Seven Deaths of an Empire: A Review

From its heart pumping depictions of battle, to its scenes of discourse between a myriad of compelling characters, Seven Deaths of an Empire is a fantastic example of historically inspired fantasy that seizes the reader’s attention and refuses to release it.

I enjoy fantasy that pulls its inspiration from existing cultures. In the case of Seven Deaths, there is a heavy influence from the Roman Empire, a period of history that is well known for great advances, but is also rife with legends of conflict, scheming, and backstabbing, all of which are very present in the book.

Fans of Game of Thrones will find much to enjoy in this book. It is embroiled with intrigue, subterfuge, and quiet dealings, populated by savage people both in the wilds and within the city walls.

After the Emperor dies on a military campaign far from the capital, it falls to apprentice magician Kyron to accompany the emperor’s body with a contingent of soldiers back to the capital, so that the next heir may be crowned. He is accompanied by his master, a girl from the tribes they have come to conquer, and a collection of soldiers and priests who all seem to have an opinion. In their travels, they come to realize that abundant danger lurks in the barbarian forests.

Meanwhile, General Bordan in the capital must deal with the political fallout of the emperor’s death. He finds himself in a deadly game of assassins and conspiracies in his efforts to ready an ill prepared heir to take the throne.

A major theme of the narrative is the debate about civilization and the danger of blind loyalty. Kyron is a young man, one who has had his worldview shaped by the supposed pinnacle of the civilized world, a vast empire spanning horizons. And yet, this civilized world is built on superstition and lies, told to keep the mob under the thumb of those in power. Additionally, the idea of service is brought up numerous times, that everyone has a duty to the empire, and they must do it, even if it leaves them conflicted.

Kyron’s already fragile worldview is further challenged on his journey by the presence of Emlyn, a girl of the tribes, who takes every opportunity to challenge Kyron’s devotion and beliefs, showing him the worldview of those that the empire seeks to conquer and absorb.

Meanwhile, Bordan’s journey shows the dangers of the mounting heaps of lies told in order to keep the tenuous peace and secure power. The imperial family, whom he is sworn to protect and serve, are woefully unprepared for the sudden transference of power, both mentally and sociologically. It is a constant struggle for him not to berate those in power in an effort to make them see. Yet, the absolute maxim to do one's duty prevents him from doing anything beyond offering a silent, subtle prod in the right direction.

Ultimately, the main idea of the book can be summarized in one phrase, one spoken at the crowning of the new emperor: “The Emperor is dead. Long live the Empire.” While man may be mortal, what he builds can endure forever. It just often requires a foundation of blood and bone.

In time, the madness of absolute power and the manic desire to keep it, coupled with the bloodthirsty potential of man regardless of their beliefs, is revealed, reflected in the seven titular deaths. This book surely grips tightly, never releasing the reader, compelling them to turn the page so that they may see where the hidden blade may strike next, and whose death will contribute to the growing pile of corpses.