Published: November 24, 2020
Publisher: Orbit Books
Series: Hostage of Empire #2
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 560 (Paperback)
My Rating: 5.0/5.0
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
The lady-in-waiting to the princess of a conquered kingdom must navigate a treacherous imperial court, in this second book in a medieval East Asia-inspired epic fantasy trilogy.
The princess is dead, and the drums of war beat again. The imperial schemes that took her life have reignited tensions with her native Khir, and left her lady-in-waiting, Komor Yala, alone among the treachery of a foreign court. As the Emperor lies upon his deathbed, the palace is more dangerous than ever before-for there are six princes, and only one throne.
To survive, and get to the bottom of who ordered her princess dead, Yala will have to rely on some unlikely allies, like the sardonic third prince out of the line of succession, the war-hardened general who sacked her homeland but now asks for her hand, or the surprise visitor from her past who may hold all the answers.
But there’s a danger greater than any of them have imagined on the horizon. In the distance, the hordes of Tabrak are rising. New perils appear on every border as the palace is beset by threats both within and without. The entire empire is at stake and only one man may be able to save it-if Yala can reach him in time.
I wasn’t sure a sequel to Throne of the Five Winds could possibly match how amazing that book was. Boy-o, I was so pleased that The Poison Prince might actually be even better! The political intrigue, courtly romance, and so much family drama make this book unputdownable!
The Poison Prince picks up shortly after the events of Throne of the Five Winds, meaning Yala and the first prince are still in mourning for their beloved princess. Komor Yala is still determined to find out who sent assassins after her dearest friend and royal charge, even if that means endangering herself. Fortunately, Yala has the eye of Third Prince Takshin and Zakkar Kai, who is newly elevated to his princely status. Both of these men vye for her attention, though neither seems to realize the other looks romantically upon Yala. While this is certainly an important part of the story it’s not at all the entire focus of the story. The real focus is the power struggle and plotting amongst the princes, princesses, queens and concubines as the emperor’s health continues to decline.
One of the best things about this book is that so many characters have their own POV chapters. It really helps you get to know them and whether that’s bad or good is entirely dependent upon the character. Some of them are just awful, self-centered people. Others are genuinely decent, but are mostly preoccupied looking out for their own survival during the inevitable power shift. The variety you get is brilliant and helps to flesh out this story and give it so much more substance than if it were just Yala and a few other POVs. You really get the palace power dynamic and see plotting happening first hand. OOOO it makes it so delightful!
This is one of the most under-hyped fantasy series and I would love to recommend it to EVERYONE! The quality is top-notch the writing is gripping and DANG that story just kept me turning pages late into the night! Can’t wait for the next book to be released (hopefully) in 2021.
Powder & Page 
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