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The Chronicles of Osreth #1.1
The Orb of Cairado
Set in the world of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award nominee The Goblin Emperor, The Orb of Cairado offers an unlikely hero in historian Ulcetha Zhorvena.
Five years ago, Ulcetha was studying at the University of Cairado, working his way toward becoming a scholar first-class in the Department of History. Then a prize artifact disappeared and Ulcetha, deftly framed, was kicked out. Now he works for a crooked importer, using his knowledge of elven history to write provenances for the fake artifacts Salathgarad sells.
When the airship Wisdom of Choharo explodes, killing the emperor and three of his four sons, it takes with it Ulcetha's best friend, Mara Lilana. But Mara leaves behind a puzzle—the one thing Ulcetha can't resist. And the puzzle leads Ulcetha back to the Department of History...and maybe the chance to clear his name.
Five years ago, Ulcetha was studying at the University of Cairado, working his way toward becoming a scholar first-class in the Department of History. Then a prize artifact disappeared and Ulcetha, deftly framed, was kicked out. Now he works for a crooked importer, using his knowledge of elven history to write provenances for the fake artifacts Salathgarad sells.
When the airship Wisdom of Choharo explodes, killing the emperor and three of his four sons, it takes with it Ulcetha's best friend, Mara Lilana. But Mara leaves behind a puzzle—the one thing Ulcetha can't resist. And the puzzle leads Ulcetha back to the Department of History...and maybe the chance to clear his name.
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 31, 2025
About the author
Katherine Addison
23 books3,893 followersA pseudonym of Sarah Monette. Both Sarah and Katherine are on Twitter as @pennyvixen. Katherine reviews nonfiction. Sarah reviews fiction. Fair warning: I read very little fiction these days.
Sarah/Katherine was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, one of the three secret cities of the Manhattan Project.
She got her B.A. from Case Western Reserve University, her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Despite being summa cum laude, none of her degrees is of the slightest use to her in either her day job or her writing, which she feels is an object lesson for us all.
She currently lives near Madison, Wisconsin.
Sarah/Katherine was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, one of the three secret cities of the Manhattan Project.
She got her B.A. from Case Western Reserve University, her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Despite being summa cum laude, none of her degrees is of the slightest use to her in either her day job or her writing, which she feels is an object lesson for us all.
She currently lives near Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
February 20, 2025
Yay, we are in Katherine Addison’s fascinating universe again!
This is a novella set right after the airship crash that killed the emperor and his sons… and the crew in the beginning of The Goblin Emperor.
Ulcetha, a disgraced scholar, lost his friend in the crash. The friend left him a map, which turns out to be a clue, so we are off on a hunt for lost treasures. There are a few mysteries, including a murder mystery.
I like the moment when Ulcetha explained why he was being extra careful in underground labyrinths:
”Low tastes in literature,” said Ulcetha. ”In adventure novels, doors to ancient treasures are always death-trapped.”
The mystery is not very mysterious, it’s more about the people involved and giving the readers another taste of this universe and Katherine Addison’s writing. I’ll take it, thank you.
There is a lot of sadness towards the end. The ending itself is hopeful, though. Ulcetha might not be the most interesting character in this series, but I still want to know what his next story might be.
This is a novella set right after the airship crash that killed the emperor and his sons… and the crew in the beginning of The Goblin Emperor.
Ulcetha, a disgraced scholar, lost his friend in the crash. The friend left him a map, which turns out to be a clue, so we are off on a hunt for lost treasures. There are a few mysteries, including a murder mystery.
I like the moment when Ulcetha explained why he was being extra careful in underground labyrinths:
”Low tastes in literature,” said Ulcetha. ”In adventure novels, doors to ancient treasures are always death-trapped.”
The mystery is not very mysterious, it’s more about the people involved and giving the readers another taste of this universe and Katherine Addison’s writing. I’ll take it, thank you.
There is a lot of sadness towards the end. The ending itself is hopeful, though. Ulcetha might not be the most interesting character in this series, but I still want to know what his next story might be.
January 11, 2025
Remember how Maia Drazhar got to be Edrehasivar VII, the Goblin Emperor, when the airship Wisdom of Choharo blew up? The pilot of that airship, Mara Lilana, had a best friend, and that grieving best friend, Ulcetha Zhorneva, is the protagonist here.
Ulcetha is a historian, booted from the university in disgrace because he's believed to have stolen an artifact called the Orish Veltavan, itself in turn a clue to the whereabouts of the Orb of the title. And now Mara has left him a bequest, also a clue -- to the whereabouts of the Orish Veltavan. Which in turn leads to another mystery, a murder this time.
So look: that little bit of scene-setting probably makes it clear that The Orb of Cairado is best enjoyed if you're already familiar with the Goblin Emperor world, so you can laugh out loud at a line like "it became steadily less likely that Edrehasivar VII would start his reign with a purge" and enjoy the blink-and-you'll-miss-it reference to every Addison fan's favorite Sad Gay, Thara Celehar. All of which having been said, we GE-world fans love these books in large part for the fundamental decency of their protagonists; thanks to their goodness, they succeed in certain important ways, but they all pay a price, as well. Maia does, Thara does, and Ulcetha does as well.
I could have used some more relationship development -- I'll skip the spoiler explaining which one(s) and why, but I'm dinging half a star there, and rounding up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the ARC.
Ulcetha is a historian, booted from the university in disgrace because he's believed to have stolen an artifact called the Orish Veltavan, itself in turn a clue to the whereabouts of the Orb of the title. And now Mara has left him a bequest, also a clue -- to the whereabouts of the Orish Veltavan. Which in turn leads to another mystery, a murder this time.
So look: that little bit of scene-setting probably makes it clear that The Orb of Cairado is best enjoyed if you're already familiar with the Goblin Emperor world, so you can laugh out loud at a line like "it became steadily less likely that Edrehasivar VII would start his reign with a purge" and enjoy the blink-and-you'll-miss-it reference to every Addison fan's favorite Sad Gay, Thara Celehar. All of which having been said, we GE-world fans love these books in large part for the fundamental decency of their protagonists; thanks to their goodness, they succeed in certain important ways, but they all pay a price, as well. Maia does, Thara does, and Ulcetha does as well.
I could have used some more relationship development -- I'll skip the spoiler explaining which one(s) and why, but I'm dinging half a star there, and rounding up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the ARC.
March 7, 2026
It is a truth universally acknowledged that earlobe communication is the greatest language of all time. Also, those who think some Drizzt names are slightly unpronounceable (why, hello there Daermon N'a'shezbaernon!) obviously haven't read this series: try saying Cairad’mazan’theileian three times once fast and let me know how it goes for you.
Right. That's what I thought.
· Book 1: The Goblin Emperor ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Witness for the Dead ★★★★
· Book 3: The Grief of Stones ★★★★
· Book 4: The Tomb of Dragons ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Oh my shrimp, how did I not know there was a new book in this Slightly Very Scrumptious Series (SVSS™)?!
Right. That's what I thought.
· Book 1: The Goblin Emperor ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Witness for the Dead ★★★★
· Book 3: The Grief of Stones ★★★★
· Book 4: The Tomb of Dragons ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Oh my shrimp, how did I not know there was a new book in this Slightly Very Scrumptious Series (SVSS™)?!
January 1, 2025
A slow, academic, cozy. I want to say it's a mystery, but Katherine Addison is, as always, crafting something that is all her own outside of genre boundaries.
I'm not sure if I would recommend it as an entry point to this fantasy world. However, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to people who have already read something else in this fantasy world. It's got the same charm. The story itself is entirely a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I'm not sure if I would recommend it as an entry point to this fantasy world. However, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to people who have already read something else in this fantasy world. It's got the same charm. The story itself is entirely a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 10, 2025
The Orb of Cairado wasn’t on my reading list for this month, solely because I didn’t know it existed. It came out at the end of January (2025) and I’d completely managed to miss all mentions of it beforehand whilst waiting for The Tomb of Dragons to be published in March. It’s book 1.1 in The Chronicles of Osreth series, aka The Goblin Emperor world, a novella that takes place at the same time as the first book.
The explosion of airship Wisdom of Choharo that kills the emperor at the beginning of The Goblin Emperor also kills its captain Mara Lilana, the best friend since their childhood of Ulcetha Zhorvena. His widow finds a random map in an envelope addressed to Ulcetha, who after a brief bemusement realises it’s the first clue of a mystery.
Ulcetha is a former historian second class at the University of Cairado, but he was accused of stealing a priceless artefact and was thrown out of academia. Mara’s clues lead him to where the artefact had been hiding all these years, which only leads to another puzzle: how did Mara know it’s there when he’s not an academic nor knows anyone in academia.
Ulcetha also faces the dilemma of returning the artefact so that he’s not accused of stealing it again. The historian first class he contacts is very helpful though. The artefact is a map to The Orb of Cairado, a relic of great importance, and together they travel to unearth it and a treasure buried with it. As a reward, Ulcetha gets his academic position back.
But the original mystery won’t leave him alone. Who stole the artefact in the first place? Because it could only have been one of his fellow historians. Finding the answer changes his life forever.
This was an amazing novella in a sense that events that could’ve easily filled a full-length book took place during nine chapters and about a hundred pages, effortlessly and without rushing. It has a satisfying three act structure, and nothing was lacking, information or descriptions. The mystery was perhaps easily solved, once Ulcetha put his mind to it, and key witnesses didn’t waste anyone’s time by denying knowledge, but even that came across as the way it should be. And while the thief was easy to guess, I for one didn’t foresee the answer to how Mara had known about it.
Ulcetha was like all the main characters in this series, an underdog trodden by life, but kind, resilient, and just (even if he worked as a forger). In a world of elves and goblins, it would’ve been nice to know which one he was (or I missed the clues), but in the end it was more important to know that he wasn’t an aristocrat like the other historians, the reason they so willingly believed he was the thief. The ending sets him on a new path. Maybe we encounter him later again. I would like that.
The explosion of airship Wisdom of Choharo that kills the emperor at the beginning of The Goblin Emperor also kills its captain Mara Lilana, the best friend since their childhood of Ulcetha Zhorvena. His widow finds a random map in an envelope addressed to Ulcetha, who after a brief bemusement realises it’s the first clue of a mystery.
Ulcetha is a former historian second class at the University of Cairado, but he was accused of stealing a priceless artefact and was thrown out of academia. Mara’s clues lead him to where the artefact had been hiding all these years, which only leads to another puzzle: how did Mara know it’s there when he’s not an academic nor knows anyone in academia.
Ulcetha also faces the dilemma of returning the artefact so that he’s not accused of stealing it again. The historian first class he contacts is very helpful though. The artefact is a map to The Orb of Cairado, a relic of great importance, and together they travel to unearth it and a treasure buried with it. As a reward, Ulcetha gets his academic position back.
But the original mystery won’t leave him alone. Who stole the artefact in the first place? Because it could only have been one of his fellow historians. Finding the answer changes his life forever.
This was an amazing novella in a sense that events that could’ve easily filled a full-length book took place during nine chapters and about a hundred pages, effortlessly and without rushing. It has a satisfying three act structure, and nothing was lacking, information or descriptions. The mystery was perhaps easily solved, once Ulcetha put his mind to it, and key witnesses didn’t waste anyone’s time by denying knowledge, but even that came across as the way it should be. And while the thief was easy to guess, I for one didn’t foresee the answer to how Mara had known about it.
Ulcetha was like all the main characters in this series, an underdog trodden by life, but kind, resilient, and just (even if he worked as a forger). In a world of elves and goblins, it would’ve been nice to know which one he was (or I missed the clues), but in the end it was more important to know that he wasn’t an aristocrat like the other historians, the reason they so willingly believed he was the thief. The ending sets him on a new path. Maybe we encounter him later again. I would like that.
February 14, 2026
OK story, bad narration.
September 13, 2026
A short novella in The Chronicles of Osreth. It follows Ulcetha, a scholar, who gets kicked out of university when a ancient relic gets stolen and they blame him for it. The relic is rumored to have be the key to find an ancient treasure.
When the events of The Goblin Emperor happen, and the emperor dies, Ulcetha gets left a note by a friend who died on the trip and so begins a great quest. I really liked Ulcetha, similarly like in The Goblin Emperor, both are so kind-hearted characters and you are constantly rooting for him.
I almost skipped this novella, but I'm so glad I didn't. Despite not having any of the major characters from The Goblin Emperor, it was so fun and entertaining in its own right and I didn’t want it to end.
A worthwhile novella for anyone who wants more Katherine Addison.
When the events of The Goblin Emperor happen, and the emperor dies, Ulcetha gets left a note by a friend who died on the trip and so begins a great quest. I really liked Ulcetha, similarly like in The Goblin Emperor, both are so kind-hearted characters and you are constantly rooting for him.
I almost skipped this novella, but I'm so glad I didn't. Despite not having any of the major characters from The Goblin Emperor, it was so fun and entertaining in its own right and I didn’t want it to end.
A worthwhile novella for anyone who wants more Katherine Addison.
February 4, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I really love this series, and this was another great installment. I can see where some people might find all the names, and the dates, and events confusing, especially since you are kind of dropped into it without a whole lot of explanation. I sort of love that about this series. It makes me feel like I have been immersed in a fully realized world, and I like learning as I go along. There is so much to think abut, and I love how many little things tie into the other books in this series, and the world as a whole.
The plot is well paced, and it feels like a lot happens in a short amount of time. For a novella the author blended fantasy, mystery, and adventure, and it was just my cup of tea. The characters are well developed, complex, and fully realized. Not just the main character, but the secondary, and incidental characters as well.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this character fits into the larger plot of the series, and I am really looking forward to seeing how everything develops from here. A new favorite story from my favorite author. Couldn't put it down.
I really love this series, and this was another great installment. I can see where some people might find all the names, and the dates, and events confusing, especially since you are kind of dropped into it without a whole lot of explanation. I sort of love that about this series. It makes me feel like I have been immersed in a fully realized world, and I like learning as I go along. There is so much to think abut, and I love how many little things tie into the other books in this series, and the world as a whole.
The plot is well paced, and it feels like a lot happens in a short amount of time. For a novella the author blended fantasy, mystery, and adventure, and it was just my cup of tea. The characters are well developed, complex, and fully realized. Not just the main character, but the secondary, and incidental characters as well.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this character fits into the larger plot of the series, and I am really looking forward to seeing how everything develops from here. A new favorite story from my favorite author. Couldn't put it down.
March 21, 2026
Dear Katherine Addison,
Will you please write more books for The Chronicles of Osreth? I found your worldbuilding exciting and magical on its own. And please do continue combining mystery with fantasy elements because it is one of my pleasures in life and you are so very good at it. Plus, I have loved all your MCs - whether they are a king, a Witness for the Dead, or a researcher - still thinking on how you made them so endearing.
This book particularly is a fantastic addition to the series and reading it makes me want for more, even just novella-sized like this one. You know what, I'd even take a novelette.
Yours truly,
Silvana
Will you please write more books for The Chronicles of Osreth? I found your worldbuilding exciting and magical on its own. And please do continue combining mystery with fantasy elements because it is one of my pleasures in life and you are so very good at it. Plus, I have loved all your MCs - whether they are a king, a Witness for the Dead, or a researcher - still thinking on how you made them so endearing.
This book particularly is a fantastic addition to the series and reading it makes me want for more, even just novella-sized like this one. You know what, I'd even take a novelette.
Yours truly,
Silvana
November 26, 2024
When I get a new book in this series I just want to lie in bed and marinate in it.
This is such a short book, but as always, is so engrossing. They usually feature a mystery of some sort, which is not solved through fast paced action, but through introspection and reasoning. The characters are surprising in their depth and the reader comes away with empathy for their inner struggles.
This novella (or is it a short story?) is the same as the full length books in the series. I don’t want to go into too much detail because with a short story you run the very real risk of spoiling something and that would be truly egregious. If you couldn’t tell yet, I absolutely adore all of the books by this author and she is coming out with a new full length novel early next year. This will just keep me going until then. Maybe.
This is such a short book, but as always, is so engrossing. They usually feature a mystery of some sort, which is not solved through fast paced action, but through introspection and reasoning. The characters are surprising in their depth and the reader comes away with empathy for their inner struggles.
This novella (or is it a short story?) is the same as the full length books in the series. I don’t want to go into too much detail because with a short story you run the very real risk of spoiling something and that would be truly egregious. If you couldn’t tell yet, I absolutely adore all of the books by this author and she is coming out with a new full length novel early next year. This will just keep me going until then. Maybe.
April 6, 2026
A slight, less filling dose of things Addison does best in The Goblin Emperor and The Cemeteries of Amalo. Still extremely readable, I devoured it over one Sunday.
November 27, 2025
A true scholar at work
The Orb of Cairado is a short novella set in Katherine Addison's Osreth -- in the Goodreads reckoning it is number 1.1 in the Chronicles of Osreth. That is, it takes place shortly after (or perhaps contemporaneous with) The Goblin Emperor.
Ulcetha Zhorvena is a failed scholar in Cairado, making a living from petty crime. He works for a shopkeeper who sells fake elven artifacts. The people who buy these artifacts want to know that they're genuine. Ulcetha writes fake provenances for these forged artifacts.
Ulcetha was forced into this business when he was kicked out of the university for the theft of a famous artifact, a work of jewelry called the Orish Veltavan. There was never any proof that Ulcetha stole it -- indeed, there could not be, since he was innocent. He obviously knows that, and since we're inside his head, we know it, too.
The story begins with an event that is also important in The Goblin Emperor -- the explosion of an airship. Ulcetha's best friend dies in the explosion. It transpires that his best friend left him a puzzle, whose solution leads him to the hiding place of the Orish Veltavan.
The Orish Veltavan is, it transpires, a kind of treasure map -- a very cryptic one -- leading to a much more famous jewel that's been lost for centuries, the Orb of Cairado after which the story is named.
The Chronicles of Osreth have in common that they are centered on smart, kind heroes -- people you can really like and even admire. Ulcetha is not quite as admirable as Maia the Goblin Emperor, or Celehar, The Witness for the Dead of novels 2-4. But he is still a good guy, and I quite enjoyed the story.
Blog review.
The Orb of Cairado is a short novella set in Katherine Addison's Osreth -- in the Goodreads reckoning it is number 1.1 in the Chronicles of Osreth. That is, it takes place shortly after (or perhaps contemporaneous with) The Goblin Emperor.
Ulcetha Zhorvena is a failed scholar in Cairado, making a living from petty crime. He works for a shopkeeper who sells fake elven artifacts. The people who buy these artifacts want to know that they're genuine. Ulcetha writes fake provenances for these forged artifacts.
Ulcetha was forced into this business when he was kicked out of the university for the theft of a famous artifact, a work of jewelry called the Orish Veltavan. There was never any proof that Ulcetha stole it -- indeed, there could not be, since he was innocent. He obviously knows that, and since we're inside his head, we know it, too.
The story begins with an event that is also important in The Goblin Emperor -- the explosion of an airship. Ulcetha's best friend dies in the explosion. It transpires that his best friend left him a puzzle, whose solution leads him to the hiding place of the Orish Veltavan.
The Orish Veltavan is, it transpires, a kind of treasure map -- a very cryptic one -- leading to a much more famous jewel that's been lost for centuries, the Orb of Cairado after which the story is named.
The Chronicles of Osreth have in common that they are centered on smart, kind heroes -- people you can really like and even admire. Ulcetha is not quite as admirable as Maia the Goblin Emperor, or Celehar, The Witness for the Dead of novels 2-4. But he is still a good guy, and I quite enjoyed the story.
Blog review.
March 7, 2025
I liked the audiobook just as much.
________________________________
I love the world that Katherine Addison created in The Goblin Emperor, and I will happily read anything she publishes in this universe.
The Orb of Cairado is a smaller (literally by length and metaphorically by focus) story of a disgraced scholar who receives a very curious posthumous bequest after a friend is killed aboard Wisdom of Choharo.
This airship disaster also happens to play a pivotal role in The Goblin Emperor's story and sets in motion The Cemetaries of Amalo which feature Thara Celehar, a witness for the dead.
Rather than courts and leaders or graveyards and murder victims, this story focuses on the competitive world of academia. Addison writes its nuances well.
I liked Ulcetha, our protagonist, and was invested in his journey. I am also very curious about the maza, and would welcome a story that explores magic and those who wield it.
If I have one complaint, it's that this special edition does not include an updated map and the story refers to several locations I could not find in the existing maps published online. A reference guide to past princes of the region and a timeline would also help. The names do get a little confusing.
All in all, a satisfying read. I hope Addison continues to write in this expansive world.
________________________________
I love the world that Katherine Addison created in The Goblin Emperor, and I will happily read anything she publishes in this universe.
The Orb of Cairado is a smaller (literally by length and metaphorically by focus) story of a disgraced scholar who receives a very curious posthumous bequest after a friend is killed aboard Wisdom of Choharo.
This airship disaster also happens to play a pivotal role in The Goblin Emperor's story and sets in motion The Cemetaries of Amalo which feature Thara Celehar, a witness for the dead.
Rather than courts and leaders or graveyards and murder victims, this story focuses on the competitive world of academia. Addison writes its nuances well.
I liked Ulcetha, our protagonist, and was invested in his journey. I am also very curious about the maza, and would welcome a story that explores magic and those who wield it.
If I have one complaint, it's that this special edition does not include an updated map and the story refers to several locations I could not find in the existing maps published online. A reference guide to past princes of the region and a timeline would also help. The names do get a little confusing.
All in all, a satisfying read. I hope Addison continues to write in this expansive world.
December 1, 2024
Katherine Addison does a good job with her prose and the world building itself, however, where The Emperor Goblin shined was in its rare touching moments of finding trust in the sea of piranhas, The Orb of Cairado, I feel, wasn't able to accomplish the same thing as deftly, largely because this novella is too short.
It's a short and sweet mystery novella, about a missing historical relic, The Orb of Cairado, and, while it was nice to recover the artifact in this Emperor Goblin-adjacent world, it just came about too quickly--too linearly. Follow one clue, which successfully leads to the next, which leads to a puzzle, which we can solve right then and there, then go to the next...it was just all too tidy, therefore the suspense never had a chance build up.
I think if you're into Addison's writing, however, and you're likely in the mood for a mellower fantasy setting rather than something more high-octane, action-packed, this might be a good fit. If you're in the mood to explore the world of The Emperor Goblin a bit further, then perhaps you'll like this story too.
Thank you NetGalley and SubPress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's a short and sweet mystery novella, about a missing historical relic, The Orb of Cairado, and, while it was nice to recover the artifact in this Emperor Goblin-adjacent world, it just came about too quickly--too linearly. Follow one clue, which successfully leads to the next, which leads to a puzzle, which we can solve right then and there, then go to the next...it was just all too tidy, therefore the suspense never had a chance build up.
I think if you're into Addison's writing, however, and you're likely in the mood for a mellower fantasy setting rather than something more high-octane, action-packed, this might be a good fit. If you're in the mood to explore the world of The Emperor Goblin a bit further, then perhaps you'll like this story too.
Thank you NetGalley and SubPress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2025
A very readable little novella in the same world and time as The Goblin Emperor, featuring a character whose life is affected very differently by the emperor's assassination. Ulcetha Zhorevna, a disgraced scholar accused of stealing a historical artifact, loses his best friend Mara in the same crash. Mara, it seems, was a man of secrets whose last act is to leave Ulcetha a trail - but to what, it's not immediately clear.
Certainly worth a read if you like Addison's rich worlds and unassuming protagonists. Ulcetha is not Thara (though there's a side character, a Witness for the Dead, who brings him to mind), and he has lost his way at the start of the novella. It's a pleasure to watch him rediscover it.
Would a full novel have had more emotional impact? Probably. I don't particularly feel the need to own The Orb of Cairado, but I enjoyed my time with it.
Certainly worth a read if you like Addison's rich worlds and unassuming protagonists. Ulcetha is not Thara (though there's a side character, a Witness for the Dead, who brings him to mind), and he has lost his way at the start of the novella. It's a pleasure to watch him rediscover it.
Would a full novel have had more emotional impact? Probably. I don't particularly feel the need to own The Orb of Cairado, but I enjoyed my time with it.
January 8, 2026
First impressions: I enjoyed this quiet little story. A bit more falling action would have been great to give the mystery elements a stronger resolution, but Addison has a real knack for exploring the inner worlds of gentle people in stressful situations. Disgraced scholar Ulcetha Zhorvena finds himself caught up in a scavenger hunt and academic scandal, but he's also the kind of person who delights in digging through a basement maze of documents to rewrite his thesis. As always, it's nice to get back to this world and soak in Addison's prose (tricky names and all). RTC.
March 22, 2025
I feel like the plot could have been handled better, but then this is a novella and there’s only so much you can do if you’re keeping it shorter. Still an interesting addition to this world and worth the read as an Addison fan.
June 24, 2025
A clever, short, academic fantasy mystery involving three lost artifacts and a murder. You can read this as a standalone if you're willing to power through the terminology and naming conventions without The Goblin Emperor's glossary.
March 25, 2026
4.5 stars. I hope we get more stories with Ulcetha! I love this world so much.
April 12, 2026
i think this is more of a 3.5 but i love this universe so much katherine addison nEVER LEAVE IT
May 31, 2026
It was almost perfect. I enjoyed being in Ulcetha's world. I docked a star, though, for the somewhat abrupt ending. I wished we could have at least gotten an epilogue.
March 30, 2025
I’ll admit—I’m a massive fan of The Goblin Emperor series, and Katherine Addison’s Orb of Cairado is a richly imagined novella set immediately after its events. The story introduces an unlikely hero in historian Ulcetha Zhorvena. Just five years ago, Ulcetha was diligently studying at the University of Cairado, on track to become a first-class scholar in the Department of History. Then a prized artifact mysteriously vanished, and Ulcetha, expertly framed for the theft, was expelled. Now, he finds himself working for a crooked importer, using his deep knowledge of elven history to create forged provenances for fake artifacts sold by Salathgarad. When the airship Wisdom of Choharo explodes—killing the emperor, three of his four sons, and Ulcetha’s best friend, Mara Lilana—Mara leaves behind a tantalizing puzzle that Ulcetha simply cannot ignore. That puzzle ultimately leads him back to the Department of History, and perhaps, to a chance to clear his name.
World-Building and Atmosphere
One of the novella’s greatest strengths is its immersive world-building. Addison crafts a fantasy realm where every landscape, tradition, and political nuance feels meticulously designed. The vivid descriptions create an atmosphere that is both enchanting and endearing, drawing readers deeply into this intricate universe.
Character Development and Narrative
At the heart of Orb of Cairado lies its character-driven narrative. Ulcetha’s journey is marked by moral dilemmas, internal conflicts, and gradual transformation, exploring themes of duty versus personal desire. Addison skillfully delves into the complexities of power and ambition, showing how the allure of the orb challenges each character’s convictions.
Pacing and Storytelling
The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, favoring introspection and atmospheric detail over constant action. This measured approach allows for an in-depth exploration of themes and a slow burn of tension that steadily builds as the mystery of the orb deepens. However, this same pacing might not suit everyone. Readers seeking immediate thrills or a fast-paced adventure may find parts of the novella a bit sluggish. Still, if you appreciate a narrative that rewards patience with richly layered storytelling, the deliberate pace is a welcome aspect of the experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Orb of Cairado is a compelling addition to Addison’s universe, distinguished by its evocative prose, deep world-building, and introspective character arcs. While its measured pace and occasional underdevelopment of secondary characters may not appeal to all, those who relish a slow-burn narrative filled with symbolic depth and intricate lore will find this novella highly rewarding. Katherine Addison has crafted a tale that not only entertains but also enriches the series for devoted fans.
World-Building and Atmosphere
One of the novella’s greatest strengths is its immersive world-building. Addison crafts a fantasy realm where every landscape, tradition, and political nuance feels meticulously designed. The vivid descriptions create an atmosphere that is both enchanting and endearing, drawing readers deeply into this intricate universe.
Character Development and Narrative
At the heart of Orb of Cairado lies its character-driven narrative. Ulcetha’s journey is marked by moral dilemmas, internal conflicts, and gradual transformation, exploring themes of duty versus personal desire. Addison skillfully delves into the complexities of power and ambition, showing how the allure of the orb challenges each character’s convictions.
Pacing and Storytelling
The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, favoring introspection and atmospheric detail over constant action. This measured approach allows for an in-depth exploration of themes and a slow burn of tension that steadily builds as the mystery of the orb deepens. However, this same pacing might not suit everyone. Readers seeking immediate thrills or a fast-paced adventure may find parts of the novella a bit sluggish. Still, if you appreciate a narrative that rewards patience with richly layered storytelling, the deliberate pace is a welcome aspect of the experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Orb of Cairado is a compelling addition to Addison’s universe, distinguished by its evocative prose, deep world-building, and introspective character arcs. While its measured pace and occasional underdevelopment of secondary characters may not appeal to all, those who relish a slow-burn narrative filled with symbolic depth and intricate lore will find this novella highly rewarding. Katherine Addison has crafted a tale that not only entertains but also enriches the series for devoted fans.
August 7, 2025
Katherine Addison does sad bedraggled man solving mystery very well, what can I say.
April 27, 2026
the half gasp half laugh that burst out of me listening to THAT twist!
September 7, 2026
En ny bok från Goblin Emperor världsbygget! Dessutom en ny karaktär som verkar bli en serie det med? HURRA! Här får vi möta Ulcetha Zhorvena som blir anklagad för att ha stulit en värdefull artefakt från universitetet han arbetar på. Utsparkad, utskämd och vanärad arbetar Ulcetha svart med att ljuga ihop ursprunget till fejkade antikviteter. Det är inte ett jobb Ulcetha njuter av direkt.
I första boken om The Goblin emperor är det en krasch med en Zeppelinare som sätter hela historien igång om halvgoblinen Maia, förskjuten från hovet och längst från tronen som helt plötsligt blir kejsare då hela familjen omkommit i kraschen. SOM AV EN HÄNDELSE är Ulcethars bästa vän Mara ombord på skeppet. När boken börjar har Ulcetha precis fått höra nyheten om kraschen och är förkrossad. Dock får han ett Brev från Mara där det finns en kod som leder till en tom bok i ett bibliotek. Här får Ulcetha mer frågor än svar.
Detta är en tunn bok så ni får helt enkelt läsa den om ni vill veta mer!
Älskade älskade, som allt i denna serie.
I första boken om The Goblin emperor är det en krasch med en Zeppelinare som sätter hela historien igång om halvgoblinen Maia, förskjuten från hovet och längst från tronen som helt plötsligt blir kejsare då hela familjen omkommit i kraschen. SOM AV EN HÄNDELSE är Ulcethars bästa vän Mara ombord på skeppet. När boken börjar har Ulcetha precis fått höra nyheten om kraschen och är förkrossad. Dock får han ett Brev från Mara där det finns en kod som leder till en tom bok i ett bibliotek. Här får Ulcetha mer frågor än svar.
Detta är en tunn bok så ni får helt enkelt läsa den om ni vill veta mer!
Älskade älskade, som allt i denna serie.
May 26, 2025
I adore the world of "The Goblin Emperor," but I only accidentally found out about this little book, and then had to hunt down a hard copy of it to complete my collection. This one, taking place immediately after the event that starts GE, is not about court politics, and is not the detective novels of my beloved Thara Celahar's "Cemeteries of Amalo" series, but instead gives us more a taste of academia, with a mystery, a treasure hunt, and more. Hopepunk as all of Addison's books in this world are, I only would have wished that this had more time to develop, as my only complaint is that it's a wee little book and too short (but that's just my greed to read more in this world).
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March 28, 2025Novela je vrlo šokantna u poređenju sa matičnim serijalom jer je glavni elf strejt i čak ima čvrstih dokaza da je spolno opštio sa ženskom osobom suprotnog pola više od jednom. Toliko nedvosmislenosti i direktnosti u odnosima između likova nije bilo u prethodna tri romana. Van toga ovo je priča o doktorima društvenih nauka koji zabadaju jedan drugom noževe u leđa, što stvarno što u prenesenom značenju, dakle tale as old as time. Nije dobro mesto za ulazak u serijal, morate redom.
December 13, 2024
This was a lovely little novella set in the world of the Goblin Emperor shortly after the events of the novel. Katherine Addison has a knack at writing sad characters with good hearts. The world building is great and I'm even more excited to read the next Witness for the Dead novel. Fans of the series will definitely want to read this.
November 19, 2024
Addison has such a talent for letting us peak into interesting sections of her world and play around in them. Very different from The Goblin Emperor and the Witness for the Dead books, it nevertheless plays with the same sense of aspirational fantasy, where our heroes are just trying their best.
June 29, 2026
No other author can capture the, very niche, excitement of a historian being granted special access to exclusive archives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews