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Empress #1
Seize the Day: A World Conquest Isekai
When an ambitious teenage girl from Earth finds herself in a magical realm, she could be the hero—but she’d prefer to be the villain.When power-hungry Everly is reborn into a medieval world where elemental magic rules and she receives her elemental servants—the oddly sadistic Eris and the fun-loving Titania—years earlier than one typically would, she knows she’s destined for a command of necromantic magic the likes of which her peers can only dream.Though she’s the bastard daughter of a count and a precariously positioned concubine, Everly is determined to be a conqueror, warlord, and queen. She could be the hero of the realm, the person to save everyone, with her protectors—the Silver Lance—and her beautiful mage lover by her side.But Everly’s no hero. She’s an aspiring villain, seeking the freedom that comes with doing wrong. And before long, she’ll make everyone fear the name of the Empress . . .The first volume of the hit portal fantasy series—with more than 400,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
382 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
284 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 6, 2024
WTF
First off, the premise is very interesting. However, by chapter one the author makes sure you understand that the main character is a psychopath, narsist, delusional, violent, mentally disturbed …and the list goes on. The main character is NOT a reluctant hero or an anti-hero…no. What she is, is bat shit insane. By the end of the book, I was impressed and concerned that the author was able to make me feel dirty and disgusted. Pretty much every character that you come across is either disturbed, opportunistic or just the worst human being on the planet. If I was flying by that solar system and found this fictional world, I would nuke that planet from space.
I am assuming that the world is a big dumpster fire of shit, because the author was trying not to make the readers feel…gross by reading his work. So, you won't feel bad for the many deaths or horrors. While there are a handful of good people…that world was rife with violence, rape and undue curility.
I cannot begin to properly describe how reading made me feel. What’s worse, the main character (and another “antagonist”) has the personality of a very disturbed valley girl, all the while speaking in a baby doll manner…why being delusional beyond belief. This does not get very old, but gets very disturbing as time goes on, to the point it gets under your skin. While the story is well written, it is also overly descriptive; especially during pivotal moments in the story. Last thing I want is a detailed or side description of various characters that die by the end of the paragraph. Do I really need to know what a rapist’s life history was at the end of his life? No. Do I need to know the exact moment when a random character goes insane before his wife and kids eat him? I really don’t. You see where I am going with this.
If this was poorly written, I would complain about every little sentence structure, or character design or the progression of the story. I don’t like the story because I didn’t like how this story made me feel. It was like watching a school bus on fire while it sped through the highway. There were times I felt sorry for some of the antagonists. Trust me, when I say…I will not be picking up book two. Heck, unless you get off on just brutal stories or watching dark web videos; then this is not for you.
First off, the premise is very interesting. However, by chapter one the author makes sure you understand that the main character is a psychopath, narsist, delusional, violent, mentally disturbed …and the list goes on. The main character is NOT a reluctant hero or an anti-hero…no. What she is, is bat shit insane. By the end of the book, I was impressed and concerned that the author was able to make me feel dirty and disgusted. Pretty much every character that you come across is either disturbed, opportunistic or just the worst human being on the planet. If I was flying by that solar system and found this fictional world, I would nuke that planet from space.
I am assuming that the world is a big dumpster fire of shit, because the author was trying not to make the readers feel…gross by reading his work. So, you won't feel bad for the many deaths or horrors. While there are a handful of good people…that world was rife with violence, rape and undue curility.
I cannot begin to properly describe how reading made me feel. What’s worse, the main character (and another “antagonist”) has the personality of a very disturbed valley girl, all the while speaking in a baby doll manner…why being delusional beyond belief. This does not get very old, but gets very disturbing as time goes on, to the point it gets under your skin. While the story is well written, it is also overly descriptive; especially during pivotal moments in the story. Last thing I want is a detailed or side description of various characters that die by the end of the paragraph. Do I really need to know what a rapist’s life history was at the end of his life? No. Do I need to know the exact moment when a random character goes insane before his wife and kids eat him? I really don’t. You see where I am going with this.
If this was poorly written, I would complain about every little sentence structure, or character design or the progression of the story. I don’t like the story because I didn’t like how this story made me feel. It was like watching a school bus on fire while it sped through the highway. There were times I felt sorry for some of the antagonists. Trust me, when I say…I will not be picking up book two. Heck, unless you get off on just brutal stories or watching dark web videos; then this is not for you.
May 20, 2024
This combines dark with comedic.
And it does it WELL. The characters are broken, insane and very dark. But the writing is humorous as is the timing. This is a weird blend that just works.
And it does it WELL. The characters are broken, insane and very dark. But the writing is humorous as is the timing. This is a weird blend that just works.
June 25, 2025
An anime-inspired villainess media where the villainess is an actual villainess and not a squeaky, obnoxious, "adorkable," and constantly oblivious anime teen (usually voiced by the most unbearable VA in existence)? Well, consider me pleasantly surprised.
Everly is the type of POV character I thirst to see in media. While she does tend to get a little too out there sometimes, she largely fulfilled my desire for an overpowered baddie who does whatever the hell they want.
However, the writing itself, unfortunately, failed to realize its concept to the fullest potential. While the worldbuilding, pacing and overall writing do have a few subversions of popular tropes, they clearly take inspiration from some more popular anime/LN titles, most notably Overlord, and as such, has many similar drawbacks. Worst of all, I felt constantly bombarded by POVs I didn't care about at all and felt like filler. Also, the world tries to force too many concepts in a very short span, some of which felt unnecessary and the overall plot was a bit messy. Also, the closing of one of the final "loose ends" (Everly's brother) happened off-screen to my dismay.
The humor was great and many of the jokes landed for me personally, although I must admit that the constant pop-culture references, although self-aware, did get a little too much and "too Reddit" for my taste at times.
In short, Seize the Day was a fairly enjoyable listening experience that brought something relatively fresh on the table despite failing to make the most of it.
Everly is the type of POV character I thirst to see in media. While she does tend to get a little too out there sometimes, she largely fulfilled my desire for an overpowered baddie who does whatever the hell they want.
However, the writing itself, unfortunately, failed to realize its concept to the fullest potential. While the worldbuilding, pacing and overall writing do have a few subversions of popular tropes, they clearly take inspiration from some more popular anime/LN titles, most notably Overlord, and as such, has many similar drawbacks. Worst of all, I felt constantly bombarded by POVs I didn't care about at all and felt like filler. Also, the world tries to force too many concepts in a very short span, some of which felt unnecessary and the overall plot was a bit messy. Also, the closing of one of the final "loose ends" (Everly's brother) happened off-screen to my dismay.
The humor was great and many of the jokes landed for me personally, although I must admit that the constant pop-culture references, although self-aware, did get a little too much and "too Reddit" for my taste at times.
In short, Seize the Day was a fairly enjoyable listening experience that brought something relatively fresh on the table despite failing to make the most of it.
April 17, 2024
I loved this book! I had fun reading it. The story was well-written, witty, and very entertaining. I have to say that this may not be for everyone. It can be a bit "dark" for some. But if you are into villains, definitely this one is a great read.
April 30, 2024
something different
Ah man, finally found a book that was realistically brutal to the type of story it was. So refreshing, definitely adding to my book collection when the series finish.
Ah man, finally found a book that was realistically brutal to the type of story it was. So refreshing, definitely adding to my book collection when the series finish.
June 2, 2024
Waste of time
30 pages in before the high levels of teen edgelord became far too much. This reads like it was written by the "bad" kid in an early 2000's children's movie. You could tell me Sid from toy story wrote this and I'd believe you
30 pages in before the high levels of teen edgelord became far too much. This reads like it was written by the "bad" kid in an early 2000's children's movie. You could tell me Sid from toy story wrote this and I'd believe you
July 25, 2025
Rating: 3.4/5
The protagonist is a self-centered, impulsive, and somewhat driven individual chasing her twisted dreams. I don’t like her and definitely don’t see eye to eye with her. She has her funny moments, but none strong enough to redeem her actions.
Still, I found myself continuing to read—not because the writing is a perfect 10/10, but because it was just interesting enough to keep me hooked. I wanted to see when and where this twisted child would rise... because make no mistake: while she might struggle(rarely), this first book makes it clear—she will rise, but it will be through the expense of others and blood....lots of blood.
The protagonist is a self-centered, impulsive, and somewhat driven individual chasing her twisted dreams. I don’t like her and definitely don’t see eye to eye with her. She has her funny moments, but none strong enough to redeem her actions.
Still, I found myself continuing to read—not because the writing is a perfect 10/10, but because it was just interesting enough to keep me hooked. I wanted to see when and where this twisted child would rise... because make no mistake: while she might struggle(rarely), this first book makes it clear—she will rise, but it will be through the expense of others and blood....lots of blood.
July 9, 2024
Truly a deranged experience
The main character is completely and wildly psychotic. She's not misunderstood, she's not an antihero, she's not someone driven to do bad things by her dark past. She's simply a complete psychopath that follows her urges. Understanding that is what you're reading is key. If you're looking for some logic or coherency from the main character you won't find it.
I only took a star off because I felt like it felt a little redundant to have a second crazy, op, young girl as one of the perspectives.
The main character is completely and wildly psychotic. She's not misunderstood, she's not an antihero, she's not someone driven to do bad things by her dark past. She's simply a complete psychopath that follows her urges. Understanding that is what you're reading is key. If you're looking for some logic or coherency from the main character you won't find it.
I only took a star off because I felt like it felt a little redundant to have a second crazy, op, young girl as one of the perspectives.
April 15, 2024
Empress begins with an army-leveling warrior who named herself Empress, cruelly taunting and disfiguring a knight who tries to stand against her conquest. Then in the following Chapter One, we travel back in time to when this character was a teenager in our modern world. Kerri is shown to have honed her ability to fight hand-to-hand as well as with a sword. She then chooses to kill herself in hopes she will be reborn in a world where a true villain has more opportunity to bring evil into the world. She takes a sword to her school - not to murder her fellow students, but instead to trigger the police into ending her in a gun fight. During this altercation she cuts the leg off one officer, disembowels another, and shoots a third.
I go into this detail to clarify this character is presented as a psychopath. She completely lacks empathy, uses outward charm to manipulate others, is violent, lies, has grandiose plans, narcissism and false superiority. She regularly harms others and plans an attack at school as her way to commit suicide.
I did expect this to be a story about a fantasy world that would include battle, involving an isekai character who dropped in from the real world and decided to be a villain. So I knew there would be battle and violence. But something about this start was disturbing, making me think Kerri would definitely have been a real-life serial killer if she hadn't decided dying would allow her to travel to a new world. All of this having been said, it was very well written. So if you want to read about a teenage psychopath, this might be for you.
I go into this detail to clarify this character is presented as a psychopath. She completely lacks empathy, uses outward charm to manipulate others, is violent, lies, has grandiose plans, narcissism and false superiority. She regularly harms others and plans an attack at school as her way to commit suicide.
I did expect this to be a story about a fantasy world that would include battle, involving an isekai character who dropped in from the real world and decided to be a villain. So I knew there would be battle and violence. But something about this start was disturbing, making me think Kerri would definitely have been a real-life serial killer if she hadn't decided dying would allow her to travel to a new world. All of this having been said, it was very well written. So if you want to read about a teenage psychopath, this might be for you.
June 25, 2024
Note: I skipped large sections of this book so please, take that into account.
Firstly, I liked the mechanism Everly used to gain power so quickly. It's not explained how she could do that while nobody else could, but I'm guessing insanity played a part. I also like the trope of unexpected power and the resultant comeuppance that is gifted to those arrogant A-holes in power. I liked the competent use of grammar and the realistic dialogue.
On the other hand, the author likes the sound of their own voice a little too much. There are large swaths of text that could be excised with no impact on the plot or character development. The protagonist is portrayed as highly intelligent and self-aware and yet, on many occasions, she doesn't realize that she's giving a speech solely to herself... that's a verbal wank.
I almost DNFed the book when it started with the evil overlord playing with her food. I stuck with it long enough to see that it was a strategic ploy used against a prophetic religious order. It reminded me of how the Twilight movie series ended (not the books). That's a clever way to justify mass murder. I sighed with relief until it became clear that Everly would happily murder everyone for the fun of it, regardless of strategic concerns.
I was left following a sociopathic and psychotic protagonist who is all-powerful, sees other people as minor/disposable characters, and enjoys violence – both physical and psychological. It's impressive that the writing was good enough to allow me to reach the end. I feel a little dirty that a part of me wanted to keep reading.
Firstly, I liked the mechanism Everly used to gain power so quickly. It's not explained how she could do that while nobody else could, but I'm guessing insanity played a part. I also like the trope of unexpected power and the resultant comeuppance that is gifted to those arrogant A-holes in power. I liked the competent use of grammar and the realistic dialogue.
On the other hand, the author likes the sound of their own voice a little too much. There are large swaths of text that could be excised with no impact on the plot or character development. The protagonist is portrayed as highly intelligent and self-aware and yet, on many occasions, she doesn't realize that she's giving a speech solely to herself... that's a verbal wank.
I almost DNFed the book when it started with the evil overlord playing with her food. I stuck with it long enough to see that it was a strategic ploy used against a prophetic religious order. It reminded me of how the Twilight movie series ended (not the books). That's a clever way to justify mass murder. I sighed with relief until it became clear that Everly would happily murder everyone for the fun of it, regardless of strategic concerns.
I was left following a sociopathic and psychotic protagonist who is all-powerful, sees other people as minor/disposable characters, and enjoys violence – both physical and psychological. It's impressive that the writing was good enough to allow me to reach the end. I feel a little dirty that a part of me wanted to keep reading.
September 7, 2024
I love it, it's so good, and the writer has truly put in so much thought in the small things that makes this so good, and honestly it works only cause of mental state of the mc, the spoiled and delusional childish personality with just enough self awareness to mock herself sometimes, but at the same time she is completely clinically insane.
She is extremely shallow and completely unjustified, but that is what makes it so good, and to stop us from super hating the mc, every other human is super cartoon evil and honestly quite lame, and the few good ones are like super spineless.
Of course the whole gimmick will become super old super quick, and we can see it in book 2, it went from super fun and super entertaining to super generic.
Of course the mc is portrayed as the typical arrogant and hypocritical persona, and at the same time not being challenged by any true resistance makes the book possible, like plot armor, but at the same time she has the "mc super power" trait of being op as fk and all these combined together makes this so much fun, and also the comedic and light hearted tone is what makes it entertaining.
This might not be for you, but at the same time, this will be one of the most entertaining book 1 you will read, it's so fresh.
Yeah book 2 is a lot more thoughtless kind of bad, less entertaining kind of bad.
She is extremely shallow and completely unjustified, but that is what makes it so good, and to stop us from super hating the mc, every other human is super cartoon evil and honestly quite lame, and the few good ones are like super spineless.
Of course the whole gimmick will become super old super quick, and we can see it in book 2, it went from super fun and super entertaining to super generic.
Of course the mc is portrayed as the typical arrogant and hypocritical persona, and at the same time not being challenged by any true resistance makes the book possible, like plot armor, but at the same time she has the "mc super power" trait of being op as fk and all these combined together makes this so much fun, and also the comedic and light hearted tone is what makes it entertaining.
This might not be for you, but at the same time, this will be one of the most entertaining book 1 you will read, it's so fresh.
Yeah book 2 is a lot more thoughtless kind of bad, less entertaining kind of bad.
December 24, 2025
While I thought this book was great fun, I'd say that Everly not having anybody to push against is the largest hurdle for readers to overcome. Though her rise to power is achieved with fun magic, witty dialogue, and an often side-splitting meta sense of humor, this is a power fantasy through and through. There aren't any characters that can offer her a meaningful challenge, and I grew a little tired of the myriad characters who were introduced just to be killed within the same chapter. Even the characters most suited to be Everly's oppositional forces, Fenneth and the previous Maiden of the Holy Sword (I forgot her name), were dispatched in what felt like a waste of character-resources. Based on these thoughts, I can imagine the second book will deal with things in much the same way. I'll get around to reading it eventually because Everly is fun as heck, but I'm not immersed in the way I want to be.
April 19, 2024
Not a terrible book. The plot is interesting and extremely cruel while the characters are full of personality.
Unfortunately this book loses a lot of it's steam about 60% of the way through. This is when new character prospectives are introduced and they aren't done well. Most authors put several blank lines when changing the prospective from one character to another. This author chose not to and puts the change on the line after. It makes for a confusing read especially when a character was talking then the prospective changes. The author also blends them in paragraphs sometimes.
I would say avoid this book if you are uncomfortable with a character that has zero morals and won't be redeemed. While conversely if you want to read about the rise of a truly evil villain give this book a read.
Unfortunately this book loses a lot of it's steam about 60% of the way through. This is when new character prospectives are introduced and they aren't done well. Most authors put several blank lines when changing the prospective from one character to another. This author chose not to and puts the change on the line after. It makes for a confusing read especially when a character was talking then the prospective changes. The author also blends them in paragraphs sometimes.
I would say avoid this book if you are uncomfortable with a character that has zero morals and won't be redeemed. While conversely if you want to read about the rise of a truly evil villain give this book a read.
August 15, 2024
I loved much of this book but disliked the rest. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for morally ambiguous main characters with strong personalities and compelling traits, and I adored the humor in this book.
In the beginning, it felt like a breath of fresh air. The world-building was excellent, the characters were well-developed, the fantasy elements were captivating, and the cozy vibes were spot-on.
But honestly, there was far too many unnecessary things happening. So much irrelevant information bogged down the story, making it tedious to read. That’s why I ended up dropping a star and stopped reading around page 300. I tried to finish it but couldn't.
4 stars for its originality, comedy, dark moments, world building, great characters, and for how well it was written.
In the beginning, it felt like a breath of fresh air. The world-building was excellent, the characters were well-developed, the fantasy elements were captivating, and the cozy vibes were spot-on.
But honestly, there was far too many unnecessary things happening. So much irrelevant information bogged down the story, making it tedious to read. That’s why I ended up dropping a star and stopped reading around page 300. I tried to finish it but couldn't.
4 stars for its originality, comedy, dark moments, world building, great characters, and for how well it was written.
September 30, 2024
An enjoyable example of a villain protagonist
Everly would be insufferable to be around in real life, but she's fun to read about. The idea of someone trying to intentionally isekai themselves isn't a new one, but it's still interesting.
I imagine some people might dislike the frequent pop culture references the protagonist makes, but I think it's appropriate for a character who was previously a teenager clearly obsessed with that sort of thing, and who despite going through the aging to become a teenager again hasn't really changed much. I found it to be effective characterization.
This isn't a story for anyone who enjoys tension regarding the success of the main character. It's a story about an OP character, and it revels in that.
Everly would be insufferable to be around in real life, but she's fun to read about. The idea of someone trying to intentionally isekai themselves isn't a new one, but it's still interesting.
I imagine some people might dislike the frequent pop culture references the protagonist makes, but I think it's appropriate for a character who was previously a teenager clearly obsessed with that sort of thing, and who despite going through the aging to become a teenager again hasn't really changed much. I found it to be effective characterization.
This isn't a story for anyone who enjoys tension regarding the success of the main character. It's a story about an OP character, and it revels in that.
November 17, 2024
Great Villain-oriented story
What makes a great story? There has to be a challenge, something terrible, perhaps a grand villain to beat. Everly knows this very well, so in order to create her own perfect story, she strives to become the greatest villain of all.
There's a lot to love about this story.
- A full cast of characters, each with their own motivations and personalities.
- The side chapters do a great job fleshing out the world
- Everly's brutalness, and the lengths she will go to achieve her goals.
- Lots of great humor scattered throughout, contrasted by the more serious scenes where Everly's true villainy shines.
What makes a great story? There has to be a challenge, something terrible, perhaps a grand villain to beat. Everly knows this very well, so in order to create her own perfect story, she strives to become the greatest villain of all.
There's a lot to love about this story.
- A full cast of characters, each with their own motivations and personalities.
- The side chapters do a great job fleshing out the world
- Everly's brutalness, and the lengths she will go to achieve her goals.
- Lots of great humor scattered throughout, contrasted by the more serious scenes where Everly's true villainy shines.
March 29, 2025
Everly is not a good person. She is not a redeemable person.
But she is an absolutely stellar villain.
This book is a weirdly perfect change in the LitRPG/Isekai genre. It takes advantage of tropes and then twists them. Where some authors have their characters unintentionally be dragged into fantasy worlds, Simms has theirs intentionally put themselves there.
And where some authors would have their characters integrate into their new world, Everly treats the universe she's in akin to a Dungeon Master with a sadistic streak.
Sometimes you hope someone stops her. Sometimes you have to wonder if some of the characters in the world are worse than her.
But she is an absolutely stellar villain.
This book is a weirdly perfect change in the LitRPG/Isekai genre. It takes advantage of tropes and then twists them. Where some authors have their characters unintentionally be dragged into fantasy worlds, Simms has theirs intentionally put themselves there.
And where some authors would have their characters integrate into their new world, Everly treats the universe she's in akin to a Dungeon Master with a sadistic streak.
Sometimes you hope someone stops her. Sometimes you have to wonder if some of the characters in the world are worse than her.
September 20, 2024
A fun villain story
Because I am watching Overlord, I was looking for another power fantasy villain story. This story might have worked better as an anime, with some of the absolutely ridiculous things fitting better with anime than in a book. That said, it's still a fun read.
I was not expecting a complex magic system or complex world building, but the story does have it and it's well developed. A lot of it is told through info dumps which doesn't bother me but might bother you.
Because I am watching Overlord, I was looking for another power fantasy villain story. This story might have worked better as an anime, with some of the absolutely ridiculous things fitting better with anime than in a book. That said, it's still a fun read.
I was not expecting a complex magic system or complex world building, but the story does have it and it's well developed. A lot of it is told through info dumps which doesn't bother me but might bother you.
October 26, 2024
funny, irreverent very enjoyable.
I didn’t think I would like this book, I usually don’t read this style of literature. But I enjoy this book very much, wickedly, funny, likable, main character, extremely witty, full of pop, culture references, and laugh out loud situations. I must say bravo. I will Read the next book in the series.
I didn’t think I would like this book, I usually don’t read this style of literature. But I enjoy this book very much, wickedly, funny, likable, main character, extremely witty, full of pop, culture references, and laugh out loud situations. I must say bravo. I will Read the next book in the series.
April 18, 2025
It feels like a schoolyard bully taking out their anger on everyone. It is embarassing. They just appear pathetic. You curl in your stomach thinking of their personality. Anything they do is marred by their pathetic and embarassing display. The book neither impressive nor interesting. I'm embarassed for even having engaged with it in the first place. 5/10.
June 21, 2025
Sadistically Delicious
Outstanding first book. Looking forward to Everly's journey to dominion or oblivion. This is a great read. If you ever wonder what it be like if a likeable bad gal won. This book is for you
Outstanding first book. Looking forward to Everly's journey to dominion or oblivion. This is a great read. If you ever wonder what it be like if a likeable bad gal won. This book is for you
October 1, 2025
Different view
The bad guy is bad. Dangerous. Needing severe mental help. It needs a little polishing. But it feels like a new Lit type has appeared. Bonus points for the new flavor. And so many characters fit, not overly forced or shoehorned in.
The bad guy is bad. Dangerous. Needing severe mental help. It needs a little polishing. But it feels like a new Lit type has appeared. Bonus points for the new flavor. And so many characters fit, not overly forced or shoehorned in.
June 22, 2024
Brutal and hilarious
Awesome novel with some great dark comedic lines. The MC reminds me of Ains Ooal Gown mixed with Eminence in the Shadow if Ains was evil in the real world.
Awesome novel with some great dark comedic lines. The MC reminds me of Ains Ooal Gown mixed with Eminence in the Shadow if Ains was evil in the real world.
July 4, 2024
Charming characters
July 4, 2024
DNF. The main character has literally no redeeming characteristics. Why read this?
September 10, 2024
DNF Chapter 45.5/48
Book is super dark. Just felt lead to stop, though I'm curious as to how this first one will end and where we go from here...
Book is super dark. Just felt lead to stop, though I'm curious as to how this first one will end and where we go from here...
September 16, 2024
This story was a wild ride from beginning to end and was absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to get into the next book.
November 20, 2024
This was disappointing. There was no character development. She was so powerful that there was no struggle or overcoming challenges it sad cuz I really wanted this book to be good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews