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Words of Power #2
Empire of the Twin Suns: A Progression Fantasy Epic
If power is not used, it dies.
Rimon, the new Ring Warlock of Rovik Prefecture, has been summoned by the emperor. Now,
he must cross the Tze Empire, where spirits and demons roam the countryside, to have an
audience with the emperor in the Ebon Capital.
Along the way, Rimon grows in power, stealing apex abilities from all sorts of creatures. He
even has his second ring, something no other Ring Warlock has ever had…
But when Rimon accidentally kills the emperor’s elite guards, he believes the emperor may not
forgive him. The punishment for any crime against the empire is death.
Determined to protect his people and his new prefecture, Rimon decides he will confront the
emperor directly. But what kind of magic does the man wield? It seems it might not be from the
rings as all… It might be something even more dangerous and powerful.
Rimon will have to master new abilities in half the time in this new Progression Fantasy
Adventure by Shami Stovall, the Dragon-Award nominated author of Knightmare Arcanist!
Rimon, the new Ring Warlock of Rovik Prefecture, has been summoned by the emperor. Now,
he must cross the Tze Empire, where spirits and demons roam the countryside, to have an
audience with the emperor in the Ebon Capital.
Along the way, Rimon grows in power, stealing apex abilities from all sorts of creatures. He
even has his second ring, something no other Ring Warlock has ever had…
But when Rimon accidentally kills the emperor’s elite guards, he believes the emperor may not
forgive him. The punishment for any crime against the empire is death.
Determined to protect his people and his new prefecture, Rimon decides he will confront the
emperor directly. But what kind of magic does the man wield? It seems it might not be from the
rings as all… It might be something even more dangerous and powerful.
Rimon will have to master new abilities in half the time in this new Progression Fantasy
Adventure by Shami Stovall, the Dragon-Award nominated author of Knightmare Arcanist!
- GenresFantasy
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
41 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Shami Stovall
41 books838 followersShami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 30, 2025
Here we have yet another fantastic book by Shami Stovall. She has really mastered the art of telling a Fantasy story that not only has excellent worldbuilding, but also has a terrific story too.
That said, I do believe that book 1 was better, and I do have a few nitpicks, but as a whole I really enjoyed this one.
What I particularly liked about this book was the deeper character journey of not only Rimon, but also Ketsu, Ryota, and Matsun. All of these characters got to demonstrate their morality and their voices, which I thought were all entertaining and well balanced.
I do like the themes that Stovall is conquering with this series, such as how do deal with potential enemies, when to strike back, and when to have nuanced understandings.
I did think that what made the book work was the travelogue was not too long. It's about 200ish pages, but there are some really interesting stops along the way. And the scenes at the Emperor's Palace in the Capitol were really fun to read, particularly the climax of the book. I figured out what had to happen, but I was really curious to HOW it would happen.
There were a few small things that did bug me in the book, such as a male character acting with the Emperor's daughters (a trans character). It's a very small role, but very frustrating nonetheless. I also felt that the book didn't have as good a focus as Book 1 did, and this one seemed too broad for the story it was telling.
Overall, I did really enjoy the book, and I think this is a new favorite series overall, I just think that book 1 is a bit superior. But I'll give this one overall a 9 out of 10.
That said, I do believe that book 1 was better, and I do have a few nitpicks, but as a whole I really enjoyed this one.
What I particularly liked about this book was the deeper character journey of not only Rimon, but also Ketsu, Ryota, and Matsun. All of these characters got to demonstrate their morality and their voices, which I thought were all entertaining and well balanced.
I do like the themes that Stovall is conquering with this series, such as how do deal with potential enemies, when to strike back, and when to have nuanced understandings.
I did think that what made the book work was the travelogue was not too long. It's about 200ish pages, but there are some really interesting stops along the way. And the scenes at the Emperor's Palace in the Capitol were really fun to read, particularly the climax of the book. I figured out what had to happen, but I was really curious to HOW it would happen.
There were a few small things that did bug me in the book, such as a male character acting with the Emperor's daughters (a trans character). It's a very small role, but very frustrating nonetheless. I also felt that the book didn't have as good a focus as Book 1 did, and this one seemed too broad for the story it was telling.
Overall, I did really enjoy the book, and I think this is a new favorite series overall, I just think that book 1 is a bit superior. But I'll give this one overall a 9 out of 10.
October 24, 2025
A Great Story Continues
This is a fun book because it is an intellectual exercise. The rules of magic are clear. Each encounter is a puzzle the hero must solve, and you get to solve it with him. Also, there is very clearly a war of great powers brewing that the hero can sense but not see. This adds an air of mystery to the whole proceeding. The book is a true hero's journey: the main character is moral, and must learn how to use his powers to benefit his hokeland and his growing retinue of friends, and he must do it in a dark world where no one else cares about the damage they do. This is not a morally gray world, but it is a dark one. Indeed, in its creation myth the darkness defeats the light. Placing a true hero in this milieu is an impressive feat.
Most of all, it works. I finished the book in under 24 hours because I always wanted to be reading it. You care about everyone here, because their motives are relatable and those motives drive the story. This is the most important task of an author.
Hoping book 3 comes out soon!
This is a fun book because it is an intellectual exercise. The rules of magic are clear. Each encounter is a puzzle the hero must solve, and you get to solve it with him. Also, there is very clearly a war of great powers brewing that the hero can sense but not see. This adds an air of mystery to the whole proceeding. The book is a true hero's journey: the main character is moral, and must learn how to use his powers to benefit his hokeland and his growing retinue of friends, and he must do it in a dark world where no one else cares about the damage they do. This is not a morally gray world, but it is a dark one. Indeed, in its creation myth the darkness defeats the light. Placing a true hero in this milieu is an impressive feat.
Most of all, it works. I finished the book in under 24 hours because I always wanted to be reading it. You care about everyone here, because their motives are relatable and those motives drive the story. This is the most important task of an author.
Hoping book 3 comes out soon!
October 23, 2025
Holy...Dune meets Wuxia
How, how did you manage to mix the absolute best parts of Dune witg your epic story that is shaping up to be one hell of a journey. This is only the second step and already it feels like he is in his way to shatter countries. The new item will definitely be pivotal to if the warden helps or becomes the uktimate antagonist. Can't wait for him to visit Hantha and also depose of their emperor/empress and really plung everything into chaos. Hopefully the south star is happy with the outcome ^-^
How, how did you manage to mix the absolute best parts of Dune witg your epic story that is shaping up to be one hell of a journey. This is only the second step and already it feels like he is in his way to shatter countries. The new item will definitely be pivotal to if the warden helps or becomes the uktimate antagonist. Can't wait for him to visit Hantha and also depose of their emperor/empress and really plung everything into chaos. Hopefully the south star is happy with the outcome ^-^
November 29, 2025
This book didn’t quite hit with me the same way the first did. I felt like the first book was a big exploration of this new world, with new rules and characters and I felt like that was missing here. Now I don’t expect a rehash of the first book and I would expect a continuing story of the main characters and several of the secondary characters, but this book felt like a long road trip and the biggest thing I remembered until the end was a lot of meetings with potential concubines or allies and I just didn’t find it engaging.
Now the end did have an epic battle but I wish it had more build up to that final battle, to build more tension maybe bring a little more politics in I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.
Now the end did have an epic battle but I wish it had more build up to that final battle, to build more tension maybe bring a little more politics in I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.
January 9, 2026
This is the 2nd book in the Words of Power series. I always love it when I start a book and instantly find a magic system and universe that are unique. This series has that in spades. It all started when a lowly servant(slave) brought up and working at a bordello picks up a ring of power and puts it on. Asked to provide 5 guiding words he is then given an otherworldly source for his power from a being that matches his word. In this loosely historical chinese based world the masters of the rings of power are the rules of small provinces. Book 1 walks us through our main character Rimon as he takes ownership of the villa and province that his ring gives him providence over.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. The magic and mystical systems are truly novel and unique. Rimon is interesting and well written. I found, however, that I didn’t jump into the 2nd book right away even though I had it on my kindle already. There are dark themes in this book, that while quite interesting, were a little bit draining. Our main character’s magic is death based. I found that I needed a bit of a break. Fast forward a couple of months and I picked up the 2nd book.
Instantly I was drawn back into the world. It was every bit as fascinating and interesting as the first. Stovall constructs a world that is vivid and real and we’re right there with it. Rimon is growing and learning with his power, surpassing the expectations of those around him. He’s building relationships or control over spirits and building a team of loyal followers. He does this as he travels towards meeting the emperor.
I really enjoy Stovall’s writing and characters. They just make sense. This book is a really good follow-along from the first. Not taking us in an obvious direction even as it’s the necessary direction to be taking. I’m not going to adjust my statement previously made about the darkness, if the 3rd book was ready, I would likely wait a bit to read it. But read it I shall, when it is ready because I need to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. The magic and mystical systems are truly novel and unique. Rimon is interesting and well written. I found, however, that I didn’t jump into the 2nd book right away even though I had it on my kindle already. There are dark themes in this book, that while quite interesting, were a little bit draining. Our main character’s magic is death based. I found that I needed a bit of a break. Fast forward a couple of months and I picked up the 2nd book.
Instantly I was drawn back into the world. It was every bit as fascinating and interesting as the first. Stovall constructs a world that is vivid and real and we’re right there with it. Rimon is growing and learning with his power, surpassing the expectations of those around him. He’s building relationships or control over spirits and building a team of loyal followers. He does this as he travels towards meeting the emperor.
I really enjoy Stovall’s writing and characters. They just make sense. This book is a really good follow-along from the first. Not taking us in an obvious direction even as it’s the necessary direction to be taking. I’m not going to adjust my statement previously made about the darkness, if the 3rd book was ready, I would likely wait a bit to read it. But read it I shall, when it is ready because I need to know what happens next.
November 1, 2025
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away I had grown tired of waiting for Words of Power 2: How to Train Your Emu when suddenly, completely out of the blue, with no warning at all, and in a move that surprised everyone who had been too busy to be keeping tabs on book releases, Mrs Shami Stovall released Empire of the Twin Suns. While it cannot be said that she stormed onto the scene leaving preconceptions and expectations scattered in mangled and burning wrecks in her wake, mostly because she's an established author with almost thirty books and she has clearly and emphatically established that she's a powerhouse of authoressing genius and any rational person's preconceptions and/or expectations will be that they're in for a treat of both the ocular and brain candy variety, which are quite handily met.
If I were to pick at the proverbial nit, and I would never do that, I would say that I was left without an answer to the question "Are the Twin Suns Fraternal or Identical?". Even though I was left wondering about that, it was still a book destined to be referred to in any discussion regarding best book of the year and you can take THAT to the bank! (I'm not sure what they'll do with it, but it's a free country.)
If I were to pick at the proverbial nit, and I would never do that, I would say that I was left without an answer to the question "Are the Twin Suns Fraternal or Identical?". Even though I was left wondering about that, it was still a book destined to be referred to in any discussion regarding best book of the year and you can take THAT to the bank! (I'm not sure what they'll do with it, but it's a free country.)
October 23, 2025
Non Stop thrilling adventure!
Shami Stovall has turned on her juggernaut skills for this book. Once you start reading Empire of the Twin Suns, the story just smashes through the pages. The pacing is impeccable. The experience super fun! Love the OP hero bringing the hammer down on all his enemies. No whining and moping around for the hero in this book. When there’s a problem, the main character takes decisive action. And also faces interesting moral quandaries.
If you love fast paced, bold storytelling that’s just immense fun, then this book is for you!
Shami Stovall has turned on her juggernaut skills for this book. Once you start reading Empire of the Twin Suns, the story just smashes through the pages. The pacing is impeccable. The experience super fun! Love the OP hero bringing the hammer down on all his enemies. No whining and moping around for the hero in this book. When there’s a problem, the main character takes decisive action. And also faces interesting moral quandaries.
If you love fast paced, bold storytelling that’s just immense fun, then this book is for you!
November 24, 2025
Intense and fast paced
Being re immersed into this series was a rollercoaster ride like always. My favorite things about this book and just about any other book by Shami Stovall doesn't leave you sitting where you are reading. It pulls you in like Tom Riddles diary and makes you feel like you are living the excitement, the danger, the tension, the thrill of the book instantly. I cannot recommend this book or any other of Shami's books more highly.
Being re immersed into this series was a rollercoaster ride like always. My favorite things about this book and just about any other book by Shami Stovall doesn't leave you sitting where you are reading. It pulls you in like Tom Riddles diary and makes you feel like you are living the excitement, the danger, the tension, the thrill of the book instantly. I cannot recommend this book or any other of Shami's books more highly.
March 2, 2026
3.5 Stars
This one lacked a driving narrative. On his journey to see the emperor, Rimon took every available side-quest — seeking creatures whose power he could absorb. At the same time he's accumulating a band of loyal retainers to help raise his holdings in the future. Aside from an action filled ending, that's about it.
The writing style is easily digested, so at no time did I struggle to continue reading. More than that... I'd be happy to continue the series.
This one lacked a driving narrative. On his journey to see the emperor, Rimon took every available side-quest — seeking creatures whose power he could absorb. At the same time he's accumulating a band of loyal retainers to help raise his holdings in the future. Aside from an action filled ending, that's about it.
The writing style is easily digested, so at no time did I struggle to continue reading. More than that... I'd be happy to continue the series.
October 30, 2025
Another hit! I am already dying for the next installment!!! I love the magic system and the way the main characters have to navigate the politics of their world. I’m constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what they’ll do next, at every turn!!
February 28, 2026
Even better than book 1, IMO. Lots of stuff happening, new powers, palace intrigue, the perils of choosing concubines... Finished this one the same day I got it, which is the highest rating I can give. I look forward to book 3.
October 25, 2025
Bleh
Assuming this will another 12+ book saga that could be a half decent trilogy. Typical of what you find on kindle unlimited now.
Assuming this will another 12+ book saga that could be a half decent trilogy. Typical of what you find on kindle unlimited now.
November 8, 2025
Shami Stovall somehow tricked me into reading a book where a good chunk of the plot was of the MC meeting his future concubines but somehow I’m into it? Am now greatly anticipating the next installment as well.
December 12, 2025
I loved it. I need the third book.
December 29, 2025
Enjoyed This
I was surprised at the story woven in the first two books. It has been very entertaining. I am quite curious for the next book.
I was surprised at the story woven in the first two books. It has been very entertaining. I am quite curious for the next book.
January 19, 2026
I can't wait for the next book, really enjoyed this addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews