poses a big question in itself.
There are a good few books that mix fantasy and sci-fi, my own among them, but this is probably the book that does most of it out of the ones I've read. It leans HARD into the sci-fi stuff. We start off with a pseudo-medieval setting with armoured knights and such, but before long there are sky-ships that I imagined as those sky-worms that invade New York in the Avengers movie, along with ray guns of multiple colours (red, green, blue), body shields, AI, robots, the works!
The main characters are Edward (Ed), Erick, Emma, Emily, and Edem. Take that, advice-to-not-have-multiple-character-names-start-with-the-same-letter!
Zsivicz (a name to conjure with) puts them all through the wringer. Between them they sustain sufficient injuries to keep an A&E department busy for a decade, and they also get soaked in a lot of cold water (both salt and fresh (and also sewer)). The female PoVs are the deepest and you get far more of a sense of them as people, along with their hopes and ambitions, generally at odds with their duty and circumstance.
It's an imaginative, high-energy romp, with the kitchen sink thrown in. And there's plenty more promised by the story, though Goodreads does list it as a standalone rather than a book 1. Whilst the book is neither funny nor lighthearted, it is, in an old school kind of way, fun-fantasy. There's bags of imagination on show and the scenary changes swiftly, along with the challenges. If it sounds like your thing - dive in!
I should note that the book was written in Hungarian and translated by a Hungarian. Generally, book translators are native speakers of the target language. They master the second language to extract the meaning of the book, but it's in the target language that they really need that extra sensitivity and to be able to effortlessly pull on colloquialisms, phraseology, and all the tools in the literary box.
For a difficult language like Hungarian, unrelated to the other European languages, and spoken by a population that is outnumbered by some major cities, it's a tall order to find a native English speaker to translate your book.
A good example of the sort of thing that grated on me might be:
"her captors decided to play a challenge of strength with their arms"
Where I feel a native speaker would have just said "her captors began armwrestling".
Whether this next one is down to translation or just being too wordy, I don't know:
"Then the monster gave out what sounded like a roar."
I'd put, "the monster roared".
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Sealed Empire tells a lot of story at a breakneck pace. If I'm honest, having just closed the back cover, I couldn't really tell you why a lot of what happened actually did happen. But, hey, I've enjoyed a number of films about which I could say the same. A significant part of this confusion might just be that the book is setting up a ton of questions for book 2 though. Certainly the explanation of the title only appears on the last page or three, and poses a big question in itself.
There are a good few books that mix fantasy and sci-fi, my own among them, but this is probably the book that does most of it out of the ones I've read. It leans HARD into the sci-fi stuff. We start off with a pseudo-medieval setting with armoured knights and such, but before long there are sky-ships that I imagined as those sky-worms that invade New York in the Avengers movie, along with ray guns of multiple colours (red, green, blue), body shields, AI, robots, the works!
The main characters are Edward (Ed), Erick, Emma, Emily, and Edem. Take that, advice-to-not-have-multiple-character-names-start-with-the-same-letter!
Zsivicz (a name to conjure with) puts them all through the wringer. Between them they sustain sufficient injuries to keep an A&E department busy for a decade, and they also get soaked in a lot of cold water (both salt and fresh (and also sewer)). The female PoVs are the deepest and you get far more of a sense of them as people, along with their hopes and ambitions, generally at odds with their duty and circumstance.
It's an imaginative, high-energy romp, with the kitchen sink thrown in. And there's plenty more promised by the story, though Goodreads does list it as a standalone rather than a book 1. Whilst the book is neither funny nor lighthearted, it is, in an old school kind of way, fun-fantasy. There's bags of imagination on show and the scenary changes swiftly, along with the challenges. If it sounds like your thing - dive in!
I should note that the book was written in Hungarian and translated by a Hungarian. Generally, book translators are native speakers of the target language. They master the second language to extract the meaning of the book, but it's in the target language that they really need that extra sensitivity and to be able to effortlessly pull on colloquialisms, phraseology, and all the tools in the literary box.
For a difficult language like Hungarian, unrelated to the other European languages, and spoken by a population that is outnumbered by some major cities, it's a tall order to find a native English speaker to translate your book.
A good example of the sort of thing that grated on me might be:
"her captors decided to play a challenge of strength with their arms"
Where I feel a native speaker would have just said "her captors began armwrestling".
Whether this next one is down to translation or just being too wordy, I don't know:
"Then the monster gave out what sounded like a roar."
I'd put, "the monster roared".
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Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
April 29, 2023
Thrilling!
A new king ushers in a terrifying agenda. Impenetrable monstrous beasts plague the land and sea. One princess strives to survive the horrors around her.
Breakneck pacing & non stop spine chilling action. Quick & exciting read!
A new king ushers in a terrifying agenda. Impenetrable monstrous beasts plague the land and sea. One princess strives to survive the horrors around her.
Breakneck pacing & non stop spine chilling action. Quick & exciting read!
August 14, 2023
I read this last month but since I have had a baby daughter and there has literally been not a second spare for me to write a review!
Sealed Empire is a self-pubbed fantasy novel that has been on my radar ever since I first heard about it. I have seen brilliant reviews from it and Norbert is also one of my patron's so I was even more excited to read it since having chatted with him himself.
This is a really strong book (not only because the main character is called Edward). The writing is quick and direct, and Zsivicz's voice is strong and straight to the point. There are multi-povs that thread brilliantly, there are high stakes, there are surprises that catch you off guard and there are some moments of horror dripped in for good measure. I was pleasantly surprised at the setting, almost medieval, but with a few dollops of sci-fi thrown in for good measure. I was quickly invested with the characters, they all felt distinct and fresh and the concept and plot of the novel was fresh and exciting.
Zsivicz is certainly a new exciting voice in the fantasy genre and I am excited to see what he does next.
Sealed Empire is a self-pubbed fantasy novel that has been on my radar ever since I first heard about it. I have seen brilliant reviews from it and Norbert is also one of my patron's so I was even more excited to read it since having chatted with him himself.
This is a really strong book (not only because the main character is called Edward). The writing is quick and direct, and Zsivicz's voice is strong and straight to the point. There are multi-povs that thread brilliantly, there are high stakes, there are surprises that catch you off guard and there are some moments of horror dripped in for good measure. I was pleasantly surprised at the setting, almost medieval, but with a few dollops of sci-fi thrown in for good measure. I was quickly invested with the characters, they all felt distinct and fresh and the concept and plot of the novel was fresh and exciting.
Zsivicz is certainly a new exciting voice in the fantasy genre and I am excited to see what he does next.
Read
June 28, 2024DNF in page 139
The novel started slow, and I never could take off reading it, funny thing is, each time I opened goodreads to put this in dnf shelf I forgot what I came here for.
Very sorry to the writer who sent me this in exchange for an honest review.
My attention span is just dead honestly lol
The novel started slow, and I never could take off reading it, funny thing is, each time I opened goodreads to put this in dnf shelf I forgot what I came here for.
Very sorry to the writer who sent me this in exchange for an honest review.
My attention span is just dead honestly lol
July 1, 2023
“Man is made who he is by his memories and his thoughts.”
I am glad I had the chance to read this pure sci-fi & fantasy gem. I enjoyed it much. It is well written and exciting.
The story is a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, mythology and mystery. I used the map ( from the author’s site) which navigated me perfectly through the plot.
The story opening sent us to high seas in the middle of a storm. A group of men, with Edward and Reverend Sven among them, are heading to a dangerous mission. Ema is praying about her beloved Edward and her dear father ( Sven) to come successfully back, but unfortunately she loses both of them. Her world vanishes in a second and her life course changes dramatically. But she finds a letter from her father, which reveals a lot of secrets for mysterious& horrifying worlds and dangerous tools that can harm the humanity if happen to be in wrong hands. The story is presented by 4 narrators, developing the plot from different perspectives and timelines.
There were so many twists through the story that kept me literally to the edge.
“ Sealed empire” by Norbert Zsivicz was a real good surprise for me. I didn’t have any expectations, but I truly liked it. And the end was so fascinating. Starting the book I could have never imagined such an epilogue and it was amazingly insane. There are some weaknesses in the story, but it is actually so addictive, so I couldn’t put it down till the end.
Last but not least- this novel is designed and brought to life with love, imagination and attention to detail. It is crafted with enthusiasm and passion that someone puts into a dream to make it reality.
I am glad I had the chance to read this pure sci-fi & fantasy gem. I enjoyed it much. It is well written and exciting.
The story is a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, mythology and mystery. I used the map ( from the author’s site) which navigated me perfectly through the plot.
The story opening sent us to high seas in the middle of a storm. A group of men, with Edward and Reverend Sven among them, are heading to a dangerous mission. Ema is praying about her beloved Edward and her dear father ( Sven) to come successfully back, but unfortunately she loses both of them. Her world vanishes in a second and her life course changes dramatically. But she finds a letter from her father, which reveals a lot of secrets for mysterious& horrifying worlds and dangerous tools that can harm the humanity if happen to be in wrong hands. The story is presented by 4 narrators, developing the plot from different perspectives and timelines.
There were so many twists through the story that kept me literally to the edge.
“ Sealed empire” by Norbert Zsivicz was a real good surprise for me. I didn’t have any expectations, but I truly liked it. And the end was so fascinating. Starting the book I could have never imagined such an epilogue and it was amazingly insane. There are some weaknesses in the story, but it is actually so addictive, so I couldn’t put it down till the end.
Last but not least- this novel is designed and brought to life with love, imagination and attention to detail. It is crafted with enthusiasm and passion that someone puts into a dream to make it reality.
June 5, 2023
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For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.25/5
FORMAT: eBook Review Copy
🚨 I was given a copy of this by the author as a review request, to which, that did not affect my opinion in any way. 🚨
Sealed Empire is a solid debut with an incredibly compelling story that had me reading non-stop for two and a half days and may be one of the most unique stories I’ve read so far. The cover is so beautiful and made me instantly want to read this when I first saw it a month or two ago, like me, the cover will reel you in, but the hook will be set the moment you start the exhilarating prologue and will continue until that jaw-dropping epilogue, and you better stay for that epilogue!
There’s a lot to unpack with this story, so what I’ll start with is that this gets a bit dark around the halfway point, so content warning, there is a scene that involves rape. I love the mix of fantasy and science fiction that this brings. In a way it reminds me a bit of how Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy uses a medieval-like fantasy setting that also ties in some sci-fi elements, but unlike that series, Zsivicz does it with multiple POV’s and time jumps. There’s also an interactive map on his website that gives a lot of information for those that want to delve more into the history.
“Love is not like how they describe it in books. It takes time for true love to develop. Like a campfire that is hard to start, and the wood catches fire slowly.”
I can see why this is a Hungarian Literary Award Winner, it has such a great pacing that was never too fast and not too slow, with action that came at the perfect time to make everything feel even more tense. There was a point where I thought this was a retelling of The Odyssey, which made me start paying even more attention because of my love for not only Greek mythology, but also as a big fan of Greek retellings. As I kept reading and asking the author, I realized that it wasn’t a retelling, but I did start seeing the influences a lot more that the author used. Even though this is a stand-alone, it does leave the opportunity to expand upon the world, which is a great thing with how interesting everything ends up being.
I thought it had some great characters that had to go through so much. Since it did have a time jump and multiple POV’s in under 400 pages, it was a little difficult to truly get invested in any specific character, other than really hating the antagonist of the story, who was very easy to hate. With that said, I was still invested in what each one of the characters had to go through. This may be one of those types of stories that some people might turn out of after the rape scene, but I implore you to stick to it, because everything after that just gets absolutely crazier! Sealed Empire has its flaws, but this is an absolute page-turner and I can’t wait to see what Zsivicz had in store if he plans to make this more than just a stand-alone.
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.25/5
FORMAT: eBook Review Copy
🚨 I was given a copy of this by the author as a review request, to which, that did not affect my opinion in any way. 🚨
Sealed Empire is a solid debut with an incredibly compelling story that had me reading non-stop for two and a half days and may be one of the most unique stories I’ve read so far. The cover is so beautiful and made me instantly want to read this when I first saw it a month or two ago, like me, the cover will reel you in, but the hook will be set the moment you start the exhilarating prologue and will continue until that jaw-dropping epilogue, and you better stay for that epilogue!
There’s a lot to unpack with this story, so what I’ll start with is that this gets a bit dark around the halfway point, so content warning, there is a scene that involves rape. I love the mix of fantasy and science fiction that this brings. In a way it reminds me a bit of how Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy uses a medieval-like fantasy setting that also ties in some sci-fi elements, but unlike that series, Zsivicz does it with multiple POV’s and time jumps. There’s also an interactive map on his website that gives a lot of information for those that want to delve more into the history.
“Love is not like how they describe it in books. It takes time for true love to develop. Like a campfire that is hard to start, and the wood catches fire slowly.”
I can see why this is a Hungarian Literary Award Winner, it has such a great pacing that was never too fast and not too slow, with action that came at the perfect time to make everything feel even more tense. There was a point where I thought this was a retelling of The Odyssey, which made me start paying even more attention because of my love for not only Greek mythology, but also as a big fan of Greek retellings. As I kept reading and asking the author, I realized that it wasn’t a retelling, but I did start seeing the influences a lot more that the author used. Even though this is a stand-alone, it does leave the opportunity to expand upon the world, which is a great thing with how interesting everything ends up being.
I thought it had some great characters that had to go through so much. Since it did have a time jump and multiple POV’s in under 400 pages, it was a little difficult to truly get invested in any specific character, other than really hating the antagonist of the story, who was very easy to hate. With that said, I was still invested in what each one of the characters had to go through. This may be one of those types of stories that some people might turn out of after the rape scene, but I implore you to stick to it, because everything after that just gets absolutely crazier! Sealed Empire has its flaws, but this is an absolute page-turner and I can’t wait to see what Zsivicz had in store if he plans to make this more than just a stand-alone.
August 10, 2023
Done, Finally!!!
What is the best way to describe this one? Historical??? A large part of the story was, and then this was where I did a double take, from a magickal 17th century setting, a part of the story became Sci-Fi, this was where I completely lost my train and it tried to follow the flow and turned into a spacecraft....the Author had a nice way of bringing out what he wanted but it was really a stretch from magic to science.
For those who will read this one, a warning, once the chapter becomes something incomprehensible, stand up, do something else, until such time as your brain stops thinking in a linear path, then continue....everything becomes clear once you reach the last 3 chapters, should you go ahead and just read the last part, hmmmmmm...this story jumps from time to time literally.
A unique approach to our favourite fantasy, one that I can say caught my attention and I am awaiting for the second book.
What is the best way to describe this one? Historical??? A large part of the story was, and then this was where I did a double take, from a magickal 17th century setting, a part of the story became Sci-Fi, this was where I completely lost my train and it tried to follow the flow and turned into a spacecraft....the Author had a nice way of bringing out what he wanted but it was really a stretch from magic to science.
For those who will read this one, a warning, once the chapter becomes something incomprehensible, stand up, do something else, until such time as your brain stops thinking in a linear path, then continue....everything becomes clear once you reach the last 3 chapters, should you go ahead and just read the last part, hmmmmmm...this story jumps from time to time literally.
A unique approach to our favourite fantasy, one that I can say caught my attention and I am awaiting for the second book.
November 29, 2023
Over 100 ratings, thank you SO much! The next goal is 100 reviews!
I think it's time to describe my book with some quick gifs!
(Without spoilers of course)
This book is R-rated, so definitely not for kids!
This is a genre-blend novel! Fantasy & sci-fi with some thriller/horror vibes for the extra spice!
This book was a Hungarian award-winning novel in 2022, which means it's a TRANSLATION. We tried our best with Tamás Pétersz (Check his work), however, if you love poetry-style prose or Shakespearean literature, this book is NOT for you!
This book is quick and action-packed for those who love,
Grim dark fantasies like Game of Thrones
Mysteries and adventure
Nordic mythology
Godlike monsters
Monster hunters
Strong female characters
Massive Sci-fi elements
Not afraid of horror, violence & trigger warnings
(NOT for children, again!)
Epic battles
Evil villains
And mind-blowing conclusions
Faster your seatbelt, and get ready for the Sealed Empire!
It is a Wide Ride!
I think it's time to describe my book with some quick gifs!
(Without spoilers of course)
This book is R-rated, so definitely not for kids!
This is a genre-blend novel! Fantasy & sci-fi with some thriller/horror vibes for the extra spice!
This book was a Hungarian award-winning novel in 2022, which means it's a TRANSLATION. We tried our best with Tamás Pétersz (Check his work), however, if you love poetry-style prose or Shakespearean literature, this book is NOT for you!
This book is quick and action-packed for those who love,
Grim dark fantasies like Game of Thrones
Mysteries and adventure
Nordic mythology
Godlike monsters
Monster hunters
Strong female characters
Massive Sci-fi elements
Not afraid of horror, violence & trigger warnings
(NOT for children, again!)
Epic battles
Evil villains
And mind-blowing conclusions
Faster your seatbelt, and get ready for the Sealed Empire!
It is a Wide Ride!
July 10, 2023
Wow! What a book! It can only be described as a page turner.
This book has no fat in it, and many might think of that fact as a negative. I am not talking about the bad fat, the one that blows books out of proportions and makes pacing unbearable. This book does not have even a healthy fat, haha, if you pardon me my turn of the phrase. The prose is very concise and on point, the characters think only about things relevant to the plot and the story, there's no side off explorations of the world, nothing to distract you from turning one page after another. Some might say "this book lacks dimensions" or "characters are just plot devices"...
Well. Both might be true, but this is not a bad thing in this case. The prose of this book immediately gives me the feeling of a quick techno-thriller, maybe in the veins of Blake Crouch (a 250-300 pages book you can read in 2 sittings - or 1 if you read fast), even though this one is nothing like Blake Crouch. But from the start of the book you're never mistaken what kind of pacing awaits you and what will be the prose, so I don't think it is fair to hold that against the book. This book is a short fantasy thriller, and don't mistake it for an epic fantasy tale.
Characters, despite only thinking of plot-relevant things, were great, in my opinion. Be it Edward or Emma, or even when we are in the head of a villian. Yes, maybe they are in broad strokes and reader mostly recognizes who they are from familiar tropes and character types, but they do have strong character traits and qualities you root for. I never felt bored when I was with any of the characters, and more over, they found their ways into my soul and grabbed my attention immediately. I think if your expectations are correct you will have great time with them.
However, main king of this ball is the plot of this book, as probably any thriller book (yes, I will continue to insist that this book is closer to thrillers than anything else). Plot bangs you on the head from the Prologue and it never lets go. Mysteries introduced one after another, plot develops at a frantic pace, twists and turns come and go (both plot and character-wise), and book keeps you guessing on how the main story lines are connected.
Obviosuly, a lot is given away by the book cover. At the same time, a lot is given away by the prologue, so you're never fulled 100 % like some of the characters. And yet Norbert was able to pull the latest twist to my satisfaction. If I'd say only one negative thing about the ending I'd say that there was too much tell instead of show, but to show and discover everything in a natural flow would have required a book twice as long, so I imagine that was a conciouss choice on author's part. And after all, honestly, it is almost refreshing to read a 300 page fantasy book instead of a 1000 slow chonker (no offense to slow chonkers). In that regard, the book and the prose reminded me golden age of sci-fi books, where the norm was 250 pages.
Regardless of me wishing for a book twice as long, I still loved and enjoyed this crazy adventure. Hopefully author has a lot more in his pockets and I will be eagerly awaiting the continuation.
I recommend this book as a palatte cleanser to all the lovers of fantasy and original takes, and anyone who wants to read a thriller but does not want to step away from the fantasy genre too much. Read this book, it will take you 2 days top. I think author deserves it.
This book has no fat in it, and many might think of that fact as a negative. I am not talking about the bad fat, the one that blows books out of proportions and makes pacing unbearable. This book does not have even a healthy fat, haha, if you pardon me my turn of the phrase. The prose is very concise and on point, the characters think only about things relevant to the plot and the story, there's no side off explorations of the world, nothing to distract you from turning one page after another. Some might say "this book lacks dimensions" or "characters are just plot devices"...
Well. Both might be true, but this is not a bad thing in this case. The prose of this book immediately gives me the feeling of a quick techno-thriller, maybe in the veins of Blake Crouch (a 250-300 pages book you can read in 2 sittings - or 1 if you read fast), even though this one is nothing like Blake Crouch. But from the start of the book you're never mistaken what kind of pacing awaits you and what will be the prose, so I don't think it is fair to hold that against the book. This book is a short fantasy thriller, and don't mistake it for an epic fantasy tale.
Characters, despite only thinking of plot-relevant things, were great, in my opinion. Be it Edward or Emma, or even when we are in the head of a villian. Yes, maybe they are in broad strokes and reader mostly recognizes who they are from familiar tropes and character types, but they do have strong character traits and qualities you root for. I never felt bored when I was with any of the characters, and more over, they found their ways into my soul and grabbed my attention immediately. I think if your expectations are correct you will have great time with them.
However, main king of this ball is the plot of this book, as probably any thriller book (yes, I will continue to insist that this book is closer to thrillers than anything else). Plot bangs you on the head from the Prologue and it never lets go. Mysteries introduced one after another, plot develops at a frantic pace, twists and turns come and go (both plot and character-wise), and book keeps you guessing on how the main story lines are connected.
Obviosuly, a lot is given away by the book cover. At the same time, a lot is given away by the prologue, so you're never fulled 100 % like some of the characters. And yet Norbert was able to pull the latest twist to my satisfaction. If I'd say only one negative thing about the ending I'd say that there was too much tell instead of show, but to show and discover everything in a natural flow would have required a book twice as long, so I imagine that was a conciouss choice on author's part. And after all, honestly, it is almost refreshing to read a 300 page fantasy book instead of a 1000 slow chonker (no offense to slow chonkers). In that regard, the book and the prose reminded me golden age of sci-fi books, where the norm was 250 pages.
Regardless of me wishing for a book twice as long, I still loved and enjoyed this crazy adventure. Hopefully author has a lot more in his pockets and I will be eagerly awaiting the continuation.
I recommend this book as a palatte cleanser to all the lovers of fantasy and original takes, and anyone who wants to read a thriller but does not want to step away from the fantasy genre too much. Read this book, it will take you 2 days top. I think author deserves it.
June 25, 2023
Genre-bending!
So I have been reading way more fantasy of late, but I consider myself more of a sci-fi guy. There is always a touch of personal bias in reviewing; that is the nature of a review; it's your experience with a story. I think I have a very high bar for sci-fi because I grew up reading and watching it. It's tough to get a 5-star sci-fi review out of me. Over the last few years, I have read more fantasy than anything else, and my fantasy reads have scored higher. I think I am a little worn down on sci-fi tropes, so when I pick up a fantasy, the tropes don't stand out as much to me, and thus I enjoy my fantasy reads more due to their unpredictable nature.
Now that I have given you my reading background, I am going to explain what “genre-bending” means to me. I use the term all the time in my marketing as I write with a hard-to-box style. The core definition is that you struggle to classify what you just read because the writer uses breakneck storytelling to whip you around from chapter to chapter. Genre-bending also means you did it well. It's not a multi-genre. It's not a fantasy sci-fi. It's a GENRE-BENDING EXPERIENCE!
Here are the hallmarks of a good genre-bender:
• Masterfully and seamlessly bounces between a handful of genres
• Usually uses multi-POV, which makes it easier to pivot genres just by switching POV
• Focuses more on worldbuilding and plot because a good genre-bender has to score off the charts in these two categories to make up for the lack of time we get in each POV
• Doesn’t waste words. When you have to cover this much ground in a story, each word is selected with purpose to ensure the plot keeps moving forward.
Introducing Norbert Zsivicz, a Hungarian-born SFF author who lives in London, UK, and is indeed a genre-bender. This title won the Best Fantasy Choice Award in Hungary in 2022. I read an English translation of the story. With a translation, you are getting a close mirror to the original story, and the prose was passable for sure, but you wonder if there were moments that suffered from being read through an interpretive lens. That being said, there is nothing off-putting about the prose, and I am just left contemplating if there is an even better version of this story out there if I could read Hungarian.
I stressed my recent love of fantasy and my sci-fi roots. Why did I do that?
For this moment. This novel nailed that blend. It gives you traditional fantasy, but instead of a magic system, there is an evolved use of technology that is so advanced it makes the opposition look like rock-slinging cave people. Cleverly we get this story from the POV of the technologically inferior beings, which makes all the technology come off as grandiose and full of wonder. This was a brilliant way of telling the story and really smashed my two favorite genres together to make them feel fresh. It also has a great ending and could easily support prequels and sequels. Mix in the thriller-like style that drives the pages forward, and you indeed do have all the ingredients here to achieve the title of genre-bender.
Kudos indeed!
5 stars!
A must-read for people looking for a fresh perspective on sci-fi and fantasy, or for people who are curious to see what a genre-bending author can do.
Big thanks to Breakeven Books for sharing a copy and inviting me to be a part of the tour. A video review will be a part of my next compilation video.
So I have been reading way more fantasy of late, but I consider myself more of a sci-fi guy. There is always a touch of personal bias in reviewing; that is the nature of a review; it's your experience with a story. I think I have a very high bar for sci-fi because I grew up reading and watching it. It's tough to get a 5-star sci-fi review out of me. Over the last few years, I have read more fantasy than anything else, and my fantasy reads have scored higher. I think I am a little worn down on sci-fi tropes, so when I pick up a fantasy, the tropes don't stand out as much to me, and thus I enjoy my fantasy reads more due to their unpredictable nature.
Now that I have given you my reading background, I am going to explain what “genre-bending” means to me. I use the term all the time in my marketing as I write with a hard-to-box style. The core definition is that you struggle to classify what you just read because the writer uses breakneck storytelling to whip you around from chapter to chapter. Genre-bending also means you did it well. It's not a multi-genre. It's not a fantasy sci-fi. It's a GENRE-BENDING EXPERIENCE!
Here are the hallmarks of a good genre-bender:
• Masterfully and seamlessly bounces between a handful of genres
• Usually uses multi-POV, which makes it easier to pivot genres just by switching POV
• Focuses more on worldbuilding and plot because a good genre-bender has to score off the charts in these two categories to make up for the lack of time we get in each POV
• Doesn’t waste words. When you have to cover this much ground in a story, each word is selected with purpose to ensure the plot keeps moving forward.
Introducing Norbert Zsivicz, a Hungarian-born SFF author who lives in London, UK, and is indeed a genre-bender. This title won the Best Fantasy Choice Award in Hungary in 2022. I read an English translation of the story. With a translation, you are getting a close mirror to the original story, and the prose was passable for sure, but you wonder if there were moments that suffered from being read through an interpretive lens. That being said, there is nothing off-putting about the prose, and I am just left contemplating if there is an even better version of this story out there if I could read Hungarian.
I stressed my recent love of fantasy and my sci-fi roots. Why did I do that?
For this moment. This novel nailed that blend. It gives you traditional fantasy, but instead of a magic system, there is an evolved use of technology that is so advanced it makes the opposition look like rock-slinging cave people. Cleverly we get this story from the POV of the technologically inferior beings, which makes all the technology come off as grandiose and full of wonder. This was a brilliant way of telling the story and really smashed my two favorite genres together to make them feel fresh. It also has a great ending and could easily support prequels and sequels. Mix in the thriller-like style that drives the pages forward, and you indeed do have all the ingredients here to achieve the title of genre-bender.
Kudos indeed!
5 stars!
A must-read for people looking for a fresh perspective on sci-fi and fantasy, or for people who are curious to see what a genre-bending author can do.
Big thanks to Breakeven Books for sharing a copy and inviting me to be a part of the tour. A video review will be a part of my next compilation video.
August 12, 2023
HANDS DOWN one of the best prologues I've ever read!
The Sealed Empire not only has a visually striking cover but also a very compelling story that really had me guessing to the very end.
I loved the completely unexpected combination of fantasy and sci-fi elements.
Pros
1. Action packed
2. Gripping prologue
3. Interwoven elements of fantasy and sci-fi
4. Mystery, the end was mind bending
5. Cyber leviathan monsters!
Also, I am pretty sure Zsivicz loves the letter "E" because so many character names began with "E" that it got slightly confusing. However, after finishing the book I am pretty sure it was on purpose.. I think.
Overall, a very fun read and I am excited to read more stories within the Sealed Empire universe.
The Sealed Empire not only has a visually striking cover but also a very compelling story that really had me guessing to the very end.
I loved the completely unexpected combination of fantasy and sci-fi elements.
Pros
1. Action packed
2. Gripping prologue
3. Interwoven elements of fantasy and sci-fi
4. Mystery, the end was mind bending
5. Cyber leviathan monsters!
Also, I am pretty sure Zsivicz loves the letter "E" because so many character names began with "E" that it got slightly confusing. However, after finishing the book I am pretty sure it was on purpose.. I think.
Overall, a very fun read and I am excited to read more stories within the Sealed Empire universe.
August 14, 2023
So this was a mixed bag for me. This has one of the most interesting and gripping starts to a book that I've read in a while, seriously the beginning is so cool. Then the next several chapters are introducing you to the characters who for some reason all start with the letter E haha so don't be confused with who's POV you are in like I was at times!
Norbert does a pretty solid job of mixing what feels like a traditional fantasy setting with a blend of sci-fi (if the giant mech leviathan on the cover wasn't obvious) and in general this really works. My problems with the book come from too much of the medieval/fantasy portions of this book just feel very much the same from one character to the next and I personally didn't find myself invested in any of the characters when the sci-fi stuff wasn't happening.
There's certainly a lot to love here and I appreciate the mix of genres but ultimately when I don't find myself caring about the characters then a book just doesn't fully click for me.
Quick gripe for me that I've come to simply tire of after reading so much fantasy now is there are other ways to show an evil character being evil than having them rape and/or sexually assault someone. It's just a tired fantasy trope that's still overused and is a relatively boring way to show that bad guy is bad or when used as character motivation.
Norbert does a pretty solid job of mixing what feels like a traditional fantasy setting with a blend of sci-fi (if the giant mech leviathan on the cover wasn't obvious) and in general this really works. My problems with the book come from too much of the medieval/fantasy portions of this book just feel very much the same from one character to the next and I personally didn't find myself invested in any of the characters when the sci-fi stuff wasn't happening.
There's certainly a lot to love here and I appreciate the mix of genres but ultimately when I don't find myself caring about the characters then a book just doesn't fully click for me.
Quick gripe for me that I've come to simply tire of after reading so much fantasy now is there are other ways to show an evil character being evil than having them rape and/or sexually assault someone. It's just a tired fantasy trope that's still overused and is a relatively boring way to show that bad guy is bad or when used as character motivation.
December 11, 2023
This book was mental. Insane pacing that had me hooked, and a bonkers plot twist at the end. I had lots of fun, and can't wait to read the next one!
December 18, 2023
*slight spoilers ahead*
The Sealed Empire by Norbert Zsivicz is an interesting work of speculative fiction, where science-fiction elements are introduced early into a medieval low-fantasy setting. The world building, the grim tone of the story and the flashbacks actually reminded me of The Broken Empire at times, although the similarities didn’t extend further than this.
Here we have a multi-POV story telling, with two women and three men in the main roles, including the villain, and to Zsivicz’s credit as a debut male author, I thought the female characters were well drawn, indeed I found them to be more complex and interesting than their male counterparts. All the main characters go through relentless struggle, suffering and trauma, making the Sealed Empire probably the darkest book I read this year.
The real concept of the story, which gets only revealed at the end, was an interesting one, and for me the highlight of the book came from revisiting some of the earlier events in my head through this new understanding. It certainly explained several of the confusing turn of events, leaving quite a few questions still to be answered in a sequel.
I read this book in two languages, alternating between the original Hungarian from a paperback I kindly received from the author at BristolCon this year, and the English version from a Kindle copy I purchased, and thought the translation was also well done.
The Sealed Empire by Norbert Zsivicz is an interesting work of speculative fiction, where science-fiction elements are introduced early into a medieval low-fantasy setting. The world building, the grim tone of the story and the flashbacks actually reminded me of The Broken Empire at times, although the similarities didn’t extend further than this.
Here we have a multi-POV story telling, with two women and three men in the main roles, including the villain, and to Zsivicz’s credit as a debut male author, I thought the female characters were well drawn, indeed I found them to be more complex and interesting than their male counterparts. All the main characters go through relentless struggle, suffering and trauma, making the Sealed Empire probably the darkest book I read this year.
The real concept of the story, which gets only revealed at the end, was an interesting one, and for me the highlight of the book came from revisiting some of the earlier events in my head through this new understanding. It certainly explained several of the confusing turn of events, leaving quite a few questions still to be answered in a sequel.
I read this book in two languages, alternating between the original Hungarian from a paperback I kindly received from the author at BristolCon this year, and the English version from a Kindle copy I purchased, and thought the translation was also well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
A könyv először a borítója miatt keltette fel az érdeklődésemet, és a fülszöveg is nagyon érdekesnek tűnt. A regény egyszerre fantasy és sci-fi is, a miértekre azonban a történet végéig várnunk kell. A cselekmény pörgős és izgalmas, egy kitalált középkori világban játszódik lovagokkal, királyokkal és papokkal. Több nézőpontot is kapunk, az egyik a főgonoszé, de van több erős női karakter is. A jellemábrázolásokat kicsit hiányosnak találtam, főleg Ser Edwardét, aki az egyik kulcs figura. Első könyves íróhoz képest nagyon jó a nyelvezete és a történetvezetése is. Sajnos nem stand alone, ( vagy nem sajnos) van benne potencial a folytatáshoz, csak remélem nem kell rá sokat várni.
August 29, 2023
Medieval kingdom • royals • war • family • sci-fi • politics • mystery • little romance
Multiple POV (3 male, 2 female, third person)
eBook provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Sealed Empire" is a fast-paced fantasy read with a brilliant plot that combines medieval and science fiction elements. And it had one of the craziest endings I have ever read! It is a self-published novel by Norbert Zsivicz, and his first book.
The book captivated me from start to finish, so much so that I read it in just three days. The pacing was straightforward and to the point, not spending too much time on details and focusing on the story as it was about to unfold. I won't tell much about the story, in quick its
Amidst all the twists and turns, the idea that this is a standalone book really stands out. The story stands on its own and is full of surprises, tense moments and vibrant characters. It left a strong impression with swift and direct writing, interwoven multi-povs, high stakes and always a mystery that keeps you reading to find out about it.
The ending was completely wild and unexpected, I have never read such a plot twist in an ending.
The only thing that prevents me from a 5-star rating is the too many unanswered questions for my taste. Although I don't mind an open ending – and I think it was the point to leave a few things to the readers imagination – I wished for some more details in parts. Overall a book with mystery, action and genre-mixing elements well pack into an addictive and fascinating story.
I hope this book gets some more recognition, and hope there will be more by
Norbert Zsivicz to read in the future!
Multiple POV (3 male, 2 female, third person)
eBook provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Sealed Empire" is a fast-paced fantasy read with a brilliant plot that combines medieval and science fiction elements. And it had one of the craziest endings I have ever read! It is a self-published novel by Norbert Zsivicz, and his first book.
The book captivated me from start to finish, so much so that I read it in just three days. The pacing was straightforward and to the point, not spending too much time on details and focusing on the story as it was about to unfold. I won't tell much about the story, in quick its
Amidst all the twists and turns, the idea that this is a standalone book really stands out. The story stands on its own and is full of surprises, tense moments and vibrant characters. It left a strong impression with swift and direct writing, interwoven multi-povs, high stakes and always a mystery that keeps you reading to find out about it.
The ending was completely wild and unexpected, I have never read such a plot twist in an ending.
The only thing that prevents me from a 5-star rating is the too many unanswered questions for my taste. Although I don't mind an open ending – and I think it was the point to leave a few things to the readers imagination – I wished for some more details in parts. Overall a book with mystery, action and genre-mixing elements well pack into an addictive and fascinating story.
I hope this book gets some more recognition, and hope there will be more by
Norbert Zsivicz to read in the future!
May 29, 2023
The most unique story that I have read in years. Zsivicz deals out a unique blend of genres with world shattering twists. In less than 400 pages, you are gripped with addictive prose and master character work. If you need to escape from a reading slump, read this now.
January 23, 2023
in this book, the elements of fantasy and science fiction are mixed, which unfolds in a very complex and exciting story.
Norbert Zsivicz Sealed Empire c. his book is a moderately long volume, which seemed much shorter to me due to its readability. Its language is easy, you can move quickly with it.
I don't often read in the sci-fi genre, so the power of novelty completely captivated me, and I enjoyed exploring this world as well.
The story starts from the fact that Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, sets out on an expedition, but on the way he comes across things that can fundamentally shake not only the faith of all of them, but also the image they have of the world. Ancient beasts are appearing more and more often in the seas, on land, and even in the sky. Our heroes are constantly trying to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins.
For the first chapter, it is worth using the very well-designed map on the website, where you can find separate information about each location, which greatly enhances the reading experience. It is also worth using because you can easily get lost in the amount of information at the beginning. By the way, you can find the map at the beginning and at the end of the book, which can be of great help.
Sometimes I get a little lost in the middle of the story, we jump around a lot in time, place, and point of view, which is great, only in these parts is it worth slowing down and paying more attention to the details.
The story is divided into 5 major parts, and I understood a lot in the last one, and then the picture came together.
The story is very well structured, it seems to be well developed, we have an introduction, a plot, and at the end the ending, which fortunately was not completely concluded, so we can hope for a continuation.
I couldn't really get attached to the characters, because the story was presented from the perspective of many characters, and unfortunately I didn't get to know any of them enough to form a bond. This caused me a small feeling of loss, but the momentum of the story compensated for it. The world building itself, character developments, and all the excitement completely blew me away.
Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience for me and I enjoyed exploring this strange world that the author presented.
I can recommend it mostly to those who like adult fantasy and sci-fi.
You can find Norbert Zsivizs on Instagram: @realnorbertzsivicz @sealedempire
You can open the map here: https: https://www.sealedbooks.com/en/the-world
The free prologue can be downloaded here: https://www.sealedbooks.com/en/the-book
Norbert Zsivicz Sealed Empire c. his book is a moderately long volume, which seemed much shorter to me due to its readability. Its language is easy, you can move quickly with it.
I don't often read in the sci-fi genre, so the power of novelty completely captivated me, and I enjoyed exploring this world as well.
The story starts from the fact that Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, sets out on an expedition, but on the way he comes across things that can fundamentally shake not only the faith of all of them, but also the image they have of the world. Ancient beasts are appearing more and more often in the seas, on land, and even in the sky. Our heroes are constantly trying to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins.
For the first chapter, it is worth using the very well-designed map on the website, where you can find separate information about each location, which greatly enhances the reading experience. It is also worth using because you can easily get lost in the amount of information at the beginning. By the way, you can find the map at the beginning and at the end of the book, which can be of great help.
Sometimes I get a little lost in the middle of the story, we jump around a lot in time, place, and point of view, which is great, only in these parts is it worth slowing down and paying more attention to the details.
The story is divided into 5 major parts, and I understood a lot in the last one, and then the picture came together.
The story is very well structured, it seems to be well developed, we have an introduction, a plot, and at the end the ending, which fortunately was not completely concluded, so we can hope for a continuation.
I couldn't really get attached to the characters, because the story was presented from the perspective of many characters, and unfortunately I didn't get to know any of them enough to form a bond. This caused me a small feeling of loss, but the momentum of the story compensated for it. The world building itself, character developments, and all the excitement completely blew me away.
Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience for me and I enjoyed exploring this strange world that the author presented.
I can recommend it mostly to those who like adult fantasy and sci-fi.
You can find Norbert Zsivizs on Instagram: @realnorbertzsivicz @sealedempire
You can open the map here: https: https://www.sealedbooks.com/en/the-world
The free prologue can be downloaded here: https://www.sealedbooks.com/en/the-book
May 15, 2023
Sealed Empire is adult fantasy with a science fiction twist. It’s an exciting read with an unforgettable conclusion. If you like fast paced stories that make you use you brain, pick this up and give it a try.
June 10, 2024
“Man is made who he is by his memories and his thoughts.”
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sealed Empire by Norbert Zsivicz is an interesting story that I absolutely devoured in around four days. I'd seen this booked hyped up by a few others and it certainly deserves it.
This is a medieval fantasy that does have a trigger warning. It is dark and gritty in such a way that grabs you and thrusts you through the page right until the very last word. Saying more about the genre itself would be a tad spoilery but the epilogue itself was as surprising as it was intriguing and left me eager for more of this. The prologue to the epilogue was well-described and mysterious and I'm glad that I gave this the meticulous attention that it deserved.
I was reminded of the Horizon games in some aspects of this. There are machines that leave us wondering what is happening and how they factor in to the story. Zsivicz deals with multiple POVs, tense storylines and a brutal history that we have unpacking and nitpicking to work out just exactly what is going on here. I really enjoyed how Zsivicz neatly describes the landscape, the religions and the plot and I was impressed with how everything was handled.
The pacing was well organised also. When I needed an info dump, it was there. When I needed to sit with the characters and process what had happened, Zsivicz sat me down and discussed it all. Whatever I thought this story was going to be, it was not, and this was down to how brilliantly Zsivicz kept me glued to the page with their descriptions and unfolding of the plot. I do want to see more expansion of this world and hope that we hear something soon.
The characters are also as gritty as the story. The journey they go through is dramatically intense and just when I thought a character would do something, something different happened and my imagination ran wild.
Sealed Empire isn't perfect, there were times that I felt repulsed but this was the authors intention. I urge you to stick with it and marvel at how brilliantly crafted this can be. I'm so eager to see where this goes from here because it is not what I expected at all.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sealed Empire by Norbert Zsivicz is an interesting story that I absolutely devoured in around four days. I'd seen this booked hyped up by a few others and it certainly deserves it.
This is a medieval fantasy that does have a trigger warning. It is dark and gritty in such a way that grabs you and thrusts you through the page right until the very last word. Saying more about the genre itself would be a tad spoilery but the epilogue itself was as surprising as it was intriguing and left me eager for more of this. The prologue to the epilogue was well-described and mysterious and I'm glad that I gave this the meticulous attention that it deserved.
I was reminded of the Horizon games in some aspects of this. There are machines that leave us wondering what is happening and how they factor in to the story. Zsivicz deals with multiple POVs, tense storylines and a brutal history that we have unpacking and nitpicking to work out just exactly what is going on here. I really enjoyed how Zsivicz neatly describes the landscape, the religions and the plot and I was impressed with how everything was handled.
The pacing was well organised also. When I needed an info dump, it was there. When I needed to sit with the characters and process what had happened, Zsivicz sat me down and discussed it all. Whatever I thought this story was going to be, it was not, and this was down to how brilliantly Zsivicz kept me glued to the page with their descriptions and unfolding of the plot. I do want to see more expansion of this world and hope that we hear something soon.
The characters are also as gritty as the story. The journey they go through is dramatically intense and just when I thought a character would do something, something different happened and my imagination ran wild.
Sealed Empire isn't perfect, there were times that I felt repulsed but this was the authors intention. I urge you to stick with it and marvel at how brilliantly crafted this can be. I'm so eager to see where this goes from here because it is not what I expected at all.
November 29, 2023
Checked out with kindle unlimited, November 2023.
June 7, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
Full video review on MY BOOKTUBE CHANNEL
In Norbert Zsivicz's "Sealed Empire," readers are treated to a unique concoction of fantasy and science fiction, where the boundaries between the two genres blur in an interesting narrative dance.
At its core, "Sealed Empire" presents a world divided, not just geographically but thematically as well. The tale unfolds with Edward, a sailor embarking on a perilous journey across the northern seas, entangled in both the mysteries of the deep and the complexities of human relationships. Meanwhile, political intrigue simmers in the background as Emily, his love interest, navigates the treacherous waters of courtly life and forbidden love.
The opening scene of "Sealed Empire" thrusts readers into a whirlwind of drama and spectacle, a grand overture to the epic saga that unfolds. As Edward and his comrades confront a titanic steel monstrosity amidst the tumultuous northern seas, the stage is set for a narrative of staggering proportions. With each clash of metal and surge of waves, Zsivicz's pen conjures a cinematic masterpiece, immersing readers in a world alive with peril and wonder. Amidst the chaos, every detail is carefully etched, each moment pulsating with palpable tension. It's a testament to the author's artistry that amidst the fury of battle, the scene remains coherent and captivating, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's imagination. Indeed, it's a dazzling display of storytelling prowess that sets the tone for the gripping odyssey that lies ahead.
What distinguishes "Sealed Empire" is its fusion of two seemingly disparate worlds — one steeped in the mystique of medieval fantasy, the other pulsating with the energy of advanced technology. As the story progresses, the lines between these realms blur, inviting readers into a mind-bending exploration of perception and reality.
Blending science fiction and fantasy is akin to orchestrating a delicate dance between two distinct worlds, each with its own rules, aesthetics, and conventions. In "Sealed Empire," Norbert Zsivicz undertakes this ambitious task with admirable gusto, weaving together elements of magic and technology to create a tale that is both immersive and expansive. However, like any intricate fusion, there are moments where the seams strain under the weight of divergent genres. At times, the clash between the fantastical and the futuristic threatens to disrupt the narrative flow, leaving readers momentarily adrift in a sea of conflicting imagery and themes. While Zsivicz ultimately succeeds in maintaining the balance between these disparate elements, there are instances where the struggle to reconcile the two genres detracts from the overall coherence of the story. Nevertheless, such moments are fleeting, and the strength of the author's vision ultimately shines through, guiding readers on a captivating journey through the interwoven realms of science fiction and fantasy.
Zsivicz crafts a narrative rich in depth and complexity, introducing a diverse cast of characters whose perspectives weave together to form a tapestry of intrigue and adventure. However, navigating these perspectives can prove challenging, as the book eschews traditional chapter numbering in favor of character names, adding an extra layer of immersion for the reader.
The true genius of "Sealed Empire" lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Just as the characters grapple with the mysteries of their world, so too are readers drawn into a web of uncertainty and revelation. The journey towards the final twist is marked by anticipation and intrigue, yet the revelation itself may leave some readers yearning for a deeper foundation. While Norbert Zsivicz deftly plants seeds of mystery throughout the narrative, there's a lingering sense that more could have been done to fully prepare readers for the climactic revelation. The twist, while undeniably intriguing, arrives with a degree of suddenness that may leave some craving additional foreshadowing and setup. Like a magician unveiling their grand finale without the necessary preamble, the impact of the twist may be somewhat diminished by its abrupt arrival. Nevertheless, the strength of the story's premise and the richness of its world-building ensure that even if the final twist falls slightly short of expectations, the journey to get there remains a compelling and rewarding experience.
"Sealed Empire" ventures into dark territory with a scene of graphic depiction of SA that may give pause to sensitive readers. Personally forewarned, I was able to navigate past this scene, though others may find themselves reconsidering their engagement with the novel entirely. What's particularly disappointing is that this graphic moment ultimately feels like a narrative dead end, offering little in the way of substantive enrichment to the overall story. While the inclusion of such content may serve to underscore the book's gritty realism, its execution may leave readers questioning its narrative necessity and impact. Thus, while "Sealed Empire" offers a riveting tale of fantasy and science fiction, this particular detour may prove more off-putting than illuminating for some readers.
In conclusion, "Sealed Empire" offers a fascinating blend of fantasy and science fiction, delivering a narrative that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Whether you seek the comfort of familiar medieval settings or the thrill of futuristic intrigue, this book promises a journey worth embarking on. So, dive in and discover the secrets of the Sealed Empire for yourself.
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In Norbert Zsivicz's "Sealed Empire," readers are treated to a unique concoction of fantasy and science fiction, where the boundaries between the two genres blur in an interesting narrative dance.
At its core, "Sealed Empire" presents a world divided, not just geographically but thematically as well. The tale unfolds with Edward, a sailor embarking on a perilous journey across the northern seas, entangled in both the mysteries of the deep and the complexities of human relationships. Meanwhile, political intrigue simmers in the background as Emily, his love interest, navigates the treacherous waters of courtly life and forbidden love.
The opening scene of "Sealed Empire" thrusts readers into a whirlwind of drama and spectacle, a grand overture to the epic saga that unfolds. As Edward and his comrades confront a titanic steel monstrosity amidst the tumultuous northern seas, the stage is set for a narrative of staggering proportions. With each clash of metal and surge of waves, Zsivicz's pen conjures a cinematic masterpiece, immersing readers in a world alive with peril and wonder. Amidst the chaos, every detail is carefully etched, each moment pulsating with palpable tension. It's a testament to the author's artistry that amidst the fury of battle, the scene remains coherent and captivating, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's imagination. Indeed, it's a dazzling display of storytelling prowess that sets the tone for the gripping odyssey that lies ahead.
What distinguishes "Sealed Empire" is its fusion of two seemingly disparate worlds — one steeped in the mystique of medieval fantasy, the other pulsating with the energy of advanced technology. As the story progresses, the lines between these realms blur, inviting readers into a mind-bending exploration of perception and reality.
Blending science fiction and fantasy is akin to orchestrating a delicate dance between two distinct worlds, each with its own rules, aesthetics, and conventions. In "Sealed Empire," Norbert Zsivicz undertakes this ambitious task with admirable gusto, weaving together elements of magic and technology to create a tale that is both immersive and expansive. However, like any intricate fusion, there are moments where the seams strain under the weight of divergent genres. At times, the clash between the fantastical and the futuristic threatens to disrupt the narrative flow, leaving readers momentarily adrift in a sea of conflicting imagery and themes. While Zsivicz ultimately succeeds in maintaining the balance between these disparate elements, there are instances where the struggle to reconcile the two genres detracts from the overall coherence of the story. Nevertheless, such moments are fleeting, and the strength of the author's vision ultimately shines through, guiding readers on a captivating journey through the interwoven realms of science fiction and fantasy.
Zsivicz crafts a narrative rich in depth and complexity, introducing a diverse cast of characters whose perspectives weave together to form a tapestry of intrigue and adventure. However, navigating these perspectives can prove challenging, as the book eschews traditional chapter numbering in favor of character names, adding an extra layer of immersion for the reader.
The true genius of "Sealed Empire" lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Just as the characters grapple with the mysteries of their world, so too are readers drawn into a web of uncertainty and revelation. The journey towards the final twist is marked by anticipation and intrigue, yet the revelation itself may leave some readers yearning for a deeper foundation. While Norbert Zsivicz deftly plants seeds of mystery throughout the narrative, there's a lingering sense that more could have been done to fully prepare readers for the climactic revelation. The twist, while undeniably intriguing, arrives with a degree of suddenness that may leave some craving additional foreshadowing and setup. Like a magician unveiling their grand finale without the necessary preamble, the impact of the twist may be somewhat diminished by its abrupt arrival. Nevertheless, the strength of the story's premise and the richness of its world-building ensure that even if the final twist falls slightly short of expectations, the journey to get there remains a compelling and rewarding experience.
"Sealed Empire" ventures into dark territory with a scene of graphic depiction of SA that may give pause to sensitive readers. Personally forewarned, I was able to navigate past this scene, though others may find themselves reconsidering their engagement with the novel entirely. What's particularly disappointing is that this graphic moment ultimately feels like a narrative dead end, offering little in the way of substantive enrichment to the overall story. While the inclusion of such content may serve to underscore the book's gritty realism, its execution may leave readers questioning its narrative necessity and impact. Thus, while "Sealed Empire" offers a riveting tale of fantasy and science fiction, this particular detour may prove more off-putting than illuminating for some readers.
In conclusion, "Sealed Empire" offers a fascinating blend of fantasy and science fiction, delivering a narrative that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Whether you seek the comfort of familiar medieval settings or the thrill of futuristic intrigue, this book promises a journey worth embarking on. So, dive in and discover the secrets of the Sealed Empire for yourself.
June 30, 2023
Sealed Empire is listed as both Sci-fi and Fantasy. It has wonderful character interactions and just great characters in general.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. It is so well paced and the world is just amazing. It is a medieval fantasy with elements of sci-fi. The ending is just wild and the best and I was so shocked and just sat thinking about it after it was over. I went straight to goodreads and saw that he is working on the sequel to this book, and I’m so here for it. I can’t wait. This is just so fast paced, but also well-balanced. There are a few trigger warnings, so check those out, but I recommend this for any adults who like fantasy or sci-fi books. Just great!!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. It is so well paced and the world is just amazing. It is a medieval fantasy with elements of sci-fi. The ending is just wild and the best and I was so shocked and just sat thinking about it after it was over. I went straight to goodreads and saw that he is working on the sequel to this book, and I’m so here for it. I can’t wait. This is just so fast paced, but also well-balanced. There are a few trigger warnings, so check those out, but I recommend this for any adults who like fantasy or sci-fi books. Just great!!
July 2, 2023
Sealed Empire
I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected too the book wasnt at all what i thought it was going to be and it went in a direction I wasn't at all ready for ! I feel like this was 2 completely different books but it just all seemed to fit together well. I really hope we get more from this world I would definitely pick up a second book. My advice go in to this blind and enjoy the ride !
BUT PLEASE DO CHECK TRIGGER WARNIN GS IF YOU NEED TO !
Thanks to Erik at Breakeven Books for the opportunity to be part of this Book Tour.
I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected too the book wasnt at all what i thought it was going to be and it went in a direction I wasn't at all ready for ! I feel like this was 2 completely different books but it just all seemed to fit together well. I really hope we get more from this world I would definitely pick up a second book. My advice go in to this blind and enjoy the ride !
BUT PLEASE DO CHECK TRIGGER WARNIN GS IF YOU NEED TO !
Thanks to Erik at Breakeven Books for the opportunity to be part of this Book Tour.
August 12, 2023
Wow !
You have to read this book ! Fantasy (mixed with another genre that can’t be mentioned at this time ;) with a build up that keeps you turning the pages to find out what the secret is behind the vail of their reality. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, the characters draw you in and the layers upon layers keeps you going to discover the truth behind it all.
You have to read this book ! Fantasy (mixed with another genre that can’t be mentioned at this time ;) with a build up that keeps you turning the pages to find out what the secret is behind the vail of their reality. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, the characters draw you in and the layers upon layers keeps you going to discover the truth behind it all.
July 26, 2023
This is really good!
My only gripe is I didn't like jumping around in the timeline. So many twists and turns. Suspenseful, and at times horrific.
More than a few times, I said "Wait, what?" Which is good because I did not predict hardly anything.
My only gripe is I didn't like jumping around in the timeline. So many twists and turns. Suspenseful, and at times horrific.
More than a few times, I said "Wait, what?" Which is good because I did not predict hardly anything.
January 8, 2024
Very, very clever. What an ending!
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