The Will of the Empress

While I feel that this book isn't as strong as her others, there is a some great writing here. It does have a slow start and I was a bit annoyed by the way the main characters were arguing all the time - but this is a realistic portrayal of what happens when people grow apart and how they are able to get back together. I think the message of family always sticking together is really strong. There is a lesbian romance here but this was one of the best parts in my opinion. I think it is very important to expose children to a more accepting view of differences. However, be warned if this is not something your family wants to read about. It is very tame - there is only kissing. However, it is implied that Briar is sleeping around. There are very strong themes of women's rights based around the tradition of kidnapping women and marrying them. The main characters are very much against this and oppose it in the book. This could lead to discussions of other forced marriage situations in today's world.

When I picked up this book, I read "romance" on the back and thought: "Gee! Isn't that great? Tamora Pierce, an accomplished author, is writing a serious teen book with adventure AND romance! What could go wrong?" Unfortunately, the only "romance" involved was the aforementioned tame lesbian relationship. The enticing (read: only interesting) prospect near the beginning that seemed set up specifically to allay all the silly (yes, I said it, SILLY!) gripes revolving in the four main characters' heads, and it flops. Not only does it flop, it festers, shrivels and disperses into ash, taking with it the only salvageable and interesting part of the story... oh, except for a surprise kidnapping which managed to actually seem emotionally wrenching for a few minutes or so. Parents would be ill-advised to blindly let their children read this book. Tame though the lesbian relationship may be, it comes off as manipulative and downright creepy, as it's only barely possible one of our "heroines" isn't being just as tricked as we are, not to mention there are still families in this world who DON'T approve of such things, and there is no hint at it on the cover to warn readers what they're getting into, whatsoever. Moreover, I take issue with the way the book tries to sell itself as "romance," with "marriage" as part of the pitch, and only touches lightly on a sort of relationship far from expectation and unsatisfying to anyone who was in it to see the reports of "forced marriage" turned on their head by something genuine and beautiful. Instead, there's an oddly slipshod attempt at "brother and sisters," which is rarely strengthened as the characters spend most of their time cross with one or the other of their "family." There are moments of good writing, but the only reason I finished this book was so my mind would stop coming up with hopeful endings to combat this pile of absurdity. Any kid who wants to read this better be well prepared for a sickening letdown after coming to trust traitorous characters, but if they're old enough, they may be able to handle it on their own, thus not needing the coaching. Definitely, though, there should be serious consideration on who's ready to read this thing.