Review: A solidly crafted and satisfying narrative.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 22, 2012
In my opinion this is probably the strongest of the Tales of the Empire installments.  The characters are very well developed with the author doing an exceptional job of showing them evolve from children into adults.  Especially well done is the description of how circumstances shape them.  Secondary characters frame the story giving thorough insight to environment that the main characters negotiate.The story itself covers the beginning of interregnum to the re-establishment of the empire illustrating the circumstances that befall the main characters as the empire is torn by strife and stability crumbles.  The narrative centers on how three children initially adjust to the new circumstances and ultimately strive to influence the environment to suit their own goals.  The author is very effective in describing their efforts and showing that while some of their actions might not be consider "good" they all are logical and directed towards survival and greater goals some of which are laudable.