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The Last Empress
In a world where the Gods have gifted only women with the most powerful magic, the Council will do anything to keep that hidden. But when Ophelia June discovers the truth, she becomes the only person with the power to change everything.
Centuries after the defeat of the Last Empress, the Council is still scared. To prevent the rise of another female leader, they have enacted strict laws to control them. All women are barred from running for government, owning property, and even reading and writing. Ophelia June is a maid in the Academy, an elite school for the sons of Councilors and other elite families. Known to most as Lia, she has a secret that only her best friend, Bear, destined to lead the Council one day, knows. Though Bear and Lia have long harbored feelings for each other, they could never act on it due to Bear's status.
But when Lia's secret is discovered, she is imprisoned, awaiting execution. The Last Empress, still alive, rescues her from the Capytal and offers her a chance at a new life in which women have power instead of men. Lia is forced to choose between her love for Bear and a future for all women that she never knew existed.
Centuries after the defeat of the Last Empress, the Council is still scared. To prevent the rise of another female leader, they have enacted strict laws to control them. All women are barred from running for government, owning property, and even reading and writing. Ophelia June is a maid in the Academy, an elite school for the sons of Councilors and other elite families. Known to most as Lia, she has a secret that only her best friend, Bear, destined to lead the Council one day, knows. Though Bear and Lia have long harbored feelings for each other, they could never act on it due to Bear's status.
But when Lia's secret is discovered, she is imprisoned, awaiting execution. The Last Empress, still alive, rescues her from the Capytal and offers her a chance at a new life in which women have power instead of men. Lia is forced to choose between her love for Bear and a future for all women that she never knew existed.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 30, 2025
Great book! It perfectly blends mystery, magic, and romance, and the story kept me hooked the entire time. The ending left me on a huge cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the second book to come out.
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January 19, 2026The Last Empress is a debut multi-POV dark feminist dystopian fantasy romance exploring themes of gender roles, magic, history, social structures, and religion.
This story heavily draws from Margaret Atwood's works and a sensationalized fantasy version of the Salem witch trials. Monotheistic religion is equated with an evil, tyrannical patriarchy social/political system that keeps women in servitude and sub-human status. By contrast, the mythical "last empress" and the old, lost polytheistic religion is presented as the alternative that empowers women. There are literal crucifixions used to execute falsely accused "witches", creating a story that draws clear parallels to historical narratives and political themes rather than establishing a distinct fictional fantasy setting to explore these themes.
It should also be noted that readers with triggers should proceed with caution as sexual assault is a common theme and there is on page rape.
The sweet romance between Ophelia and Bear creates a contrast with the overall dark dystopia. The characters gradually unravel the mystery of the "last empress" and are drawn into a world of magic and political intrigue as they learn to question the history they've been taught.
Overall this story reads like The Handmaid's Tale, but in a dark academic setting, with a side of sweet romance. Readers who loved The Plated Prisoner series and Alchemised might enjoy this.
This story heavily draws from Margaret Atwood's works and a sensationalized fantasy version of the Salem witch trials. Monotheistic religion is equated with an evil, tyrannical patriarchy social/political system that keeps women in servitude and sub-human status. By contrast, the mythical "last empress" and the old, lost polytheistic religion is presented as the alternative that empowers women. There are literal crucifixions used to execute falsely accused "witches", creating a story that draws clear parallels to historical narratives and political themes rather than establishing a distinct fictional fantasy setting to explore these themes.
It should also be noted that readers with triggers should proceed with caution as sexual assault is a common theme and there is on page rape.
The sweet romance between Ophelia and Bear creates a contrast with the overall dark dystopia. The characters gradually unravel the mystery of the "last empress" and are drawn into a world of magic and political intrigue as they learn to question the history they've been taught.
Overall this story reads like The Handmaid's Tale, but in a dark academic setting, with a side of sweet romance. Readers who loved The Plated Prisoner series and Alchemised might enjoy this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
This is not my normal genre, but I was intrigued by the summary on the back cover. The book gets you reeled in right away. Well written characters, interesting story line and descriptive writing that makes it easy to see in your mind while you read. The characters develop quickly and with some, you can’t tell if they are good or bad, so it keeps them interesting.
Loved this book so much that I ordered 2 more copies to share! I can’t wait until the next one comes out!
Loved this book so much that I ordered 2 more copies to share! I can’t wait until the next one comes out!
February 8, 2026
I loved this book! Read it in 2 days. It has some ACOTAR vibes (in terms of world building) with more of a “f*** the patriarchy” twist. Also appreciated the inclusion of the pronunciation guide. Looking forward to book 2!
January 16, 2026
What a fantasy novel! The book creates a whole new world of characters that become real! And a fantasy land that becomes real! Can’t wail for Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews