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The Empress Game Trilogy #3
Exile's Throne
One seat on the intergalactic Sakien Empire’s supreme ruling body, the Council of Seven, remains unfilled, that of the Empress Apparent. The seat isn’t won by votes or marriage. It’s won in a tournament of ritualized combat in the ancient tradition. Now that tournament, the Empress Game, has been called and the women of the empire will stop at nothing to secure political domination for their homeworlds. Kayla Reunimon, a supreme fighter, is called to battle it out in the arena.
The battle for political power isn’t contained by the tournament’s ring, however. The empire’s elite gather to forge, strengthen or betray alliances in a dance that will determine the fate of the empire for a generation. With the empire wracked by a rising nanovirus plague and stretched thin by an ill-advised planet-wide occupation of Ordoch in enemy territory, everything rests on the woman who rises to the top.
The battle for political power isn’t contained by the tournament’s ring, however. The empire’s elite gather to forge, strengthen or betray alliances in a dance that will determine the fate of the empire for a generation. With the empire wracked by a rising nanovirus plague and stretched thin by an ill-advised planet-wide occupation of Ordoch in enemy territory, everything rests on the woman who rises to the top.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2018
24 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Mason
5 books87 followersRhonda Mason divides her time between writing, editing, bulldogs and beaching. Her writing spans the gamut of speculative fiction, from space opera to epic fantasy to urban paranormal and back again. The only thing limiting her energy for fantastical worlds is the space-time continuum. When not creating worlds she edits for a living, and follows her marine biologist husband to the nearest beach. In between preserving sea grass and deterring invasive species, she snorkels every chance she gets. She has a masters degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, specializing in Speculative Fiction. You can find her at www.RhondaMason.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2018
3.5 stars
This was actually quite enjoyable to read, but I wanted a bit more for the last book of a trilogy with an interesting story.
What I liked here was the story and the pacing, which was very readable and fast moving. All the loose ends got tied up for the most part, and so it felt like there was real closure to the trilogy.
Where I had hoped for more is in the character development, and, as much as I like the books, this is where I thought Mason's writing was less strong. The introductory part of the story is long past, and I wanted more from the long standing main characters, Kayla and Malkor, but also from characters introduced in book 2 who played a major role in Exile's Throne, particularly Janeen, Ida, and Vayne. I think sometimes the feeling is that maybe a longer book is needed for that, but since I'm currently reading the Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold, it seems clear that excellent character development and quick paced, complex stories can be accomplished without being excessively long.
It's not necessarily fair to compare a long time, multiple book author like Bujold to a relative junior author like Mason, but I do that only because I really do think that if Mason could work on achieving a bit more depth in her characters, it really would take her work to the next level. It would take her books from entertaining to truly memorable.
That said, I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole, with the first book, The Empress Game remaining my favourite of the three. But Mason's writing has an appeal and potential which has made me a fan, and willing to read the next story she wants to tell.
This was actually quite enjoyable to read, but I wanted a bit more for the last book of a trilogy with an interesting story.
What I liked here was the story and the pacing, which was very readable and fast moving. All the loose ends got tied up for the most part, and so it felt like there was real closure to the trilogy.
Where I had hoped for more is in the character development, and, as much as I like the books, this is where I thought Mason's writing was less strong. The introductory part of the story is long past, and I wanted more from the long standing main characters, Kayla and Malkor, but also from characters introduced in book 2 who played a major role in Exile's Throne, particularly Janeen, Ida, and Vayne. I think sometimes the feeling is that maybe a longer book is needed for that, but since I'm currently reading the Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold, it seems clear that excellent character development and quick paced, complex stories can be accomplished without being excessively long.
It's not necessarily fair to compare a long time, multiple book author like Bujold to a relative junior author like Mason, but I do that only because I really do think that if Mason could work on achieving a bit more depth in her characters, it really would take her work to the next level. It would take her books from entertaining to truly memorable.
That said, I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole, with the first book, The Empress Game remaining my favourite of the three. But Mason's writing has an appeal and potential which has made me a fan, and willing to read the next story she wants to tell.
September 19, 2018
The finale for a promising space opera series wraps things up a little too neatly, and does drag in places.
Kayla, Malkor and some of his octet have traveled to the ancient Wyrd battleship, the Yari, which has an inter-spacial link to Imperial-occupied Ordoch. Meanwhile, the Imperial Jersain Vega has gained sole control over Dolan's psi-technology and has used it to engineer a position for herself as head of the occupation of Ordoch. Which is a disaster, because Dolan's tech is powered by people with psi powers and Ordoch has a planetful of those.
The central pillar that this series is based on is the consequences of the nanovirus plague that is devastating the worlds of the Sakien Empire. When the Empire sought aid in curing the nanovirus from the technologically-advanced Wyrd Worlds, the Wyrds refused. So the Empire invaded Ordoch, one of the Wyrd worlds, executed the ruling family and set up a brutal occupation. It's this nobody-on-the-side-of-the-angels scenario that makes for a really interesting series, and it's pretty much milked for all it's worth throughout, particularly with the central relationship of the Wyrd princess Kayla and the Imperial special forces soldier Malkor.
Unfortunately the execution of the plot doesn't match up well with the clever setup, and both conflict and plague get wrapped up far too simply to feel satisfying in this book.
Kayla, Malkor and some of his octet have traveled to the ancient Wyrd battleship, the Yari, which has an inter-spacial link to Imperial-occupied Ordoch. Meanwhile, the Imperial Jersain Vega has gained sole control over Dolan's psi-technology and has used it to engineer a position for herself as head of the occupation of Ordoch. Which is a disaster, because Dolan's tech is powered by people with psi powers and Ordoch has a planetful of those.
The central pillar that this series is based on is the consequences of the nanovirus plague that is devastating the worlds of the Sakien Empire. When the Empire sought aid in curing the nanovirus from the technologically-advanced Wyrd Worlds, the Wyrds refused. So the Empire invaded Ordoch, one of the Wyrd worlds, executed the ruling family and set up a brutal occupation. It's this nobody-on-the-side-of-the-angels scenario that makes for a really interesting series, and it's pretty much milked for all it's worth throughout, particularly with the central relationship of the Wyrd princess Kayla and the Imperial special forces soldier Malkor.
Unfortunately the execution of the plot doesn't match up well with the clever setup, and both conflict and plague get wrapped up far too simply to feel satisfying in this book.
September 15, 2018
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; however, I purchased a hardcopy of this book for full price.
Mason concludes her stunning space opera trilogy with absolutely nothing you expect, which makes this book all the more perfect.
Since I've started reviewing every book I complete, I've gotten into the habit of taking down random thoughts as I read. I read this book in one sitting on a flight between Baltimore and Salt Lake City. But some books suck you in and don't let go. Afterward, you look up with a massive book hangover and the only reasonable action is finding the nearest human and shoving the book (or series) at them and demanding that they read it too. So, consider this the online version of that.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is that the main relationship development is no longer between heroine Kayla and her paramour Malkor. They have settled into a strong partnership between equals that becomes a pillar of the book rather than a focus. Instead, Kayla must resolve the issues between her and her twin brother Vayne, who is also one of the book's point of view characters. At times, his character arc was even more interesting than Kayla's.
Despite all the fascinating tech, this book always revolves around the characters, their interactions, and their politics. As I wrote in my opening, the narrative makes interesting and unexpected turns that kept me on the edge of my (airplane) seat. The tech undoubtedly plays a role, but it never verges into deus ex machina or MacGuffin territory. It is always in how the characters use the tech that drives the story forward.
After all, good space opera uses science fiction to show us things about our own society and lives. I adore the universe that Mason has created for her Empress Game trilogy and would love to see more of these characters or this setting. But she's such a good writer and storyteller that I'm excited to keep up with anything she comes out with next.
Mason concludes her stunning space opera trilogy with absolutely nothing you expect, which makes this book all the more perfect.
Since I've started reviewing every book I complete, I've gotten into the habit of taking down random thoughts as I read. I read this book in one sitting on a flight between Baltimore and Salt Lake City. But some books suck you in and don't let go. Afterward, you look up with a massive book hangover and the only reasonable action is finding the nearest human and shoving the book (or series) at them and demanding that they read it too. So, consider this the online version of that.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is that the main relationship development is no longer between heroine Kayla and her paramour Malkor. They have settled into a strong partnership between equals that becomes a pillar of the book rather than a focus. Instead, Kayla must resolve the issues between her and her twin brother Vayne, who is also one of the book's point of view characters. At times, his character arc was even more interesting than Kayla's.
Despite all the fascinating tech, this book always revolves around the characters, their interactions, and their politics. As I wrote in my opening, the narrative makes interesting and unexpected turns that kept me on the edge of my (airplane) seat. The tech undoubtedly plays a role, but it never verges into deus ex machina or MacGuffin territory. It is always in how the characters use the tech that drives the story forward.
After all, good space opera uses science fiction to show us things about our own society and lives. I adore the universe that Mason has created for her Empress Game trilogy and would love to see more of these characters or this setting. But she's such a good writer and storyteller that I'm excited to keep up with anything she comes out with next.
October 17, 2025
After years of deception, rebellion, and loss, Kayla Reunimon finally returns home to Ordoch, ready to fight for her people and her family’s freedom. This final book closes the trilogy with war, sacrifice, and the emotional weight of everything Kayla has endured since the arena days of The Empress Game.
What I loved most about this finale was that Kayla remained the same strong, badass FMC we met in book one. Even after finding her family and having a lover, those relationships didn’t soften her, they made her even stronger. She fights not just for survival anymore, but for those she loves and the home she’s been trying to reclaim.
This book is very much about sacrifice, patience, and not giving up, even when the odds are impossible. I also really loved the growth of Kayla’s brothers throughout the series and how the story came full circle with the bond she built with her found family and the one she rebuilt with her real one.
I gave this book 3 stars because, while I enjoyed the third book, the first and second books were much more exciting. This one dragged a bit in the middle and saved most of the real action (the war and the resolution) for the last few pages. I wish that part had been given more space, since it was what the entire trilogy had been building toward.
That being said, I would’ve also liked a more definitive ending. After everything these characters went through, I wanted to know exactly who ended up where, doing what, rather than just getting hints. Still, it was a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy filled with strong characters, rebellion, and heart.
Overall, this trilogy made me want to discover more underrated science fiction stories with rebellious, inspiring heroines like Kayla, women who fight, fall, and rise again stronger than before.
What I loved most about this finale was that Kayla remained the same strong, badass FMC we met in book one. Even after finding her family and having a lover, those relationships didn’t soften her, they made her even stronger. She fights not just for survival anymore, but for those she loves and the home she’s been trying to reclaim.
This book is very much about sacrifice, patience, and not giving up, even when the odds are impossible. I also really loved the growth of Kayla’s brothers throughout the series and how the story came full circle with the bond she built with her found family and the one she rebuilt with her real one.
I gave this book 3 stars because, while I enjoyed the third book, the first and second books were much more exciting. This one dragged a bit in the middle and saved most of the real action (the war and the resolution) for the last few pages. I wish that part had been given more space, since it was what the entire trilogy had been building toward.
That being said, I would’ve also liked a more definitive ending. After everything these characters went through, I wanted to know exactly who ended up where, doing what, rather than just getting hints. Still, it was a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy filled with strong characters, rebellion, and heart.
Overall, this trilogy made me want to discover more underrated science fiction stories with rebellious, inspiring heroines like Kayla, women who fight, fall, and rise again stronger than before.
December 11, 2018
This was certainly the weakest installment in the trilogy. There was very little of the fast-paced and well-executed action and almost no physical movement. By trapping the characters in a confined space, Mason severely limited herself, particularly when there is very little room for description in the space she chose.
With the lack of movement came a shift from external action, dialogue, and forward motion to internalization, circuitous thoughts, and stagnated plot. For a good portion of the book, I wanted to grab the characters and scream at them to do something. I was expecting a war, but instead, we had them sneaking around a ship - and our resident combat expert (and main protagonist) did literally no fighting.
I really enjoyed the first book and don't want this rather apathetic conclusion to ruin my impression of that much stronger opening.
With the lack of movement came a shift from external action, dialogue, and forward motion to internalization, circuitous thoughts, and stagnated plot. For a good portion of the book, I wanted to grab the characters and scream at them to do something. I was expecting a war, but instead, we had them sneaking around a ship - and our resident combat expert (and main protagonist) did literally no fighting.
I really enjoyed the first book and don't want this rather apathetic conclusion to ruin my impression of that much stronger opening.
September 9, 2018
So, I wrote a review, and Goodreads seems to have decided to glitch and erase what I wrote. So at this point:a summary of my review that was sucked into the void by some unknown force.
This was a well-paced, well-written conclusion to the series. I liked that once they finally got toward the end things picked up pace.
The characters continued to develop over the course of this final book, though certain characters futures were left in the air and I would love to know what happened with them (such as Ardin and Isonde and Mishe). Other characters endings were essentially wrapped up, but I like that there was still a little open-endedness to their stories.
Over all a great series that I would recommend to other sci-fi fans, and Kayla is probably now on my (ever expanding) list of cosplays I want to do.
This was a well-paced, well-written conclusion to the series. I liked that once they finally got toward the end things picked up pace.
The characters continued to develop over the course of this final book, though certain characters futures were left in the air and I would love to know what happened with them (such as Ardin and Isonde and Mishe). Other characters endings were essentially wrapped up, but I like that there was still a little open-endedness to their stories.
Over all a great series that I would recommend to other sci-fi fans, and Kayla is probably now on my (ever expanding) list of cosplays I want to do.
June 27, 2019
This last book in the trilogy just dragged on and on for me. I forced myself to slog through it because I wanted to know how it all ended. It just moved really slow for me. At the 50% mark I was ready to be done. The author mentions in her acknowledgments that she had a difficult time writing this book. I suspect that’s where the issue lies. Maybe it didn’t come together for her like the other books??
August 30, 2018
This series has been a really fun ride the whole way through. The serious and the humorous have been balanced really well in each installment. The wrap up came together nicely here, which is always a relief.
I loved the parts with the rooks, especially, it was both surprising and made perfect sense.
I loved the parts with the rooks, especially, it was both surprising and made perfect sense.
November 13, 2019
I quite enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy but Exiles Throne just felt underwhelming. Was there even a plot???? They were just stuck on that bloody spaceship and i just kept waiting for them to finally get off it and get to the actual plot...
i guess i just expected more action and drama.
i guess i just expected more action and drama.
February 29, 2020
Not quite as gripping as the first two books, but still a good read. The story on the Yari dragged a bit, and the Cinni character should have been left out completely. I also would have liked a little more epilogue to bring the story full circle back to imperial space, and more baby rooks haha.
April 14, 2025
I really didn't think there was a chance in heck of Mason wrapping this story up in a third book, but she did a marvelous job. Normal swearing, no innuendo that I recall and definitely no sex. A satisfying read.
December 24, 2018
just kinda skimmed on the other parts. Endings was a bit meh though.
January 30, 2019
Not as strong as the first two books in the series but brings the plot line to a satisfactory conclusion.
October 9, 2020
Really good way to end the series. A little predictable but there was a twist. I really enjoyed the series.
May 12, 2023
Two and a half stars
This was ok, but for most of the book I felt like nothing was really happening and it was going nowhere, or at least it wasn't too clear where it was going. The character arcs didn't end up being as fulfilling as I had wanted and the writing seemed somehow less polished than the second book. It ends up wrapping most things up and it does come together, but I can't help being a bit disappointed.
This was ok, but for most of the book I felt like nothing was really happening and it was going nowhere, or at least it wasn't too clear where it was going. The character arcs didn't end up being as fulfilling as I had wanted and the writing seemed somehow less polished than the second book. It ends up wrapping most things up and it does come together, but I can't help being a bit disappointed.
June 30, 2023
Original review in 2018: Book 1 was still the best, by far, of the trilogy
Updated review 2023
I gave this 4 stars in 2018 and I’m wondering how I scored this so high. 2 stars now in 2023
Updated review 2023
I gave this 4 stars in 2018 and I’m wondering how I scored this so high. 2 stars now in 2023
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews