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Empire of the Wolf #3
Im Nebel des Krieges
Das große Finale der »Chroniken von Sova«: Können Vonvalt und Helena das Reich des Wolfes retten?
Das Reich des Wolfes wird von allen Seiten bedroht und steht kurz vor dem Zerfall. Junker Konrad Vonvalt und Helena müssen jenseits der Grenzen nach Verbündeten suchen – bei den Wolfsmenschen in den südlichen Ebenen und den heidnischen Clans im Norden. Doch alte Missgunst sitzt tief, und beide Fraktionen würden von Sovas Fall profitieren.
Und selbst diese Verbündeten könnten nicht genug sein. Ihr alter Feind, der religiöse Fanatiker Bartholomäus Claver, verfügt über höllische Kräfte, die ihm von einem mysteriösen dämonischen Gönner verliehen wurden. Wenn Vonvalt und Helena sich gegen ihn behaupten wollen, müssen sie Freunde jenseits der Ebene der Sterblichen finden – aber solche Loyalitäten haben einen hohen Preis.
Während die Frontlinien sowohl in Sova als auch im Jenseits gezogen werden, rückt die endgültige Abrechnung näher. Hier, im pulsierenden Herzen des Imperiums, wird der doppelköpfige Wolf in einem Feuer der Gerechtigkeit wiedergeboren ... oder in den Schatten der Tyrannei zermalmt werden.
Das Reich des Wolfes wird von allen Seiten bedroht und steht kurz vor dem Zerfall. Junker Konrad Vonvalt und Helena müssen jenseits der Grenzen nach Verbündeten suchen – bei den Wolfsmenschen in den südlichen Ebenen und den heidnischen Clans im Norden. Doch alte Missgunst sitzt tief, und beide Fraktionen würden von Sovas Fall profitieren.
Und selbst diese Verbündeten könnten nicht genug sein. Ihr alter Feind, der religiöse Fanatiker Bartholomäus Claver, verfügt über höllische Kräfte, die ihm von einem mysteriösen dämonischen Gönner verliehen wurden. Wenn Vonvalt und Helena sich gegen ihn behaupten wollen, müssen sie Freunde jenseits der Ebene der Sterblichen finden – aber solche Loyalitäten haben einen hohen Preis.
Während die Frontlinien sowohl in Sova als auch im Jenseits gezogen werden, rückt die endgültige Abrechnung näher. Hier, im pulsierenden Herzen des Imperiums, wird der doppelköpfige Wolf in einem Feuer der Gerechtigkeit wiedergeboren ... oder in den Schatten der Tyrannei zermalmt werden.
576 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2024
381 people are currently reading
8681 people want to read
About the author
Richard Swan
18 books1,730 followersRichard Swan is a critically acclaimed British genre writer. He is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Empire of the Wolf and Great Silence trilogies, as well as fiction for Black Library and Grimdark Magazine. His work has been translated into ten languages.
Richard is a qualified lawyer, and before writing full time spent ten years litigating multimillion pound commercial disputes in London. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and three young sons.
For updates follow him at stonetemplelibrary.com.
Richard is a qualified lawyer, and before writing full time spent ten years litigating multimillion pound commercial disputes in London. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and three young sons.
For updates follow him at stonetemplelibrary.com.
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February 3, 2024
ARC provided by the publisher—Orbit Books—in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars
The Trials of Empire bestowed readers with a different direction and satisfying ending to Empire of the Wolf trilogy.
The time of judgment is at hand. It is time to judge The Trials of Empire and Empire of the Wolf trilogy in its entirety. It is also time to say goodbye to Helena Sedanka and Konrad Vonvalt. I can’t deny it feels bittersweet to part ways with these characters and the world. As some of you might recall, the first two books in Empire of the Wolf trilogy, The Justice of Kings and The Tyranny of Faith, are in my list of favorite books of the year when they were released. With the continuing streak of gorgeous cover art illustrated by Martina Fackova and designed by Lauren Panepinto, The Trials of Empire was one of my most anticipated books of this year. And I would be lying if I said I (overall) loved this final installment as much as the previous two books in the trilogy, which has a set high bar of quality for the series itself. But at the same time, I believe this roughly 164,000 words long novel did conclude the Empire of the Wolf trilogy satisfyingly.
After the intense and explosive ending of The Tyranny of Faith, The Empire of Wolf is on its knees. And it is still not safe from the danger and threats Claver poses. To save the empire, Konrad Vonvalt and Helena Sedanka must venture beyond its border for allies—to the wolfmen of the southern plains and the pagan clans in the north. But old grievances run deep, and both factions would benefit from the fall of Sova. Can they achieve an alliance with these factions? And will they be enough to stop the zealot Bartholomew Claver, who now wields infernal power to destroy his enemies? The final reckoning is here. Konrad Vonvalt and Helena Sedanka must be willing to sacrifice and go through hell to be victorious from their most challenging ordeals yet.
From that premise, it is not far-fetched to say there were two distinct parts in The Trials of Empire. The first half and the second half. Typical and similar to many other fantasy books, the first half of The Trials of Empire is centered on the main characters going out of their way to form allegiances before the final battle commences. And this is, unfortunately, where I struggled with The Trials of Empire. The first half felt like it tried to do too much as quickly as possible. And in a different direction. One of the best aspects of the first two books was the investigations into a mystery and the discussions on morality and justice. The latter is still, thankfully, evident in the narrative, especially in the second half. I will get into that later. But because The Trials of Empire tried to do too much—without enough development—by shifting the genre into horror fantasy, not to mention the traveling montage and the surprisingly descriptive writing on landscape and setting, the pacing in the first half felt sluggish for me to read. Additionally, Claver is the goal here. You know how in role-playing games, the final boss tends to patiently wait for us gamers to spend hours leveling up and gathering every piece of rare equipment and magic we have to cheese them dead in the final confrontation? This felt like that. The first half is like sidequests before the final storyline truly begins.
This is why I cannot help but feel the Empire of the Wolf trilogy needed another book, not because it did not end powerfully, but because there is a good chance it would improve the many ideas and development in the first half better; bridging it to the second half in a more gradual and organic fashion while strengthening the core of the narrative. It took me a week to read through the first half of The Trials of Empire and one day to read through the second half. Yes, let that sink in. If you know my reading journey by now, then you should know my investment and connection to a book can be measured by how fast I can and am willing to go through a book. An uninteresting or boring one would make me prefer doing something else rather than reading. A working and compelling narrative will absolutely push me to read through a book quicker, no matter how busy I am. And fortunately, that was achieved in the second half of The Trials of Empire as everything came to its inevitable destructive confrontation. I couldn't put down everything that happened in the second half of The Trials of Empire.
The Trials of Empire can be surmised as the most action-packed novel of the trilogy. Skirmishes and small battles are spread throughout the book, and The Trials of Empire ends with an incredibly well-written climax sequence. I have mentioned that one of the strengths of Swan as an author is to craft an engaging dialogue and thought-provoking discussions or epigraphs on the nature of good and evil. Systems and laws make civilizations. In that sense, language and interaction, too, are a system. The Trials of Empire circulates around the endless and old unanswerable questions. Is it right to abuse or make an exception to a rigid system to accomplish what we deem virtuous? Is it justice to do bad things for the goodness of the many? Is it necessary to get our hands dirty to keep the citizens clean? There were many quotable passages in the epigraphs and narrative on this topic. But other than these, as proven at the end of The Tyranny of Faith and now The Trials of Empire, Swan is totally capable of delivering a frantic and chaotic action sequence as well. And despite the rough start, the second half of The Trials of Empire provided a rewarding and proper ending to the trilogy, with room for more stories to come in the world.
One last positive factor to mention before I end this review. The entire trilogy is told through narration or memoir of Helena Sedanka, Vonvalt’s protégé. I already felt this was a great storytelling decision since The Justice of Kings, and I stand by this notion even stronger now. It felt bittersweet to say goodbye to Helena, Vonvalt, Radomir, and Heinrich. Heinrich is one of the goodest boys in fantasy, and I refuse to hear any conflicting argument. But beyond that, many aspects of the bonds between Helena and Bressinger, Radomir, Heinrich, and especially Vonvalt could work because everything is told through the intimate perspective of Helena. I have no complaints about Helena's friendship with the supporting characters of the Empire of the Wolf trilogy. But I do not think I am alone in saying I dislike whatever cringe or toxic relationship Helena and Vonvalt have for one another. This was the issue I had with The Tyranny of Faith, but fortunately, seeing the events and their relationship development in The Trials of Empire made their attraction to one another more understandable. It was handled more carefully, and like it or not, I think the resolution of Helena and Vonvalt's story felt poignant. And my god, they (especially Helena) have certainly been plunged into unimaginable ordeals and horrors in the context of the trilogy.
As it stands, despite my initial disconnection with the first half of The Trials of Empire, Swan has successfully transformed Empire of the Wolf trilogy into one of the strongest trilogies recently published. I highly recommend the entire trilogy to fantasy readers looking for a page-turning fantasy series that dives deep into the themes of justice and morality. The series started as a fantasy novel with minimal fantastical components, and for better or worse, depending on each reader, the emergence of the fantastical element in world-building constantly escalated. I have no idea what Swan has in store next, but I definitely will read more books by the author. As the pages of Helena Sedanka’s memoir are closed, it is time for me to move on to other series while I wait for Swan’s newest book.
Series Review:
The Justice of Kings: 4.5/5 stars
The Tyranny of Faith: 4.5/5 stars
The Trials of Empire: 3.5/5 stars
Empire of the Wolf: 12.5/15 stars
Picture: Helena and Heinrich by Elena Kononenko
You can pre-order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Allana, Ambrosius, Andrew, Andrew W, Annabeth, Arliss, Barbara, Biskit, Cade, Chris, Christopher, Cullen, Dan, David, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elaine, Elias, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Garrick, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, Jenn, Jesse, Joie, Jonathan, Jordan, Katrina, Kristina, Lara, Lourdes, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Norbert, Radiah, RCT, Redmischief, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Steph, Stephanie, Tiffany, Tracy, Trish, TS, Wendy, Wick, Woodman, Xero, Yosi, Yuri, Zoe.
3.5/5 stars
The Trials of Empire bestowed readers with a different direction and satisfying ending to Empire of the Wolf trilogy.
“One of the greatest feats of human cognisance is to realise and accept that every being capable of thought has a life as complex as one’s own.”
The time of judgment is at hand. It is time to judge The Trials of Empire and Empire of the Wolf trilogy in its entirety. It is also time to say goodbye to Helena Sedanka and Konrad Vonvalt. I can’t deny it feels bittersweet to part ways with these characters and the world. As some of you might recall, the first two books in Empire of the Wolf trilogy, The Justice of Kings and The Tyranny of Faith, are in my list of favorite books of the year when they were released. With the continuing streak of gorgeous cover art illustrated by Martina Fackova and designed by Lauren Panepinto, The Trials of Empire was one of my most anticipated books of this year. And I would be lying if I said I (overall) loved this final installment as much as the previous two books in the trilogy, which has a set high bar of quality for the series itself. But at the same time, I believe this roughly 164,000 words long novel did conclude the Empire of the Wolf trilogy satisfyingly.
“Sometimes we must act outside the bounds of the law to safeguard it. You are right that Claver is a deceitful and wretched man, but you are wrong to say that I am no better than him. I am better than him. I will always be better than him. Claver breaks the law to see that it remains broken; I break it only so that it may be saved. The time for high-minded ideals is gone. We have dark deeds ahead of us. If you have not the stomach for it, leave now.”
After the intense and explosive ending of The Tyranny of Faith, The Empire of Wolf is on its knees. And it is still not safe from the danger and threats Claver poses. To save the empire, Konrad Vonvalt and Helena Sedanka must venture beyond its border for allies—to the wolfmen of the southern plains and the pagan clans in the north. But old grievances run deep, and both factions would benefit from the fall of Sova. Can they achieve an alliance with these factions? And will they be enough to stop the zealot Bartholomew Claver, who now wields infernal power to destroy his enemies? The final reckoning is here. Konrad Vonvalt and Helena Sedanka must be willing to sacrifice and go through hell to be victorious from their most challenging ordeals yet.
“That was our sacrifice. We compromised our souls so that others could see the world through eyes unclouded by moral failure.”
From that premise, it is not far-fetched to say there were two distinct parts in The Trials of Empire. The first half and the second half. Typical and similar to many other fantasy books, the first half of The Trials of Empire is centered on the main characters going out of their way to form allegiances before the final battle commences. And this is, unfortunately, where I struggled with The Trials of Empire. The first half felt like it tried to do too much as quickly as possible. And in a different direction. One of the best aspects of the first two books was the investigations into a mystery and the discussions on morality and justice. The latter is still, thankfully, evident in the narrative, especially in the second half. I will get into that later. But because The Trials of Empire tried to do too much—without enough development—by shifting the genre into horror fantasy, not to mention the traveling montage and the surprisingly descriptive writing on landscape and setting, the pacing in the first half felt sluggish for me to read. Additionally, Claver is the goal here. You know how in role-playing games, the final boss tends to patiently wait for us gamers to spend hours leveling up and gathering every piece of rare equipment and magic we have to cheese them dead in the final confrontation? This felt like that. The first half is like sidequests before the final storyline truly begins.
“No one is entitled to success. Sometimes the just fail and the unjust triumph. That is why complacency is the most unforgivable of sins.”
This is why I cannot help but feel the Empire of the Wolf trilogy needed another book, not because it did not end powerfully, but because there is a good chance it would improve the many ideas and development in the first half better; bridging it to the second half in a more gradual and organic fashion while strengthening the core of the narrative. It took me a week to read through the first half of The Trials of Empire and one day to read through the second half. Yes, let that sink in. If you know my reading journey by now, then you should know my investment and connection to a book can be measured by how fast I can and am willing to go through a book. An uninteresting or boring one would make me prefer doing something else rather than reading. A working and compelling narrative will absolutely push me to read through a book quicker, no matter how busy I am. And fortunately, that was achieved in the second half of The Trials of Empire as everything came to its inevitable destructive confrontation. I couldn't put down everything that happened in the second half of The Trials of Empire.
“An idea is like a pox: it can persist long after its host has died.”
The Trials of Empire can be surmised as the most action-packed novel of the trilogy. Skirmishes and small battles are spread throughout the book, and The Trials of Empire ends with an incredibly well-written climax sequence. I have mentioned that one of the strengths of Swan as an author is to craft an engaging dialogue and thought-provoking discussions or epigraphs on the nature of good and evil. Systems and laws make civilizations. In that sense, language and interaction, too, are a system. The Trials of Empire circulates around the endless and old unanswerable questions. Is it right to abuse or make an exception to a rigid system to accomplish what we deem virtuous? Is it justice to do bad things for the goodness of the many? Is it necessary to get our hands dirty to keep the citizens clean? There were many quotable passages in the epigraphs and narrative on this topic. But other than these, as proven at the end of The Tyranny of Faith and now The Trials of Empire, Swan is totally capable of delivering a frantic and chaotic action sequence as well. And despite the rough start, the second half of The Trials of Empire provided a rewarding and proper ending to the trilogy, with room for more stories to come in the world.
”It is a difficult thing, to have one’s world burned down. It takes a person of special character to see anything except ashes.”
One last positive factor to mention before I end this review. The entire trilogy is told through narration or memoir of Helena Sedanka, Vonvalt’s protégé. I already felt this was a great storytelling decision since The Justice of Kings, and I stand by this notion even stronger now. It felt bittersweet to say goodbye to Helena, Vonvalt, Radomir, and Heinrich. Heinrich is one of the goodest boys in fantasy, and I refuse to hear any conflicting argument. But beyond that, many aspects of the bonds between Helena and Bressinger, Radomir, Heinrich, and especially Vonvalt could work because everything is told through the intimate perspective of Helena. I have no complaints about Helena's friendship with the supporting characters of the Empire of the Wolf trilogy. But I do not think I am alone in saying I dislike whatever cringe or toxic relationship Helena and Vonvalt have for one another. This was the issue I had with The Tyranny of Faith, but fortunately, seeing the events and their relationship development in The Trials of Empire made their attraction to one another more understandable. It was handled more carefully, and like it or not, I think the resolution of Helena and Vonvalt's story felt poignant. And my god, they (especially Helena) have certainly been plunged into unimaginable ordeals and horrors in the context of the trilogy.
We must make time to indulge our desires. Our humanity. We are not automata. Even in Südenburg, as severe a place as you can exist within the Empire– or rather, without it– we made time for levity, for music and humour, for carnality. A life without these things is no life at all.”
As it stands, despite my initial disconnection with the first half of The Trials of Empire, Swan has successfully transformed Empire of the Wolf trilogy into one of the strongest trilogies recently published. I highly recommend the entire trilogy to fantasy readers looking for a page-turning fantasy series that dives deep into the themes of justice and morality. The series started as a fantasy novel with minimal fantastical components, and for better or worse, depending on each reader, the emergence of the fantastical element in world-building constantly escalated. I have no idea what Swan has in store next, but I definitely will read more books by the author. As the pages of Helena Sedanka’s memoir are closed, it is time for me to move on to other series while I wait for Swan’s newest book.
“There will never be an answer that satisfies you. If our lives are inherently meaningless, then what matters is our actions and how they affect others. There is no world in which everyone lives a life free of suffering and untimely death. All we can do is be the best people we can be.
Series Review:
The Justice of Kings: 4.5/5 stars
The Tyranny of Faith: 4.5/5 stars
The Trials of Empire: 3.5/5 stars
Empire of the Wolf: 12.5/15 stars
Picture: Helena and Heinrich by Elena Kononenko
You can pre-order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Allana, Ambrosius, Andrew, Andrew W, Annabeth, Arliss, Barbara, Biskit, Cade, Chris, Christopher, Cullen, Dan, David, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elaine, Elias, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Garrick, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, Jenn, Jesse, Joie, Jonathan, Jordan, Katrina, Kristina, Lara, Lourdes, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Norbert, Radiah, RCT, Redmischief, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Steph, Stephanie, Tiffany, Tracy, Trish, TS, Wendy, Wick, Woodman, Xero, Yosi, Yuri, Zoe.
February 21, 2024
Watch my video review by clicking here.
Way, way, way too much crammed into this final book. Should have been at least one more book to pull this plot off, possibly even two.
Way, way, way too much crammed into this final book. Should have been at least one more book to pull this plot off, possibly even two.
July 10, 2024
Just my luck to have bumbled into requesting the ARC without having read the previous books. 🤣 I swear this clueless enthusiasm for books is going to be the death of me one day.
Ah, well . . . I'll read the whole thing eventually.
Update March 2024: On finishing the first book of the trilogy and sampling the opening chapters of this one, I've decided not to finish the rest of the books. It's a fine novel with an interesting world, but sadly doesn't fit my tastes as much of mainstream Fantasy these days. Vonvalt was the highlight of the book for me, but the story doesn't grab me, nor does the world this is set in either.
Ah, well . . . I'll read the whole thing eventually.
Update March 2024: On finishing the first book of the trilogy and sampling the opening chapters of this one, I've decided not to finish the rest of the books. It's a fine novel with an interesting world, but sadly doesn't fit my tastes as much of mainstream Fantasy these days. Vonvalt was the highlight of the book for me, but the story doesn't grab me, nor does the world this is set in either.
December 23, 2023
Who knew I needed medieval horror in my life?
The Trials of Empire brings this trilogy to an end and what a ride it has been. I could probably write a 10 page document about how refreshing and unique this series is but I will keep it brief since I've made a deep-dive into this series on my channel!
With The Trials of Empire this trilogy has become a new favourite of mine. While the series initially unfolds as a legal thriller, this final installment transforms the series into a haunting medieval horror-fantasy narrative, delving into dark and chilling depths. Moreover, Swan masterfully brings all the character arcs and plotlines to a satisfying conclusion.
Empire of the Wolf is truly unlike anything I've ever read. If I were to describe this series, it's a blend of legal intrigue and character exploration that turns into an crazy medieval horror tale— it is undeniably unique. The most impressive part is that Swan is able to make the plot utterly compelling and addictive.
My only nitpick is that the final book maybe focuses a tad bit too much on the horror elements, but I am unsure if Swan could have changed anything considering this is the conclusion to the series. Regardless, I will read anything Swan writes going forward!
4 / 5
The Trials of Empire brings this trilogy to an end and what a ride it has been. I could probably write a 10 page document about how refreshing and unique this series is but I will keep it brief since I've made a deep-dive into this series on my channel!
With The Trials of Empire this trilogy has become a new favourite of mine. While the series initially unfolds as a legal thriller, this final installment transforms the series into a haunting medieval horror-fantasy narrative, delving into dark and chilling depths. Moreover, Swan masterfully brings all the character arcs and plotlines to a satisfying conclusion.
Empire of the Wolf is truly unlike anything I've ever read. If I were to describe this series, it's a blend of legal intrigue and character exploration that turns into an crazy medieval horror tale— it is undeniably unique. The most impressive part is that Swan is able to make the plot utterly compelling and addictive.
My only nitpick is that the final book maybe focuses a tad bit too much on the horror elements, but I am unsure if Swan could have changed anything considering this is the conclusion to the series. Regardless, I will read anything Swan writes going forward!
4 / 5
July 24, 2024
I had a whole life to live, and yet it felt as though I had already lived a whole life.
I took my time, delayed writing this review, and yet I still find myself at a loss for words.
The Empire of the Wolf Trilogy is, without a doubt, the best series I have ever read. I know it's a bold statement, but I know what I'm doing and I know I put this trilogy stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other untouchable gods of fantasy.
To express my feelings towards the Empire of the Wolf trilogy, I can't help but think of Helena's quest. It is the nearest thing to show my surfaces that I can't voice: "Sometimes I found him intolerable; other times I craved him as though I were addicted to him. Our lives were so thoroughly and inexorably entwined it was impossible not to think of him constantly."
The Empire of the Wolf trilogy chronicles the story of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, as narrated by Helena Sedanka, his clerk. The tale of the rise and fall of the Sovan Empire, the Empire of the Wolf.
“Do you know, Sir Konrad, that you may just be the most offensively insolent man I have ever met?”
Like the last two books, the story starts where it left off.
Sir Konrad Vonvalt, a talented swordsman, ‘hero of the Reichskrieg’, accused of treason, now is going to bring his greatest weapon to bear, his brain, to break the law only so that it may be saved the law.
But
Such a thing is even possible?!
“There is peace, and there is justice, and these are not the same thing. And whilst the Empire has brought peace, where is the justice for those who died to bring it about?”
“Now you equate justice and vengeance.”
“Sometimes they are one and the same.”
I can tell you that the plot twist in this book is truly unbelievable. The characters are so realistic, the world-building is unique, and the descriptions are so vivid that it feels like watching a movie...
But
I wouldn't say and it doesn't matter, because I may have used similar phrases to describe other books, and this trilogy is not like other books, stands apart from the rest. I don't have much else to say...
Again
I am begging you, dear author, don't stop writing about Sir Konrad Vonvalt, there are many trilogies with more than 3 books... anything... before Rill...
And
Helena don't you DARE keep for yourself!
My huge thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit via NetGalley for giving me the chance to read The Trials of Empire (Empire of the Wolf #3), I have given my honest review with a heavy heart.
I took my time, delayed writing this review, and yet I still find myself at a loss for words.
The Empire of the Wolf Trilogy is, without a doubt, the best series I have ever read. I know it's a bold statement, but I know what I'm doing and I know I put this trilogy stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other untouchable gods of fantasy.
To express my feelings towards the Empire of the Wolf trilogy, I can't help but think of Helena's quest. It is the nearest thing to show my surfaces that I can't voice: "Sometimes I found him intolerable; other times I craved him as though I were addicted to him. Our lives were so thoroughly and inexorably entwined it was impossible not to think of him constantly."
The Empire of the Wolf trilogy chronicles the story of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, as narrated by Helena Sedanka, his clerk. The tale of the rise and fall of the Sovan Empire, the Empire of the Wolf.
“Do you know, Sir Konrad, that you may just be the most offensively insolent man I have ever met?”
Like the last two books, the story starts where it left off.
Sir Konrad Vonvalt, a talented swordsman, ‘hero of the Reichskrieg’, accused of treason, now is going to bring his greatest weapon to bear, his brain, to break the law only so that it may be saved the law.
But
Such a thing is even possible?!
“There is peace, and there is justice, and these are not the same thing. And whilst the Empire has brought peace, where is the justice for those who died to bring it about?”
“Now you equate justice and vengeance.”
“Sometimes they are one and the same.”
I can tell you that the plot twist in this book is truly unbelievable. The characters are so realistic, the world-building is unique, and the descriptions are so vivid that it feels like watching a movie...
But
I wouldn't say and it doesn't matter, because I may have used similar phrases to describe other books, and this trilogy is not like other books, stands apart from the rest. I don't have much else to say...
Again
I am begging you, dear author, don't stop writing about Sir Konrad Vonvalt, there are many trilogies with more than 3 books... anything... before Rill...
And
Helena don't you DARE keep for yourself!
My huge thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit via NetGalley for giving me the chance to read The Trials of Empire (Empire of the Wolf #3), I have given my honest review with a heavy heart.
March 28, 2024
4.0 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/nOaOLBiqSXw
Finally! A fantasy series with a solid conclusion. This is a rare and beautiful thing!
I absolutely loved the first two books and I am happy to report that the third and final book in this trilogy landed the ending.
It is just refreshing to find such a consistent author. The worldbuilding, the characters and the plotting in all three books were near perfect. The prose is incredibly polished. I just love spending time in this world with Helena and Vonvalt. I am fascinated by the complex dynamics between these two. I also really enjoy the dark aspects of worldbuilding in this entry.
This has easily become a new favourite completed series and I would highly recommend it to readers looking for a character driven fantasy series full of politics and intrigue.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review: https://youtu.be/nOaOLBiqSXw
Finally! A fantasy series with a solid conclusion. This is a rare and beautiful thing!
I absolutely loved the first two books and I am happy to report that the third and final book in this trilogy landed the ending.
It is just refreshing to find such a consistent author. The worldbuilding, the characters and the plotting in all three books were near perfect. The prose is incredibly polished. I just love spending time in this world with Helena and Vonvalt. I am fascinated by the complex dynamics between these two. I also really enjoy the dark aspects of worldbuilding in this entry.
This has easily become a new favourite completed series and I would highly recommend it to readers looking for a character driven fantasy series full of politics and intrigue.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 12, 2024
this trilogy has been an amazing ride. can’t believe it’s over 😭
May 1, 2024
First I'd like to thank Orbit for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
It was a fantastic way to finish to a brilliant trilogy.
I loved that the stakes keep getting somehow higher without losing the focus on a small number of characters and storylines.
I felt this book more slow to start and more on the otherworldly side without a complete change of tone, and the conclusion whas satisfying and yet open enough.
I would highly recommend this trilogy.
It was a fantastic way to finish to a brilliant trilogy.
I loved that the stakes keep getting somehow higher without losing the focus on a small number of characters and storylines.
I felt this book more slow to start and more on the otherworldly side without a complete change of tone, and the conclusion whas satisfying and yet open enough.
I would highly recommend this trilogy.
January 3, 2024
This is a review that is going to be really tough to write because this book is the culmination of what is one of the best fantasy series I've ever read. We tend to overuse this phrase in book reviewing spheres but in this case it truly cannot be understated what a monumental achievement Richard Swan has bestowed upon readers with this fabulous trilogy. As this is the final entry in the Empire of the Wolf story I will of course attempt to avoid any spoilers for those who haven't yet read any of the previous ones.
THE TRIALS OF EMPIRE picks up right where the middle book The Tyranny of Faith left off. The Empire is in quite a state of flux and uncertainty and it is left to Justice Konrad and Helena to attempt to set things right. The problem is they are going against an enemy that seems invincible given the fact that there are otherworldly powers and entities backing his mission. Claver is one of the more fanatical villains you will ever meet and it's obvious that his deeply rooted extremist beliefs take precedence over whatever rational thought once existed within him. Events and circumstances set up perfectly for what was in my opinion a brilliant finale and wrap up of the compelling plot laid out in books one and two.
Again I have to praise Richard Swan for the method in which he tells his story, having a supporting character Helena convey the activity of the main character Konrad Vonvalt. I've mentioned the uniqueness of this delivery in previous reviews but I can't stress enough how effective it is in telling this particular story. Helena serves as the rational foil to the sometimes unhinged Vonvalt. We often experience her trepidation and skepticism of him via her inner thoughts juxtaposed against her vivid descriptions of Vonvalt's sometimes questionable behavior and zealous actions. It's a cool way of absorbing the story and it takes a gutsy writer to try and pull it off, but it works beautifully in my opinion.
This book did so much to justify the reading investment of the first two and the final half of it seemed to speed by for me up to the thrilling and highly moving conclusion. Richard Swan lays out the blueprint for exactly how you should end a series. Every plot thread is wrapped up tightly, the action is remarkably frenzied, characters are put to the test and challenged to overcome overwhelming adversity, and you as the reader leave the story feeling as though you've had every single box checked in what you look for in an entertaining and thought-provoking read.
I do believe that Swan left the door open for more books to come in this universe upon having read the epilogue. I guess we will see if that ultimately happens. Regardless, this is a series that stands proudly on its own as a towering example of how great fantasy can completely wow us and make us feel transported to another wondrous place and time. I for one am so delighted that I had the pleasure of taking this journey. I highly recommend that you do to. It's one that you won't soon forget, I promise you that!
THE TRIALS OF EMPIRE picks up right where the middle book The Tyranny of Faith left off. The Empire is in quite a state of flux and uncertainty and it is left to Justice Konrad and Helena to attempt to set things right. The problem is they are going against an enemy that seems invincible given the fact that there are otherworldly powers and entities backing his mission. Claver is one of the more fanatical villains you will ever meet and it's obvious that his deeply rooted extremist beliefs take precedence over whatever rational thought once existed within him. Events and circumstances set up perfectly for what was in my opinion a brilliant finale and wrap up of the compelling plot laid out in books one and two.
Again I have to praise Richard Swan for the method in which he tells his story, having a supporting character Helena convey the activity of the main character Konrad Vonvalt. I've mentioned the uniqueness of this delivery in previous reviews but I can't stress enough how effective it is in telling this particular story. Helena serves as the rational foil to the sometimes unhinged Vonvalt. We often experience her trepidation and skepticism of him via her inner thoughts juxtaposed against her vivid descriptions of Vonvalt's sometimes questionable behavior and zealous actions. It's a cool way of absorbing the story and it takes a gutsy writer to try and pull it off, but it works beautifully in my opinion.
This book did so much to justify the reading investment of the first two and the final half of it seemed to speed by for me up to the thrilling and highly moving conclusion. Richard Swan lays out the blueprint for exactly how you should end a series. Every plot thread is wrapped up tightly, the action is remarkably frenzied, characters are put to the test and challenged to overcome overwhelming adversity, and you as the reader leave the story feeling as though you've had every single box checked in what you look for in an entertaining and thought-provoking read.
I do believe that Swan left the door open for more books to come in this universe upon having read the epilogue. I guess we will see if that ultimately happens. Regardless, this is a series that stands proudly on its own as a towering example of how great fantasy can completely wow us and make us feel transported to another wondrous place and time. I for one am so delighted that I had the pleasure of taking this journey. I highly recommend that you do to. It's one that you won't soon forget, I promise you that!
September 3, 2024
2.75 stars
The first two books in this series followed a somewhat similar concept. The characters were travelling through the empire, and then encountered some sort of mystery that they had to solve. At the same time, the overarching conflict slowly but surely kept building and tensions rose as the characters got more and more involved.
While I did have problems with certain aspects of these first two books (mostly the second book!) I still really enjoyed the mystery solving of it all, it definitely kept me interested. The writing style felt atmospheric, and the world building was nicely done.
This final instalment, however, changed direction and introduced so many new things, it felt disjointed. There was so much that was only briefly or never mentioned before trying to build up to the big finale that led to this story feeling very rushed. It needed much more build up for all of this to work, and that just wasn’t there.
Also, the whole Helena and Vonvalt thing was still somehow present in this story, so thanks, I hated that.
Overall, I still like the first book best. This final one had its moments and great scenes, but the pacing didn’t work and there was too much new information introduced in a very short amount of time too really get into it. And book two had already kind of ruined the main characters for me, so.. glad to be done with this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
___
I got this book as an arc, so I'm giving this series one last chance 🤞
The first two books in this series followed a somewhat similar concept. The characters were travelling through the empire, and then encountered some sort of mystery that they had to solve. At the same time, the overarching conflict slowly but surely kept building and tensions rose as the characters got more and more involved.
While I did have problems with certain aspects of these first two books (mostly the second book!) I still really enjoyed the mystery solving of it all, it definitely kept me interested. The writing style felt atmospheric, and the world building was nicely done.
This final instalment, however, changed direction and introduced so many new things, it felt disjointed. There was so much that was only briefly or never mentioned before trying to build up to the big finale that led to this story feeling very rushed. It needed much more build up for all of this to work, and that just wasn’t there.
Also, the whole Helena and Vonvalt thing was still somehow present in this story, so thanks, I hated that.
Overall, I still like the first book best. This final one had its moments and great scenes, but the pacing didn’t work and there was too much new information introduced in a very short amount of time too really get into it. And book two had already kind of ruined the main characters for me, so.. glad to be done with this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
___
I got this book as an arc, so I'm giving this series one last chance 🤞
February 20, 2025
I would like to IMMENSELY THANK NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
First off, this is the absolute best fucking thing I have put in my brain since Game of Thrones! Devouring a fantasy series of this caliber, a trilogy at that, is not a thing I can say I've done since I'd discovered GRRM. And I'm not saying there aren't others comparable to ASOIAF. I'm saying that I've Book 1-ed a ton over the years, but it's a rare phenomenon for a series to monopolize my attention past that, and for its duration.
In the case of the Empire of the Wolf series, my fascination is directly related to how much I LOVE the tonal quality of this series, overall. For me, it reads like the love-child between erudite and silky, and I thought it remarkable, and voracious, and appetite-inducing enough to set RS apart from the myriad others in the genre and, most importantly, in my head!
Second, I've a massive crush on Aegraxes. Who can fault me? Look at this book cover. It is unrepentant in its gorgeousness and I can stare at IT forever. The artist, Martina Fačková is doing God's work straight up!
Ok, proviso in place. Let's fkin go!
Sooooo in a mega weird twist, by the end of The Trials of Empire I felt quite sorry for Claver and I was NOT a fan of Helena.
But as much as I abhorred Helena the High-Horse High-Way, her POV -admittedly from the emo perspective of her 20yo self so it is what it is- made for a visceral, fear inducing, anxiety ridden, tumultuous reading experience. So top marks for immersive storytelling! Swan's characters were all so multi-faceted, layered with depth and masterclass complexity, that I could not help BUT appreciate her courage and perseverance, despite how much she annoyed the fuck out of me. Not to mention the dichotomy of her being just an ordinary, unimportant person who got caught up in someone else's game, only to have a fated thing OF IMPORTANCE thrust upon her to be played out...well that would fuck up the best of us normies!
She made it through though. She got her furbabies in the end, said all her goodbyes and buried all her loves, and lived to narrate the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt's exploits 60 years later. And it was a fucking brilliant one THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVED! So I'm graciously rebranding my displeasure as "love-to-hate", because being radically opposed to her perspective for 1550 pages made me love the bastard so much more!
I'm not even going to talk about the unnecessary "romance" fugue that made me wish Helena was a man, and Vonvalt gay, thereby upping the ante on the will-they-won't-they stakes. Because if we're going the romance route, MY scenario would have posed a more riveting and tension filled variation on the emotional drama -beyond the spiritual and epic warfare- that was in this.
Regardless, Helena being Helena was like one long episode of reverse psychology, the results of which I can only celebrate because I'm now a forever Vonvalt stan! Because no matter his shades of grey, the man did what he had to do for the good of them all. Sure Helena did some pretty gnarly netherworld traversing that would haunt her for eternity, but you know, choices matter and she'd made hers. I just wish she wasn't such a fucking shrew throughout the series.
Putting Helena aside for a second, all of the other characters were just fantastically realized! Sir Radomir and Severina, Resi, Claver and the denizens of the Edaximae, Jansen and Lady Frost...i mean the list goes on and on...they were all so dynamic and vicious and frantic and well seated in their beingness! all their stories were extraordinary and teeming, alive with function and temerity! The impact of all their common threads aligning, all the worlds coming undone, all the shredding of the establishment, vigour and reason in the face of battle priests wielding bloody violent sorcery, cogs in the volatile razing of Claver's divine reckoning, all of that maelstrom just blew my fucking mind...continuously...the whole way through. Torrid, unspeakable fresh hell every chapter AND I FUCKIN LOVED IT ALL!
This was everything spectacular I could have asked for in a fantasy series, incomparable and special to me beyond measure, and I am desperate for more of this! So YES, the Empire of the Wolf series, as a whole, was a MEGA WIN for me! I am hoping that whatever Richard Swan releases in the future features more of this magnificent and diverse world, because Vonvalt exploring nations across the continent and the world, like the Kyarai and the Qaresh, and joining forces and being his epic self alongside other cool races created by The Cataclysm, like the Kasar wolfmen and the Stygion mermen, is everything I want to read right now, every single day, for the rest of my life!
First off, this is the absolute best fucking thing I have put in my brain since Game of Thrones! Devouring a fantasy series of this caliber, a trilogy at that, is not a thing I can say I've done since I'd discovered GRRM. And I'm not saying there aren't others comparable to ASOIAF. I'm saying that I've Book 1-ed a ton over the years, but it's a rare phenomenon for a series to monopolize my attention past that, and for its duration.
In the case of the Empire of the Wolf series, my fascination is directly related to how much I LOVE the tonal quality of this series, overall. For me, it reads like the love-child between erudite and silky, and I thought it remarkable, and voracious, and appetite-inducing enough to set RS apart from the myriad others in the genre and, most importantly, in my head!
Second, I've a massive crush on Aegraxes. Who can fault me? Look at this book cover. It is unrepentant in its gorgeousness and I can stare at IT forever. The artist, Martina Fačková is doing God's work straight up!
Ok, proviso in place. Let's fkin go!
Sooooo in a mega weird twist, by the end of The Trials of Empire I felt quite sorry for Claver and I was NOT a fan of Helena.
But as much as I abhorred Helena the High-Horse High-Way, her POV -admittedly from the emo perspective of her 20yo self so it is what it is- made for a visceral, fear inducing, anxiety ridden, tumultuous reading experience. So top marks for immersive storytelling! Swan's characters were all so multi-faceted, layered with depth and masterclass complexity, that I could not help BUT appreciate her courage and perseverance, despite how much she annoyed the fuck out of me. Not to mention the dichotomy of her being just an ordinary, unimportant person who got caught up in someone else's game, only to have a fated thing OF IMPORTANCE thrust upon her to be played out...well that would fuck up the best of us normies!
She made it through though. She got her furbabies in the end, said all her goodbyes and buried all her loves, and lived to narrate the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt's exploits 60 years later. And it was a fucking brilliant one THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVED! So I'm graciously rebranding my displeasure as "love-to-hate", because being radically opposed to her perspective for 1550 pages made me love the bastard so much more!
I'm not even going to talk about the unnecessary "romance" fugue that made me wish Helena was a man, and Vonvalt gay, thereby upping the ante on the will-they-won't-they stakes. Because if we're going the romance route, MY scenario would have posed a more riveting and tension filled variation on the emotional drama -beyond the spiritual and epic warfare- that was in this.
Regardless, Helena being Helena was like one long episode of reverse psychology, the results of which I can only celebrate because I'm now a forever Vonvalt stan! Because no matter his shades of grey, the man did what he had to do for the good of them all. Sure Helena did some pretty gnarly netherworld traversing that would haunt her for eternity, but you know, choices matter and she'd made hers. I just wish she wasn't such a fucking shrew throughout the series.
Putting Helena aside for a second, all of the other characters were just fantastically realized! Sir Radomir and Severina, Resi, Claver and the denizens of the Edaximae, Jansen and Lady Frost...i mean the list goes on and on...they were all so dynamic and vicious and frantic and well seated in their beingness! all their stories were extraordinary and teeming, alive with function and temerity! The impact of all their common threads aligning, all the worlds coming undone, all the shredding of the establishment, vigour and reason in the face of battle priests wielding bloody violent sorcery, cogs in the volatile razing of Claver's divine reckoning, all of that maelstrom just blew my fucking mind...continuously...the whole way through. Torrid, unspeakable fresh hell every chapter AND I FUCKIN LOVED IT ALL!
This was everything spectacular I could have asked for in a fantasy series, incomparable and special to me beyond measure, and I am desperate for more of this! So YES, the Empire of the Wolf series, as a whole, was a MEGA WIN for me! I am hoping that whatever Richard Swan releases in the future features more of this magnificent and diverse world, because Vonvalt exploring nations across the continent and the world, like the Kyarai and the Qaresh, and joining forces and being his epic self alongside other cool races created by The Cataclysm, like the Kasar wolfmen and the Stygion mermen, is everything I want to read right now, every single day, for the rest of my life!
June 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this series as a whole. I love the framed narrative and the ideas and themes of justice and I will enjoy a courtroom scene in any book ever. The trial at the end of this book may be the best thing Swan has written so far. I also think that Swan excels at the horror genre, and this book is packed full of cosmic horror juxtaposed with the mundane.
That being said, I appreciate the scope of this book, but I think I prefer the smaller scope of book 1. I've talked about 'power creep' on my channel before and it's just harder to connect when the world is at stake. Not to say it can't be done, but for some reason, the two elements of an empire in danger of lawlessness and the fate of the very world at stake on a cosmic level just didn't quite get there for me. I almost wish it had been one or the other. Also, though I will defend it to the teeth, the fact that Helena is the only POV necessarily removes us from some big events in this book because she's just not there. I love Helena and I love Vonvalt, and not nearly enough Radomir in this one!
Regardless, I enjoyed this book and I'm so looking forward to the flintlock sequel series coming out. The series is definitely worth a read and Swan gets major points for ambition.
That being said, I appreciate the scope of this book, but I think I prefer the smaller scope of book 1. I've talked about 'power creep' on my channel before and it's just harder to connect when the world is at stake. Not to say it can't be done, but for some reason, the two elements of an empire in danger of lawlessness and the fate of the very world at stake on a cosmic level just didn't quite get there for me. I almost wish it had been one or the other. Also, though I will defend it to the teeth, the fact that Helena is the only POV necessarily removes us from some big events in this book because she's just not there. I love Helena and I love Vonvalt, and not nearly enough Radomir in this one!
Regardless, I enjoyed this book and I'm so looking forward to the flintlock sequel series coming out. The series is definitely worth a read and Swan gets major points for ambition.
March 1, 2024
2/5
Possibly the biggest drop off in quality of a series that I’ve experienced. The Justice of Kings and The Tyranny of Faith are both two excellent books. The Justice of Kings in particular is one of my go to recommendations for modern fantasy. Both books are incredibly innovative. They are exceptionally written with brilliant characters, and a focus on something completely unique to fantasy. The third & final book in The Empire of the Wolf trilogy, The Trials of Empire, is nowhere even close to the previous two books in terms of quality, in my opinion.
The prologue to The Trials of Empire starts off wonderfully. It’s a conversation between two of the series star characters, Helena and Vonvalt, in which both debate what it means to deliver justice, and what justice actually is. The prologue is fantastic. It’s deep, it’s complex and it’s thought provoking. As I’m reading it, all I can think is right we’re cooking. It’s going to be a brilliant ending to what has so far shaped up to be one of the best modern fantasy series about. Then the prologue ends, and the book gradually, and ever so slowly starts to decline. The story begins to move away its core premise of upholding ancient law in a fantasy world. The debates on morality & justice between the characters starts to dissipate. Instead, the book begins to instead focus on the supernatural, it starts to become a quasi-horror story. Elements that were minor plot points, masterfully layered in the background of the previous books now come to the forefront and completely overtake the books story. Multiple new plot points are introduced to the story. New places, new events, new characters - all of which is given very little time to breathe or develop. It’s a convoluted mess. There’s just so much going on in such a short space it becomes so difficult to keep track of what’s going on; ultimately leading to me not caring what’s going on. Eventually, it just became so, so, SO boring. Sir Radomir often remarks how ridiculous all of the new developments are, and how he’s becoming sick of it - which perfectly captures how I began to feel about it all.
So many new characters are introduced to the narrative in the final book. Characters that weren’t even really players in book one, playing the most minuscule of roles suddenly show up in the final book as big players. Conversely one of the series main characters and one of its best, is sent away early in the book and isn’t seen for a large chunk of it. That particular decision I couldn’t wrap my head round. This series is at its strongest when the four main cast of characters, Vonvalt, Helena, Radomir and Dubine are together, rolling off each other. It felt like a golden quartet. They had an unprecedented amount of chemistry with each other. All four characters complimented each other perfectly, providing us with some top character work, as well as illuminating conversation and debates between them. This book is mostly devoid of that because outside of the prologue, the opening chapters of this book, and of course, due to obvious events from the end of the last book - the characters are all separated from each other. Even when Vonvalt and Helena are together, their scenes aren’t nearly as impactful because they’re bogged down by all the newly introduced characters and plot points.
Everything about the book that made the series so good just feels diluted here. Swan absolutely needed more books in this series to adequately wrap it up if he was set on introducing so much in this book. The series loses so much of its charm because of how this one went down. The books closing chapters, it’s epilogue as well as the final scenes between certain characters are written exceptionally well, on par with the books that came before but it’s too tittle too late as far as this book is concerned. I will never not recommend the first two books, they truly are excellent. At this point I think I’d have preferred the series ended as a duology with The Tyranny of Faith. Many may love this book and how the series wrapped up, but I don’t. I expected more and I was underwhelmed. It may not be the worst book I’ve read of 2024, but it’s definitely the most disappointing. If I could use one scene, one line to perfectly capture how I feel about this book, it would be the scene from The Godfather in which Vito Corleone looks at the corpse of Sonny and delivers the iconic “look how they massacred my boy.”
Possibly the biggest drop off in quality of a series that I’ve experienced. The Justice of Kings and The Tyranny of Faith are both two excellent books. The Justice of Kings in particular is one of my go to recommendations for modern fantasy. Both books are incredibly innovative. They are exceptionally written with brilliant characters, and a focus on something completely unique to fantasy. The third & final book in The Empire of the Wolf trilogy, The Trials of Empire, is nowhere even close to the previous two books in terms of quality, in my opinion.
The prologue to The Trials of Empire starts off wonderfully. It’s a conversation between two of the series star characters, Helena and Vonvalt, in which both debate what it means to deliver justice, and what justice actually is. The prologue is fantastic. It’s deep, it’s complex and it’s thought provoking. As I’m reading it, all I can think is right we’re cooking. It’s going to be a brilliant ending to what has so far shaped up to be one of the best modern fantasy series about. Then the prologue ends, and the book gradually, and ever so slowly starts to decline. The story begins to move away its core premise of upholding ancient law in a fantasy world. The debates on morality & justice between the characters starts to dissipate. Instead, the book begins to instead focus on the supernatural, it starts to become a quasi-horror story. Elements that were minor plot points, masterfully layered in the background of the previous books now come to the forefront and completely overtake the books story. Multiple new plot points are introduced to the story. New places, new events, new characters - all of which is given very little time to breathe or develop. It’s a convoluted mess. There’s just so much going on in such a short space it becomes so difficult to keep track of what’s going on; ultimately leading to me not caring what’s going on. Eventually, it just became so, so, SO boring. Sir Radomir often remarks how ridiculous all of the new developments are, and how he’s becoming sick of it - which perfectly captures how I began to feel about it all.
So many new characters are introduced to the narrative in the final book. Characters that weren’t even really players in book one, playing the most minuscule of roles suddenly show up in the final book as big players. Conversely one of the series main characters and one of its best, is sent away early in the book and isn’t seen for a large chunk of it. That particular decision I couldn’t wrap my head round. This series is at its strongest when the four main cast of characters, Vonvalt, Helena, Radomir and Dubine are together, rolling off each other. It felt like a golden quartet. They had an unprecedented amount of chemistry with each other. All four characters complimented each other perfectly, providing us with some top character work, as well as illuminating conversation and debates between them. This book is mostly devoid of that because outside of the prologue, the opening chapters of this book, and of course, due to obvious events from the end of the last book - the characters are all separated from each other. Even when Vonvalt and Helena are together, their scenes aren’t nearly as impactful because they’re bogged down by all the newly introduced characters and plot points.
Everything about the book that made the series so good just feels diluted here. Swan absolutely needed more books in this series to adequately wrap it up if he was set on introducing so much in this book. The series loses so much of its charm because of how this one went down. The books closing chapters, it’s epilogue as well as the final scenes between certain characters are written exceptionally well, on par with the books that came before but it’s too tittle too late as far as this book is concerned. I will never not recommend the first two books, they truly are excellent. At this point I think I’d have preferred the series ended as a duology with The Tyranny of Faith. Many may love this book and how the series wrapped up, but I don’t. I expected more and I was underwhelmed. It may not be the worst book I’ve read of 2024, but it’s definitely the most disappointing. If I could use one scene, one line to perfectly capture how I feel about this book, it would be the scene from The Godfather in which Vito Corleone looks at the corpse of Sonny and delivers the iconic “look how they massacred my boy.”
December 13, 2023
Wow what a book. I was happy to get an ARC of this from Netgalley so I bumped it to the front of my tbr and it did not disappoint. I almost want to say this this is my favorite book in the series, but that's hard to say because it is so different than the other two. I like it for very different reasons. The first two books both had a detective or mystery "case" element the characters were trying to solve which made them pretty unique in the fantasy genre. Guess what this book also has something that makes it unique among fantasy books, but in this case it wasn't a mystery/detective element.
This book is a horror novel in fantasy dressing. And I mean that in the best way possible. In each book Swan introduces more and more of that into the series. By book 3 he is leaning all the way in and I'm here for it. And it wasn't just the supernatural horror elements that get ramped up here. The violence and graphic descriptions there of are front and center. This is a book about a war on the physical and spiritual planes and the horrors of both are not glossed over. And it's not in a gratuitous way. It's in a gritty way that makes perfect sense in the context and tone of the story. And yes things do feel bleak and hopeless at times. And yes morally questionable actions in service to a "good" is one of the main themes. Is this a grimdark book? Who knows but if you like that kind of thing you'll like this.
So the big question is how well does it end the series? I think it does so beautifully. I was indeed questioning it in the lead up to and during the climax, but the falling action was perfect. The end was very satisfying. And kudos to Swan's writing and characters as well. Setting the plotting and action aside I very much grew to care about all of these people and their unique personalities. This made the falling action that much more poignant.
Overall one of my favorite fantasy books I've read this year and a definite recommend.
This book is a horror novel in fantasy dressing. And I mean that in the best way possible. In each book Swan introduces more and more of that into the series. By book 3 he is leaning all the way in and I'm here for it. And it wasn't just the supernatural horror elements that get ramped up here. The violence and graphic descriptions there of are front and center. This is a book about a war on the physical and spiritual planes and the horrors of both are not glossed over. And it's not in a gratuitous way. It's in a gritty way that makes perfect sense in the context and tone of the story. And yes things do feel bleak and hopeless at times. And yes morally questionable actions in service to a "good" is one of the main themes. Is this a grimdark book? Who knows but if you like that kind of thing you'll like this.
So the big question is how well does it end the series? I think it does so beautifully. I was indeed questioning it in the lead up to and during the climax, but the falling action was perfect. The end was very satisfying. And kudos to Swan's writing and characters as well. Setting the plotting and action aside I very much grew to care about all of these people and their unique personalities. This made the falling action that much more poignant.
Overall one of my favorite fantasy books I've read this year and a definite recommend.
July 7, 2024
“We compromised our souls so that others could see the world through eyes unclouded by moral failure.”
3.25 ⭐️
as much as i wanted to love this, The Trials of Empire turned out to be my the lowest rated book in the trilogy. i was really hoping it would be a 5 star read and despite it having a promising start, somewhere along the way it dragged and we kinda lost the plot. suddenly it was a legal thriller no longer but a fantasy horror (it did improve in this aspect) with angels, demons, heaven and hell thrown in. basically the whole package. throughout this trilogy i was waiting for something big to happen like waiting for the beat to drop but unfortunately it never does.
THE PLOT
the pacing was slow even though there were things happening, i felt like i was trudging through sludge and the long chapters didn’t help at all. at times i was even tempted to DNF it because i kept zoning out. i worried it would put me in a slump but around 60% it finally picked up pace with the fantasy plot line at its forefront. this was the saving grace for the novel because i was beginning to lose interest in the story as majority of it was just strategy planning, war tactics, and lengthy discussions on warfare which resulted in very less action, minus the horror bits. there was also less politicking this time around.
speaking of the horror, this book was a lot darker, gorey and violent than the previous two books. in the first half, the horror bits didn’t really mesh well with the story as they seemed to be thrown in at random intervals and the characters weren’t very engaged with them either. only after the first half did the story move with a sense of urgency. i liked the in-depth exploration of the Afterlife and often times, it was the only thing that kept me hooked to the story. i’m also glad there wasn’t a shortage of quotable lines because i devoured each one hungrily.
THE CHARACTERS
the villain claver felt very comical even though he was a formidable foe. i would’ve appreciated his character more if we had gotten chapters from his pov because he was interesting, however, him being evil felt like it was just for the sake of being evil.
helena finally bonds with another female character but ofc she still feels jealous of her because of vonvalt even though she absolutely has no reason to! this was extremely repetitive and unnecessary because she gets jealous of every other woman who so much as breathes near vonvalt but at the same time denies seeing him in a romantic context. she was clearly attracted to him but neither of them broached the topic much and the few times (save for one) that they did, they always got interrupted. helena really annoyed me with her morally superior narrative during a war and holding vonvalt to an idealised version of himself that she had created in her mind. she came off as wanting to be a goody-two-shoes all the time and this characterisation is my biggest dislike in literature. in contrast, i liked vonvalt’s corruption arc more than helena’s constant nobility. i strongly believe that if your enemy is bad, you should be worse.
sir radomir was a delight to read about as expected and von ostelon was a good addition too. her chapters provided some food for thought which i appreciated.
FINAL THOUGHTS
overall, this trilogy is essential a study on jurisprudence, righteousness, virtue and honour at its core but the final instalment is dense with fantasy, which confused me as to what exactly the book was trying to be. the ending was less than satisfactory as well and i’m not sure if this is a spoiler but the narrator doesn’t disclose vonvalt’s final fate, which i found extremely infuriating because he was my favourite character in the series. either way, i’m glad the story is over. my reading partner shares similar thoughts on it too.
forward and onward to better reads 🫡
April 17, 2024
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[3.5/5 stars] Not quite as slam-dunk as the second book, but still a satisfying ending to a great trilogy.
I don’t often regard middle books in a series as the best, but I’ll continue to talk endlessly about how much I loved Tyranny of Faith. And it’s not that the story peaked in that book, as this final installment still had a fantastic momentum, culmination of events, and a great ending. It’s that it had less of those slow, deep character connections. It was also more bleak, not leaving much room for that great humor that tipped the second book from good to phenomenal. There were glimmers of those elements, but they were few and far between.
I liked the exploration of character and morality – a common theme in this series. This really good examination of sticking to the letter of the law vs the spirit. Is it just to break the law when it’s for a greater purpose? And who determines that purpose as righteous? I love how it looked at both sides of that argument and illustrated how it can be used for both good and evil (and a lot of in-between). A nice food for thought that added substance to an already entertaining story.
The main character, Vonvalt (who isn’t actually the POV character, but I still consider him the star of the show) was incredibly unlikable, and not written in a way where you can tell the author is making an unlikable character more appealing to the reader in a “but you’d like him if you could just get to know him” way by showing redeeming qualities. I loved it. As a result, he was one of the most interesting characters I’ve read about in ages. And seeing him through Helena’s eyes made it work even better, as it didn’t provide the reader any means to judge him by but off his actions. It’s such a creative series in that regard, with style and voice, and one of the reasons I’m looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
If you listed out all of the components in the first two books and told me to pick my least favorite one, it would’ve been the supernatural stuff. I generally like supernatural, but it felt kind of out of place in the first book and took the story away from the legal conflicts and interpersonal character work I was enjoying so much. Unfortunately, supernatural is what Trials of Empire focused on almost exclusively. It was integrated a lot more seamlessly the further I read, and overall I enjoyed it, but my lack of enthusiasm for the story to take that direction might be another reason why I didn’t enjoy this as much as I could have. Totally a preferential thing. Also, I could’ve used more time with the wolf men…
Overall, I’m happy to have read this series and, as mentioned, I can’t wait to see what the author will come out with next!
Recommendations: if you’re in for a well-balanced, totally engaging trilogy with interesting character work and moments of pure brilliance – give this a try!
Thank you to my Patrons: Dave, Katrin, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Betsy, Eliss, Mike, Elizabeth, and Spinflight! <3
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
I’d like to thank Orbit Books, Richard Swan, and Netgalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of Trials of Empire!
Other books you might like:
[3.5/5 stars] Not quite as slam-dunk as the second book, but still a satisfying ending to a great trilogy.
I don’t often regard middle books in a series as the best, but I’ll continue to talk endlessly about how much I loved Tyranny of Faith. And it’s not that the story peaked in that book, as this final installment still had a fantastic momentum, culmination of events, and a great ending. It’s that it had less of those slow, deep character connections. It was also more bleak, not leaving much room for that great humor that tipped the second book from good to phenomenal. There were glimmers of those elements, but they were few and far between.
I liked the exploration of character and morality – a common theme in this series. This really good examination of sticking to the letter of the law vs the spirit. Is it just to break the law when it’s for a greater purpose? And who determines that purpose as righteous? I love how it looked at both sides of that argument and illustrated how it can be used for both good and evil (and a lot of in-between). A nice food for thought that added substance to an already entertaining story.
The main character, Vonvalt (who isn’t actually the POV character, but I still consider him the star of the show) was incredibly unlikable, and not written in a way where you can tell the author is making an unlikable character more appealing to the reader in a “but you’d like him if you could just get to know him” way by showing redeeming qualities. I loved it. As a result, he was one of the most interesting characters I’ve read about in ages. And seeing him through Helena’s eyes made it work even better, as it didn’t provide the reader any means to judge him by but off his actions. It’s such a creative series in that regard, with style and voice, and one of the reasons I’m looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
If you listed out all of the components in the first two books and told me to pick my least favorite one, it would’ve been the supernatural stuff. I generally like supernatural, but it felt kind of out of place in the first book and took the story away from the legal conflicts and interpersonal character work I was enjoying so much. Unfortunately, supernatural is what Trials of Empire focused on almost exclusively. It was integrated a lot more seamlessly the further I read, and overall I enjoyed it, but my lack of enthusiasm for the story to take that direction might be another reason why I didn’t enjoy this as much as I could have. Totally a preferential thing. Also, I could’ve used more time with the wolf men…
Overall, I’m happy to have read this series and, as mentioned, I can’t wait to see what the author will come out with next!
Recommendations: if you’re in for a well-balanced, totally engaging trilogy with interesting character work and moments of pure brilliance – give this a try!
Thank you to my Patrons: Dave, Katrin, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Betsy, Eliss, Mike, Elizabeth, and Spinflight! <3
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
I’d like to thank Orbit Books, Richard Swan, and Netgalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of Trials of Empire!
Other books you might like:
February 11, 2024
This series has been living in my head rent free since 2022 when the first book dropped. I became obsessed with the world and its characters, even more so because of the Slavic influences, so it's very hard for me to say goodbye.
With that said, I didn't enjoy The Trials of Empire quiteeee as much as the first two books, but I did still have fun reading it. Overall I did like the ending, I think it was a fitting one for the series and left room for more books set in the world which is always a plus.
The second half was stronger than the first, which could drag a bit. It felt like they kept doing "side quests" in order to finally get to the last battle, which I can understand, of course, but in comparison to the past two installments where we also had a slower pace, it was the slowest.
Things picked up a bit before the battle and I found myself enjoying those parts just as much as I expected to. There were a few scares worthy of a heart attack, I didn't know if my faves would live or die (since Richard Swan has shown us that main characters can be killed in the previous books). I was on the verge of tears, not ready to let them drop just in case someone's death didn't "stick".
SO THANK YOU RICHARD SWAN FOR PUTTING ME THOUGH ALL THE STAGES OF GRIEF, MUCH APPRECIATED.
The very (very) slight romance is something I'd like to mention as well, because I feel like I'm the only person in the world who actually shipped it! Hah, I'm serious, I really didn't care that they weren't good for each other, I wanted to see them together!!! But I'm not mad about it either. It was resolved well.
Helena grew a lot as a character since The Justice of Kings, and the bulk of it was done in this book. She may only be twenty by the end, but because of everything she's experienced, it feels like she's aged a ton, gotten much wiser etc, so I'd love to follow an older version of her (and Heinrich!) on some new adventure.
Now for the rating, it's somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4, like a 3.75 so wherever I can I'm going to round it up to a 4, because I really do love this series so so much, and would recommend it to literally everyone. I've even seen some people saying this is their favourite book in the series, so if you ask me you have nothing to lose, you're guaranteed to like it if you give it a try.
P. S. I need Richard Swan to tell me what his favourite Severina song is NOW (there's just no way he doesn't listen to her when one of the characters shares her name) PLEASE MISTER SWAN THIS IS VITAL INFORMATION!!!
*Huge thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
With that said, I didn't enjoy The Trials of Empire quiteeee as much as the first two books, but I did still have fun reading it. Overall I did like the ending, I think it was a fitting one for the series and left room for more books set in the world which is always a plus.
The second half was stronger than the first, which could drag a bit. It felt like they kept doing "side quests" in order to finally get to the last battle, which I can understand, of course, but in comparison to the past two installments where we also had a slower pace, it was the slowest.
Things picked up a bit before the battle and I found myself enjoying those parts just as much as I expected to. There were a few scares worthy of a heart attack, I didn't know if my faves would live or die (since Richard Swan has shown us that main characters can be killed in the previous books). I was on the verge of tears, not ready to let them drop just in case someone's death didn't "stick".
SO THANK YOU RICHARD SWAN FOR PUTTING ME THOUGH ALL THE STAGES OF GRIEF, MUCH APPRECIATED.
The very (very) slight romance is something I'd like to mention as well, because I feel like I'm the only person in the world who actually shipped it! Hah, I'm serious, I really didn't care that they weren't good for each other, I wanted to see them together!!! But I'm not mad about it either. It was resolved well.
Helena grew a lot as a character since The Justice of Kings, and the bulk of it was done in this book. She may only be twenty by the end, but because of everything she's experienced, it feels like she's aged a ton, gotten much wiser etc, so I'd love to follow an older version of her (and Heinrich!) on some new adventure.
Now for the rating, it's somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4, like a 3.75 so wherever I can I'm going to round it up to a 4, because I really do love this series so so much, and would recommend it to literally everyone. I've even seen some people saying this is their favourite book in the series, so if you ask me you have nothing to lose, you're guaranteed to like it if you give it a try.
P. S. I need Richard Swan to tell me what his favourite Severina song is NOW (there's just no way he doesn't listen to her when one of the characters shares her name) PLEASE MISTER SWAN THIS IS VITAL INFORMATION!!!
*Huge thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
March 2, 2025
5/5
Straight to my top 3 fantasy series. I can't believe this series is not up there with Brandon Sanderson in fame.
Imagine Abercrombie but without the humour, just pure darkness and hopelessness. If this book gives me nightmares I won't even be mad.
The final battle with Claver's use of the necromancer magic and the gathering of races and theologies... That was so good. I'm so happy this universe will keep expanding with new series cause there's so much to explore that one trilogy didn't feel enough.
I will be rereading this series in the future.
Straight to my top 3 fantasy series. I can't believe this series is not up there with Brandon Sanderson in fame.
Imagine Abercrombie but without the humour, just pure darkness and hopelessness. If this book gives me nightmares I won't even be mad.
The final battle with Claver's use of the necromancer magic and the gathering of races and theologies... That was so good. I'm so happy this universe will keep expanding with new series cause there's so much to explore that one trilogy didn't feel enough.
I will be rereading this series in the future.
April 1, 2024
5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2024/04/01/...
Richard Swan’s epic Empire of the Wolf trilogy reaches its conclusion in The Trials of Empire, but this isn’t just your typical finale. It’s one I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. It’s no exaggeration when I say this is the best fantasy series I have read in years, and like any highly anticipated release, I was brimming with both nerves and excitement to get my hands on the final book. Now that I’ve read it, I’m happy to report my hopes have not been misplaced. A tad overlong it may be, but an ending like this can’t be rushed, and Swan has set a high bar for future authors.
The book plunges readers back into the turmoil of the Sovan Empire. The aftermath from the events of the previous installment, The Tyranny of Faith, continues to reverberate throughout the land. We follow our series narrator, Helena, and her mentor Justice Konrad Vonvalt and their companion Sir Radomir as they go on the run, trying to find sympathetic allies in their fight against the zealot Bartholomew Claver. Their search has led the group to the northern reaches, where the pagan clans still practice the old ways in defiance of the emperor and his Justices. However, the bad blood runs deep, and the clans don’t have much to lose and only freedoms to be gained if Sovan falls.
Thus, our characters are forced to turn their attention to the south, home to a mysterious civilization of wolfmen who have mostly kept to themselves. Having no love for Sova, any support they can give Vonvalt is limited, but their disdain for templars also means a willingness to listen, and it’s a start. Every moment they dally, Claver’s army draws closer to reaching its goal by meddling with supernatural malignant forces that have no business in the earthly realm.
The storytelling has always been on point in this series, but it rises to another level in The Trials of Empire. Once more we have Helena at the helm, recounting the events of her youth apprenticing and traveling with Vonvalt, her idealism acting as a counterpoint to the much older, more pragmatic and brooding Justice. Their dynamic creates a captivating tension, especially as Konrad becomes increasingly obsessed with saving the empire he loves, turning him to some questionable choices.
The plot also delivers on multiple fronts. While a few sections flagged in terms of pacing, these moments were fleeting as the rest of the novel drives towards the climax with pitch perfect tone and impeccable timing. The final battle contained some of the most intense sequences I’ve ever read. This last book also turns pretty dark, delving into territory and themes that won’t feel all that out of place in cosmic horror. Although Helena is no stranger to loss, she and her friends are pushed to some serious extremes in The Trials of Empire; everywhere they turn is more threat, more terror, and more brutality.
But my favorite part is the final act. Impactful without being too bombastic, the ending manages to tie up loose ends while leaving readers with a satisfying sense of closure. It is also fitting, given the themes of justice and the role that Vonvalt plays in the dispensing of it. Ultimately this series is a character study of a great man who is also fallible, which is why the focus on his relationship with Helena worked so well. Trying to apply the law in their imperfect world full of corruption is messy business, and Helena needed the time and experience to grow into the idea that her childhood hero is merely human.
My verdict? Consider this not just a recommendation but a strong request: read this trilogy. You won’t be disappointed by this stunning journey through a universe full of amazing people and cultures, intricate political machinations, and head-spinning plot twists. The Empire of the Wolf stands as a monument to the power of fantasy. I can’t wait to read more from Richard Swan.
Richard Swan’s epic Empire of the Wolf trilogy reaches its conclusion in The Trials of Empire, but this isn’t just your typical finale. It’s one I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. It’s no exaggeration when I say this is the best fantasy series I have read in years, and like any highly anticipated release, I was brimming with both nerves and excitement to get my hands on the final book. Now that I’ve read it, I’m happy to report my hopes have not been misplaced. A tad overlong it may be, but an ending like this can’t be rushed, and Swan has set a high bar for future authors.
The book plunges readers back into the turmoil of the Sovan Empire. The aftermath from the events of the previous installment, The Tyranny of Faith, continues to reverberate throughout the land. We follow our series narrator, Helena, and her mentor Justice Konrad Vonvalt and their companion Sir Radomir as they go on the run, trying to find sympathetic allies in their fight against the zealot Bartholomew Claver. Their search has led the group to the northern reaches, where the pagan clans still practice the old ways in defiance of the emperor and his Justices. However, the bad blood runs deep, and the clans don’t have much to lose and only freedoms to be gained if Sovan falls.
Thus, our characters are forced to turn their attention to the south, home to a mysterious civilization of wolfmen who have mostly kept to themselves. Having no love for Sova, any support they can give Vonvalt is limited, but their disdain for templars also means a willingness to listen, and it’s a start. Every moment they dally, Claver’s army draws closer to reaching its goal by meddling with supernatural malignant forces that have no business in the earthly realm.
The storytelling has always been on point in this series, but it rises to another level in The Trials of Empire. Once more we have Helena at the helm, recounting the events of her youth apprenticing and traveling with Vonvalt, her idealism acting as a counterpoint to the much older, more pragmatic and brooding Justice. Their dynamic creates a captivating tension, especially as Konrad becomes increasingly obsessed with saving the empire he loves, turning him to some questionable choices.
The plot also delivers on multiple fronts. While a few sections flagged in terms of pacing, these moments were fleeting as the rest of the novel drives towards the climax with pitch perfect tone and impeccable timing. The final battle contained some of the most intense sequences I’ve ever read. This last book also turns pretty dark, delving into territory and themes that won’t feel all that out of place in cosmic horror. Although Helena is no stranger to loss, she and her friends are pushed to some serious extremes in The Trials of Empire; everywhere they turn is more threat, more terror, and more brutality.
But my favorite part is the final act. Impactful without being too bombastic, the ending manages to tie up loose ends while leaving readers with a satisfying sense of closure. It is also fitting, given the themes of justice and the role that Vonvalt plays in the dispensing of it. Ultimately this series is a character study of a great man who is also fallible, which is why the focus on his relationship with Helena worked so well. Trying to apply the law in their imperfect world full of corruption is messy business, and Helena needed the time and experience to grow into the idea that her childhood hero is merely human.
My verdict? Consider this not just a recommendation but a strong request: read this trilogy. You won’t be disappointed by this stunning journey through a universe full of amazing people and cultures, intricate political machinations, and head-spinning plot twists. The Empire of the Wolf stands as a monument to the power of fantasy. I can’t wait to read more from Richard Swan.
May 15, 2025
4.5/5 stars!
Helena, continuing to come into her own, is again seen coming out of Sir Vonvault’s shadow, acquiring relevance and significance in the story. I appreciated her coming of age, her growth, the kind of person she is becoming. Her true character shines through. Vonvault remains a grey character till the very end. It was challenging for me to characterize him as good or bad. I kept waiting for the ending to elevate certain characters in a certain way but it went in a different direction. I like the way it ended even though it was different from my expectations. It is better that it defied expectations. Swan’s genre bending skill of combining horror and fantasy seems to have been fully blossomed in this one. I think I can try to classify its genre now. Fantasy, check. Grim dark- absolutely! Horror and supernatural on the MainStage- you bet!
Helena, continuing to come into her own, is again seen coming out of Sir Vonvault’s shadow, acquiring relevance and significance in the story. I appreciated her coming of age, her growth, the kind of person she is becoming. Her true character shines through. Vonvault remains a grey character till the very end. It was challenging for me to characterize him as good or bad. I kept waiting for the ending to elevate certain characters in a certain way but it went in a different direction. I like the way it ended even though it was different from my expectations. It is better that it defied expectations. Swan’s genre bending skill of combining horror and fantasy seems to have been fully blossomed in this one. I think I can try to classify its genre now. Fantasy, check. Grim dark- absolutely! Horror and supernatural on the MainStage- you bet!
December 18, 2024
Please note this review will contain spoilers for the first two books in the trilogy.
“The time for high-minded ideals is gone. We have dark deeds ahead of us. If you have not the stomach for it, leave now."
This is the book where our characters and the Empire of the Wolf fall apart.
After the catastrophic ending of The Tyranny of Faith the Magistrium has been disbanded, Sova law and order has gone into disarray and our Konrad Vonvalt no longer holds the authority he once had. Anarchy, riots and chaos reign, demons are roaming freely and the use of arcana is more dangerous than ever. A war brews on both fronts—through the Empire and the afterlife. At its head is the zealot Bartholomew Claver, now fueled with immense powers and aided by a malevolent demonic entity, he has twisted his Templars and is running amok. Our Vonvalt and Helena are now having to travel in the shadows and seek alliances from the last remaining loyalists and the Kasar, a seemingly savage race of wolfmen who may just have the strength and numbers to change the tide of this war. But at what cost will they offer their help?
The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan superbly blends law, morality and necromancy to deliver a spine-chilling conclusion. What a book, what an ending.
In the first half of this novel there is a fair bit of traversing across the Empire as we travel to familiar places we have already seen throughout the trilogy and some new ones. Swan effectively shows us here just how far Claver’s malevolence has spread and how much of the Empire has changed. One of my favourite scenes was with the Kasar in Spiritsraad and The City of Sleep as the narrative here is packed full of fantasy elements, tension and peril. The Kasar are a race of wolfmen whom we saw a glimpse of in The Tyranny of Faith, yet in this book we see them in full force. I always love the addition of non-human races in fantasy and so the Kasar instantly captured my interest. Vonvalt and Helena are both ignorant of the Kasar’s way of life, their customs, language, culture and their hierarchy, so when they actually approach them they realise they are out of their depth. Bringing further strife, our characters also have to access another dimension, that of Izmyesta, which in turns brings about many more demons. In this instalment I loved that Swan portrays many more interesting concepts of the arcana to add further depth to his worldbuilding.
With additional characters such as Lady Frost and her shamans, we learn an abundance more truths about the prominent figures in the afterlife, their history and their aims. I have to say, seeing Sir Radomir, a character I love by the way, reaction to all the necromancy used was absolutely hilarious. Yet it is Helena’s character who plays much more of a significant role for the events occurring in the afterlife and because of this her account of the events shows us she pretty much has a nervous breakdown throughout. I have consistently found myself adoring Helena throughout and this novel is where I felt for her the most, I was just thankful she had Heinrich, a very good war shepherd, as a comforting presence by her side. Helena is far from the idealistic, naive apprentice she was in the first book but thankfully her sense of morality did not waver onto the darker path and she was still able to make Vonvalt accountable for his deeds.
“Everybody kept saying that I was forged from steel, that I had a brilliant mind and an iron comportment, that my upbringing and tutelage had all conspired to make me mentally strong.
But I was not. Who could endure these things? No human being was designed to deal with such constant horror and insanity. I was not becoming inured to it; it was destroying me from the inside out.”
An aspect that sets the Empire of the Wolf trilogy apart is in its inclusion of philosophy. Throughout each book the morality of our characters are always scrutinised—as the plot thickens and Claver and his Templar’s corruption and schemes come to fruition, the more morally grey Vonvalt and his deeds become. In this book Vonvalt strays so far from the man he was that he almost loses himself entirely. Yet as a reader, I couldn’t find myself completely blaming him, watching the Empire you had fought so hard to protect all your life crumble before you must inevitably cause you to use desperate measures to save it. Helena often debates and reflects upon whether they could stop Claver without resorting to bloodshed, violence and even using the arcana. Do their wrongs ever make a right? It is a fair point but then Swan also makes us question how far law and order is the just way to deal with evil. This was honestly one of my favourite parts of his writing. There doesn’t seem an easy answer to this even by the end, but it was fascinating to see both sides of the argument.
“There is peace, and there is justice, and these are not the same thing. And whilst the Empire has brought peace, where is the justice for those who died to bring it about?"
"Now you equate justice and vengeance."
"Sometimes they are one and the same."
The Trials of Empire is a book of epic proportions and leaves the trilogy on a satisfactory high note. I will definitely be watching out for future books by Richard Swan.
“The time for high-minded ideals is gone. We have dark deeds ahead of us. If you have not the stomach for it, leave now."
This is the book where our characters and the Empire of the Wolf fall apart.
After the catastrophic ending of The Tyranny of Faith the Magistrium has been disbanded, Sova law and order has gone into disarray and our Konrad Vonvalt no longer holds the authority he once had. Anarchy, riots and chaos reign, demons are roaming freely and the use of arcana is more dangerous than ever. A war brews on both fronts—through the Empire and the afterlife. At its head is the zealot Bartholomew Claver, now fueled with immense powers and aided by a malevolent demonic entity, he has twisted his Templars and is running amok. Our Vonvalt and Helena are now having to travel in the shadows and seek alliances from the last remaining loyalists and the Kasar, a seemingly savage race of wolfmen who may just have the strength and numbers to change the tide of this war. But at what cost will they offer their help?
The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan superbly blends law, morality and necromancy to deliver a spine-chilling conclusion. What a book, what an ending.
In the first half of this novel there is a fair bit of traversing across the Empire as we travel to familiar places we have already seen throughout the trilogy and some new ones. Swan effectively shows us here just how far Claver’s malevolence has spread and how much of the Empire has changed. One of my favourite scenes was with the Kasar in Spiritsraad and The City of Sleep as the narrative here is packed full of fantasy elements, tension and peril. The Kasar are a race of wolfmen whom we saw a glimpse of in The Tyranny of Faith, yet in this book we see them in full force. I always love the addition of non-human races in fantasy and so the Kasar instantly captured my interest. Vonvalt and Helena are both ignorant of the Kasar’s way of life, their customs, language, culture and their hierarchy, so when they actually approach them they realise they are out of their depth. Bringing further strife, our characters also have to access another dimension, that of Izmyesta, which in turns brings about many more demons. In this instalment I loved that Swan portrays many more interesting concepts of the arcana to add further depth to his worldbuilding.
With additional characters such as Lady Frost and her shamans, we learn an abundance more truths about the prominent figures in the afterlife, their history and their aims. I have to say, seeing Sir Radomir, a character I love by the way, reaction to all the necromancy used was absolutely hilarious. Yet it is Helena’s character who plays much more of a significant role for the events occurring in the afterlife and because of this her account of the events shows us she pretty much has a nervous breakdown throughout. I have consistently found myself adoring Helena throughout and this novel is where I felt for her the most, I was just thankful she had Heinrich, a very good war shepherd, as a comforting presence by her side. Helena is far from the idealistic, naive apprentice she was in the first book but thankfully her sense of morality did not waver onto the darker path and she was still able to make Vonvalt accountable for his deeds.
“Everybody kept saying that I was forged from steel, that I had a brilliant mind and an iron comportment, that my upbringing and tutelage had all conspired to make me mentally strong.
But I was not. Who could endure these things? No human being was designed to deal with such constant horror and insanity. I was not becoming inured to it; it was destroying me from the inside out.”
An aspect that sets the Empire of the Wolf trilogy apart is in its inclusion of philosophy. Throughout each book the morality of our characters are always scrutinised—as the plot thickens and Claver and his Templar’s corruption and schemes come to fruition, the more morally grey Vonvalt and his deeds become. In this book Vonvalt strays so far from the man he was that he almost loses himself entirely. Yet as a reader, I couldn’t find myself completely blaming him, watching the Empire you had fought so hard to protect all your life crumble before you must inevitably cause you to use desperate measures to save it. Helena often debates and reflects upon whether they could stop Claver without resorting to bloodshed, violence and even using the arcana. Do their wrongs ever make a right? It is a fair point but then Swan also makes us question how far law and order is the just way to deal with evil. This was honestly one of my favourite parts of his writing. There doesn’t seem an easy answer to this even by the end, but it was fascinating to see both sides of the argument.
“There is peace, and there is justice, and these are not the same thing. And whilst the Empire has brought peace, where is the justice for those who died to bring it about?"
"Now you equate justice and vengeance."
"Sometimes they are one and the same."
The Trials of Empire is a book of epic proportions and leaves the trilogy on a satisfactory high note. I will definitely be watching out for future books by Richard Swan.
Read
May 24, 2025Okay so this book was a lot. The first half felt a little tedious, almost? Like, a series of side quests that you need to complete before facing the main boss. But really that might just be the nature of fantasy novels at the end of a series. You’ve gotta amass forces to face the big bad somehow.
Story-wise, I loved all the horror elements. I love that this is all told from Helena’s perspective. I love that the relationship between herself and Vonvalt was better handled than whatever the hell was going on in The Tyranny of Faith.
What I really really loved is seeing how Vonvalt’s character evolved, and how Helena no longer let herself be blind and deaf to his more unsavory actions - because she’s right, he’s no paragon! He’s not infallible! Hold him responsible!
Anyway. What a banger series.
Story-wise, I loved all the horror elements. I love that this is all told from Helena’s perspective. I love that the relationship between herself and Vonvalt was better handled than whatever the hell was going on in The Tyranny of Faith.
What I really really loved is seeing how Vonvalt’s character evolved, and how Helena no longer let herself be blind and deaf to his more unsavory actions - because she’s right, he’s no paragon! He’s not infallible! Hold him responsible!
Anyway. What a banger series.
January 4, 2025
There’s always a fear when starting the last book in a series that you’ve been loving so far. Will the author stick the landing?
With great relief I have just closed the cover on a perfect ending.
With great relief I have just closed the cover on a perfect ending.
January 25, 2024
This book brings The Empire of the Wolf trilogy to an end. I really enjoyed the first two books of this series, they both mixed medieval epic fantasy with mystery and a bit of horror. It was a great mix to me. Unfortunately, I think Trials of Empire did not live up to these first two installments for several reasons.
Trials of Empire simply tries to do too much with too little time. This third book tries to scale upwards at a staggering rate; we are no longer following a few people trying to stop a conspiracy to change the empire, now we are dealing with ancient, eldritch cosmic beings with insane scope and power. It's not undoable, and it's not as if it fails utterly, but it ramps up so steeply that I was left with whiplash. In the shuffle of all this, the characters and their internal dilemma's are largely lost in the shuffle. True, Helena does have a few terse conversations with Vonvalt and co, but mostly, they all spend this book reacting to insane shit happening and who can blame them?
A similar issue adding on is how much is not set up well or at all in the first two books that is now very important. A major element set up in the first two is almost not a factor in this book, and a character that plays a large-ish role in the second book randomly shows up in a chapter of this one out of nowhere, monologues for a few pages, and is then gone. Instead, we get several factions that hitherto were not mentioned. About halfway through the book, we get a giant exposition dump about the afterlife- the place where, until now, we have been dipping into, with some of my favorite scenes in the series. We are told about various factions and hierarchies and who the Big Bad of the series is, who hasn't been mentioned until this point. And then the rest of the novel is about assembling these factions together to beat the hierarchies and Big Bad from the afterlife and the final battle is filled with elements I didn't get enough time with to fully comprehend what I was reading. So my eyes just glazed over. Demons, eldritch, wolf people,blah blah. We also spend way too much time in visions and dreams - including in the big battle! It was an element that felt overdone for what it actually brought to the novel.
I don't feel like the central conflict between the two main characters is resolved in a great way, it's mostly handwaved. I do think the very end is good, and as always, the writing is good. I think this series needed a little less, or more books.
Trials of Empire simply tries to do too much with too little time. This third book tries to scale upwards at a staggering rate; we are no longer following a few people trying to stop a conspiracy to change the empire, now we are dealing with ancient, eldritch cosmic beings with insane scope and power. It's not undoable, and it's not as if it fails utterly, but it ramps up so steeply that I was left with whiplash. In the shuffle of all this, the characters and their internal dilemma's are largely lost in the shuffle. True, Helena does have a few terse conversations with Vonvalt and co, but mostly, they all spend this book reacting to insane shit happening and who can blame them?
A similar issue adding on is how much is not set up well or at all in the first two books that is now very important. A major element set up in the first two is almost not a factor in this book, and a character that plays a large-ish role in the second book randomly shows up in a chapter of this one out of nowhere, monologues for a few pages, and is then gone. Instead, we get several factions that hitherto were not mentioned. About halfway through the book, we get a giant exposition dump about the afterlife- the place where, until now, we have been dipping into, with some of my favorite scenes in the series. We are told about various factions and hierarchies and who the Big Bad of the series is, who hasn't been mentioned until this point. And then the rest of the novel is about assembling these factions together to beat the hierarchies and Big Bad from the afterlife and the final battle is filled with elements I didn't get enough time with to fully comprehend what I was reading. So my eyes just glazed over. Demons, eldritch, wolf people,blah blah. We also spend way too much time in visions and dreams - including in the big battle! It was an element that felt overdone for what it actually brought to the novel.
I don't feel like the central conflict between the two main characters is resolved in a great way, it's mostly handwaved. I do think the very end is good, and as always, the writing is good. I think this series needed a little less, or more books.
January 11, 2025
Really excited for Grave Empire after this.
January 10, 2024
A brilliant end to an incredible series. Swan once again quickly pulled me in with his incisive, hard-hitting, eloquent prose, and the ever-escalating stakes kept me glued throughout. The fate of the nation hangs in the balance as our heroes(?) juggle the weight of good people doing bad to prevent worst-case outcomes.
I've always felt that this was going to be a difficult story to finish well, especially with how book two ended. So much was left on the table, and there were a substantial amount of dangling plot threads. I was pleased to see that nearly all were addressed, with Swan throwing curveballs and subverting expectations.
The arc of VonVal throughout the trilogy ranges from lawful to 'whatever it takes for the greater good' and it's a beautiful, sad, and thought-provoking series of decisions that made me question what I'd do in these situations.
The first two books had a smattering of magic and supernatural events, but the conclusion went full-on crazy-town and it was a sight to behold. It was great fun to see just how far the morality of our protagonists could be stretched, and even more interesting, how the repercussions of said decisions were going to affect the world at large.
This is a rare series where each book is more entertaining than the last. Richard Swan has cemented himself as an author of whom I'll read whatever he writes, day one of publication. A truly excellent series, one I'll be recommending for years.
I've always felt that this was going to be a difficult story to finish well, especially with how book two ended. So much was left on the table, and there were a substantial amount of dangling plot threads. I was pleased to see that nearly all were addressed, with Swan throwing curveballs and subverting expectations.
The arc of VonVal throughout the trilogy ranges from lawful to 'whatever it takes for the greater good' and it's a beautiful, sad, and thought-provoking series of decisions that made me question what I'd do in these situations.
The first two books had a smattering of magic and supernatural events, but the conclusion went full-on crazy-town and it was a sight to behold. It was great fun to see just how far the morality of our protagonists could be stretched, and even more interesting, how the repercussions of said decisions were going to affect the world at large.
This is a rare series where each book is more entertaining than the last. Richard Swan has cemented himself as an author of whom I'll read whatever he writes, day one of publication. A truly excellent series, one I'll be recommending for years.
April 7, 2024
A very fitting end for a great series.
This is a series that is very relevant to our current times as it delves into despotic leaders who offer easy solutions to complex problems and shows how dangerous those people can be and the effects of their doings on civilization and society.
This is a series that is very relevant to our current times as it delves into despotic leaders who offer easy solutions to complex problems and shows how dangerous those people can be and the effects of their doings on civilization and society.
May 22, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 / 5
The conclusion to the Empire of the wolf trilogy and it was fantastic. An Epic Fantasy with a supernatural twist that explores complex themes of justice, the nature of power, and the consequences of moral choices.
📖 This trilogy follows Sir Konrad Vonvalt an Emperors justice a feared figure who acts as detective, judge, and executioner, upholding law and order. Then we also have Helena his apprentice. It is told from the perspective of an older Helena, looking back on the events that led to the Empire's rise and fall.
✨ Review ✨
I absolutely loved this trilogy, in book 1 Vonvalt and Helena investigate the murder of a noblewoman uncovering a conspiracy that could destroy the Empire. The tone shifts from mystery and intrigue in the first book to a more expansive and darker tone in books 2 & 3 where we face the threat of religious extremism and the corruption within the capital.
I also love the way this story is told. I know this being told through Helena's pov doesn't work for everyone but to me it added a layer of depth you wouldn't get if we were sat in Vonvalt's head, especially where it comes to his morality and the way it starts to decline throughout the trilogy. Helena is our moral compass and she can see the changes in Vonvalt and the injustices within the system that he can't recognise himself.
Overall I absolutely loved the character work especially Helena's she grows from an unsure young clerk with a traumatic background into a powerful figure within the Empire. I love her.
One thing I want to mention is the so-called romance. I know a lot of people don't like it but in my opinion I can't stress enough how it is not romance. Vonvalt and Helena's relationship is complex and at times uncomfortable but I will die on the hill that everything they go through is done with intention and adds another layer to conversation around morality.
The world itself is fantastic and dark especially in the way it explores human nature, the horrors of war, and the struggle to maintain order in a chaotic world. But one of my favourite things is the way this series dives into morality, when does justice become revenge? Is it right to abuse your power or do bad things for the greater good of the people? And if you do at what point do you become the very thing you are fighting against? It shows the darker aspects of human nature and the line between lawful and just.
As the trilogy progresses the supernatural elements and necromancy become more prominent. Particularly in book 3 it borders on cosmic horror. Now personally I didn't find it scary at all, but his writing is fantastic and vivid and there are definitely some gross moments. But what really makes this great is the way Richard Swan is able to build a sense of unease and dread throughout the narrative.
This trilogy has become a favourite for me and if you want a morally complex fantasy epic that blends political intrigue, supernatural stakes, and a battle for justice within a crumbling imperial system. then I highly recommend this.
The conclusion to the Empire of the wolf trilogy and it was fantastic. An Epic Fantasy with a supernatural twist that explores complex themes of justice, the nature of power, and the consequences of moral choices.
📖 This trilogy follows Sir Konrad Vonvalt an Emperors justice a feared figure who acts as detective, judge, and executioner, upholding law and order. Then we also have Helena his apprentice. It is told from the perspective of an older Helena, looking back on the events that led to the Empire's rise and fall.
✨ Review ✨
I absolutely loved this trilogy, in book 1 Vonvalt and Helena investigate the murder of a noblewoman uncovering a conspiracy that could destroy the Empire. The tone shifts from mystery and intrigue in the first book to a more expansive and darker tone in books 2 & 3 where we face the threat of religious extremism and the corruption within the capital.
I also love the way this story is told. I know this being told through Helena's pov doesn't work for everyone but to me it added a layer of depth you wouldn't get if we were sat in Vonvalt's head, especially where it comes to his morality and the way it starts to decline throughout the trilogy. Helena is our moral compass and she can see the changes in Vonvalt and the injustices within the system that he can't recognise himself.
Overall I absolutely loved the character work especially Helena's she grows from an unsure young clerk with a traumatic background into a powerful figure within the Empire. I love her.
One thing I want to mention is the so-called romance. I know a lot of people don't like it but in my opinion I can't stress enough how it is not romance. Vonvalt and Helena's relationship is complex and at times uncomfortable but I will die on the hill that everything they go through is done with intention and adds another layer to conversation around morality.
The world itself is fantastic and dark especially in the way it explores human nature, the horrors of war, and the struggle to maintain order in a chaotic world. But one of my favourite things is the way this series dives into morality, when does justice become revenge? Is it right to abuse your power or do bad things for the greater good of the people? And if you do at what point do you become the very thing you are fighting against? It shows the darker aspects of human nature and the line between lawful and just.
As the trilogy progresses the supernatural elements and necromancy become more prominent. Particularly in book 3 it borders on cosmic horror. Now personally I didn't find it scary at all, but his writing is fantastic and vivid and there are definitely some gross moments. But what really makes this great is the way Richard Swan is able to build a sense of unease and dread throughout the narrative.
This trilogy has become a favourite for me and if you want a morally complex fantasy epic that blends political intrigue, supernatural stakes, and a battle for justice within a crumbling imperial system. then I highly recommend this.
December 25, 2023
Helena, Vonvalt, Sir Radomir, and the Templar von Osterlen are traitors in the eyes of the Empire and have a bounty on their heads. Their primary goal remains the preservation of the Empire, or at least the lawful peace which it had brought about.
Yet, Claver is causing destruction, intent on causing the ruin of the empire. Not to mention, it appears he is receiving assistance from some malevolent entity in the astral plane as the fabric between worlds is thinning, allowing demons loose.
This is a lot more psychological. Contending with the ideal of justice and how it can be manipulated to achieve a greater, better end.
What separates the good guys from the bad? Helena particularly struggles with this as Vonvalt just dives headfirst into a fall into evil practices. The mentee becomes the teacher as she tries to guide Vonvalt so morality.
”I think you can twist facts and arguments to suit your own ends and make anything seem good and honest."
“I would not be much of a lawkeeper if I couldn’t.”
Yet Vonvalt still has the power to compel Helena - not literally, with the Emperor's Voice, but emotionally. She remains, in spite of their growing relationship distance due to growing differences in values, in his thrall.
Vincent believes with steadfast faith that to fail with clean hands was worse than succeeding with dirty ones. He asserts that to adopt the tools and methods of the enemy was the right thing to do if done in furtherance of an ultimate good.
He saw their group, their mission, as a sacrifice - compromising their souls so that others could see the world through eyes unclouded by moral failure.
However, this is destroying Helena from the inside out. Paired with the demons visiting her in reality and her nightmare, she feels she is going insane enduring what no person should have to.
Honestly, kudos to her for not absolutely snapping and going feral.
Sadly, I think this is my least favourite of the series which is gutting as book one was one of my most favourite starts to a fantasy series when I first read that arc last year!
I think it was just too wrapped up in descriptions and convoluted moral ambiguity debates that was pushed in as frequently as possible amidst seemingly impossible battles on both the mortal and immortal realm. And a lot of screaming on Helena’s behalf.
Perhaps because it takes on this much bigger scope dealing with realms of hell and demons whereas book one was more centred in law and mystery rather than fantasy.
Minor spoilers:
The romance between Helena and Vonvalt which totally put me off in book two was thankfully handled better than I feared. I still think it shouldn’t have been included, but I concur an adoration translated into love and desire isn’t totally out of order, but it was just a personal ick for me.
I will definitely look forward to whatever Swan next writes as I do enjoy the debates proposed and the character growth he forces his characters through.
Also, Helena would die for a dog and that is always a redeeming character quality and will always make me like the author.
”One of the greatest feats of human cognisance is to realise and accept that every being capable of thought has a life as complex as one's own."
If you enjoyed this, I would recommended Traitor’s Blade by Sebastian DeCastell or The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson.
Thank you to Orbit for providing an arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
Yet, Claver is causing destruction, intent on causing the ruin of the empire. Not to mention, it appears he is receiving assistance from some malevolent entity in the astral plane as the fabric between worlds is thinning, allowing demons loose.
This is a lot more psychological. Contending with the ideal of justice and how it can be manipulated to achieve a greater, better end.
What separates the good guys from the bad? Helena particularly struggles with this as Vonvalt just dives headfirst into a fall into evil practices. The mentee becomes the teacher as she tries to guide Vonvalt so morality.
”I think you can twist facts and arguments to suit your own ends and make anything seem good and honest."
“I would not be much of a lawkeeper if I couldn’t.”
Yet Vonvalt still has the power to compel Helena - not literally, with the Emperor's Voice, but emotionally. She remains, in spite of their growing relationship distance due to growing differences in values, in his thrall.
Vincent believes with steadfast faith that to fail with clean hands was worse than succeeding with dirty ones. He asserts that to adopt the tools and methods of the enemy was the right thing to do if done in furtherance of an ultimate good.
He saw their group, their mission, as a sacrifice - compromising their souls so that others could see the world through eyes unclouded by moral failure.
However, this is destroying Helena from the inside out. Paired with the demons visiting her in reality and her nightmare, she feels she is going insane enduring what no person should have to.
Honestly, kudos to her for not absolutely snapping and going feral.
Sadly, I think this is my least favourite of the series which is gutting as book one was one of my most favourite starts to a fantasy series when I first read that arc last year!
I think it was just too wrapped up in descriptions and convoluted moral ambiguity debates that was pushed in as frequently as possible amidst seemingly impossible battles on both the mortal and immortal realm. And a lot of screaming on Helena’s behalf.
Perhaps because it takes on this much bigger scope dealing with realms of hell and demons whereas book one was more centred in law and mystery rather than fantasy.
Minor spoilers:
The romance between Helena and Vonvalt which totally put me off in book two was thankfully handled better than I feared. I still think it shouldn’t have been included, but I concur an adoration translated into love and desire isn’t totally out of order, but it was just a personal ick for me.
I will definitely look forward to whatever Swan next writes as I do enjoy the debates proposed and the character growth he forces his characters through.
Also, Helena would die for a dog and that is always a redeeming character quality and will always make me like the author.
”One of the greatest feats of human cognisance is to realise and accept that every being capable of thought has a life as complex as one's own."
If you enjoyed this, I would recommended Traitor’s Blade by Sebastian DeCastell or The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson.
Thank you to Orbit for providing an arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
February 29, 2024
*3.5 stars
In order to save the Empire, Sir Konrad Vonvolt and Helena must do the unthinkable- ally with the wolfmen of the southern plains and the pagan clans of the north. Helena must also wrestle with her conflicting feelings toward Vonvolt at the same time she’s battling evil, eldritch forces. Will they be able to stop the zealot Bartholomew Claver, or will Sova fall to tyranny?
After loving The Tyranny of Faith, with its embracing horror and how fast-paced and thrilling the ending was, I was so excited to read The Trials of Empire.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I still thought there were some heart-felt and gripping scenes, and I’m absolutely glad I finished this trilogy and would highly recommend you do as well, but the pacing felt off for me.
I loved the moments of quiet reflection between the characters, especially between Helena and Vonvolt, about when it’s acceptable to break the law in order to maintain the law, if it’s necessary to make moral compromises in order to stop a greater evil and how to navigate feelings for someone who is not the same person you thought you knew. Those themes and more were explored so well and came full circle to how the series started.
But I felt there was a lot of plot that needed to be wrapped up in a short amount of time. This might have benefited from being a quartet. We went from first going out to to find allies, to developing an entire battle strategy, to having a final battle and resolution all in the same book.
I’m still eager to read whatever Swan writes next, especially if he leans even more into fantasy horror.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.
In order to save the Empire, Sir Konrad Vonvolt and Helena must do the unthinkable- ally with the wolfmen of the southern plains and the pagan clans of the north. Helena must also wrestle with her conflicting feelings toward Vonvolt at the same time she’s battling evil, eldritch forces. Will they be able to stop the zealot Bartholomew Claver, or will Sova fall to tyranny?
After loving The Tyranny of Faith, with its embracing horror and how fast-paced and thrilling the ending was, I was so excited to read The Trials of Empire.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I still thought there were some heart-felt and gripping scenes, and I’m absolutely glad I finished this trilogy and would highly recommend you do as well, but the pacing felt off for me.
I loved the moments of quiet reflection between the characters, especially between Helena and Vonvolt, about when it’s acceptable to break the law in order to maintain the law, if it’s necessary to make moral compromises in order to stop a greater evil and how to navigate feelings for someone who is not the same person you thought you knew. Those themes and more were explored so well and came full circle to how the series started.
But I felt there was a lot of plot that needed to be wrapped up in a short amount of time. This might have benefited from being a quartet. We went from first going out to to find allies, to developing an entire battle strategy, to having a final battle and resolution all in the same book.
I’m still eager to read whatever Swan writes next, especially if he leans even more into fantasy horror.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.
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