BOOKS | Review: The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

Name: The Goblin Emperor
Author: Katherine Addison
Publisher: Solaris
Date published: 21st March 2019 (first published 1st April 2014)
Genre: Fiction, fantasy, steampunk
Pages: 480
Rating: 5/5
Note: This review contains mild spoilers.

Even on the throne, you're only as good as your wits—or your heart.
Maia, the youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor, has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it.
But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident”, he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Surrounded by sycophants and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the spectre of the unknown conspirators, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. 
- From Goodreads.

I really loved The Goblin Emperor and found it to be such a joy to read. It was so refreshing to have a main character be so considerate and to know he did everything he did because he wanted to be a good person. It did not feel boring or dull, and I really rooted for Maia because he was so thoughtful and sweet, and I could easily see why the other characters came to like him too. I think his kindness made him brave and it kept me turning the pages as I hoped to see the success of his endeavour to be a good emperor for his people.
There were a lot of details, characters and place names to remember in the story, so I found the list of names at the beginning of the book very useful, and I felt so invested in the story and enjoyed the development of the characters so much that I did not get too caught up in the details and managed to understand what was happening in the story. I think this is the kind of book I will read over and over again and spot new details each time.
I thought the world building was truly excellent. The elves and goblins, the technology and airships, the traditions and different ways of being religious, were all written about in such an interesting and unique way, I felt truly immersed in the world.
There was only a small amount of romance, but what there was in the slow beginnings of a relationship between Maia and Csethiro, the woman he is set up in an arranged marriage with, was very compelling. I think the way they came to slowly learn more about each other and gradually came to care about each other was very endearing and sweet.
I really loved how language was used so inventively in the story, the society that Maia was suddenly thrown into was very strict and formal with how they used words, and when he slipped up or intentionally used language in a way he was not supposed to it was a clever way of showing his personality and how he did not want to get too caught up in being emperor and the power that came with that.
Overall I fell completely in love with this book and it quickly became a favourite that I will be happy to read again many times. It was hopeful and uplifting and it was wonderful to read such a kindhearted character succeeding against all odds.