Review: The Empress

The Empress by Erin Mc Luckie Moya
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a series. The first two books in this series are a duet. Please read in order as previous characters do make cameos.

Trigger Warnings: assault, violence, death, abuse, underage sex mentioned.

Where do I begin with this novel?

Oh I know.

The very descriptive and almost realistic descriptions of witches, of magick, of their pasts and how they are made/found, and how they are used all over the world (fictionally) in order to continue to grow their magick and themselves. I loved being in that world, immersed myself deep and never let go. Also knowing that the author put a lot of work to research about witches and magick made it definitely a read that I would not forget anytime soon.

The romance was - at 95% almost. So no it didn't take center stage. It was mostly about the detailed workings in and out, history of how a witch operates, vs the bratva and how they try to run their business (illegal or not still a business) and protect themselves. Though this was more left to the backburner, I loved the action, and how for once, work was actually getting done - it wasn't all the screwing and constant immature banter - it was something that grown adults who came from different worlds did. And I appreciated them for it.

Side characters - well they were definitely useful - though naming them off the top of my head might be a challenge Hercules should try. I can't. But I do remember Arlo, Stepen, Ravi and her witchy friends. They were all fun, definitely added something lighter to the story and stood out despite being on the side. And I loved it.

Action - well it was only witches and bratva workings s0 not much more than that and you know the occasional mole in em. Etc., etc.

Characters - Though Dimitri and Corinne come from different worlds, Fate and Isis also know they are meant to be. And yes Isis is someone Corinne worships so hush up. With different beliefs, and you know different jobs, they do have their share of problems. But at the end of the day, the banter, romance, wit and steam are too much for them to deny - even though it took a longer denial than I thought and cause celebrations for a HEA.

Plot was definitely good and relevant. Though the book did get content heavy a lot at times - felt like wading through a sarah j maas novel at times.

Regardless, I enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by Erin.

Until the next read,

-JB

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