The Empress picks up the pace where The Diabolic left off: fast, action-packed, more underhanded political manouvering and plot twist after plot twist. All this in a futuristic, sci-fi backdrop.
With Tyrus now Emperor, he and Nemesis believe they will finally be together and for Tyrus to be the fair, peaceful ruler he desires. But the ruling class don't want a diabolic to be an Empress and the sceptre which controls the Emperor's galactic power is not responding. With enemies ready to pounce, Tyrus and Nemesis risk everything to try and restore Tyrus's rightful rule.
Underestimating their most cunning enemy, their lives and destinies soon hang in the balance. Nemesis finds herself risking everything a second time - against all odds. Allies become enemies and vice versa, the control of the empire is uncertain and Nemesis and Tyrus's love is tested more than once.
Nemesis doesn't know who to trust. Once a trained killer, she has now embraced humanity and pins all her hopes and dreams on her love for Tyrus. She will do anything for Tyrus including die for him. Can Tyrus be trusted to stay true to himself in the face of ultimate power? Will his new power supersede his love for Nemesis? At the very core of this novel is a love story.
As far as trilogies go, there's occasionally a section where the plot lags a little. Not this trilogy. This YA series will grip you from the very first page. It will have your pulse racing, your hopes for the protagonists raised then dashed then raised again, leaving you anxious to turn the page in case another plot twist deflates you. It's that good. This is space opera at its best. The characters are riveting and the ongoing themes which resonate strongly are of humanity vs power, and love against the odds.
The ending left me staring at the ominous, unexpected events on the last page, wondering what will happen next. Waiting impatiently for the final book...
Title: The Empress
Author: SJ Kincaid
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781471169182
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Fiction