I wanna talk about Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone. So SPOILERS for that book.
SPOILERS BELOW
Worldbuilding? *chef’s kiss* fucking awesome. Information processing so advanced it’s literally just magic? Amazing. The Mirrorfaith? The Pride? The Bleed? Memetic gods? All the various alien species? Outstanding. 10/10.
Characters? Awesome. Every one of the main cast feels human (or at least like a person). Everyone grows over the course of the book. Love it. 10/10
Language? Great! He book basically takes place in 4 dimensions, and Vivian (the narrator for most of it) can only perceive 3. Things are a little confusing in places, but the author conveys the general feeling of what’s going on without restricting himself to literal description. 10/10 does what it’s meant to do.
Plot? The big “plot twist” (Viv is the Empress) is obvious. It’s not a plot twist, it’s a major point of the plot. But it’s delivered so well. Of course she wouldn’t question why she has the power to control the Empress’ stuff, in her hubris Viv would assume she’s just the chosen one. Delightful. A lot happens and a little happens. The crew bounce from one predicament to the next, but the book isn’t really about the adventures and more about the world and the people. It’s fast-paced (maybe a little too fast-paced) but it works. 10/10.
Ending? Outstanding. I was worried throughout the book that Viv would go back to her “reality,” and thus was very happy to learn that Viv was artificially created with fake memories. Left no loose ends, but still had room for further adventures (to be explored through daydreaming or through fanfiction). Definitely doesn’t need a direct sequel, though a return to the setting wouldn’t be unwelcome. 10/10.
All in all an outstanding book. My favorite stuff includes:
The Fallen Star
Groundswell
Gray of the Grayframe
Zanj
The gods
4D fight scenes (hand to hand or in ships)