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The Bone Shard Emperor

The second book in the Sunday Times bestselling Drowning Empire series

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About this listen

 'One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time...This book is truly special' Sarah J. Maas on The Bone Shard Daughter

Magic. Revolution. Identity.

The Emperor is Dead. Long live the Emperor.

Lin Sukai finally sits on the throne she won at so much cost, but her struggles are only just beginning. Her people don't trust her. Her political alliances are weak. And in a far corner of the Empire a rebel army of constructs is gathering, its leader determined to take the throne by force.

Yet an even greater threat is on the horizon, for the Alanga - the powerful magicians of legend - have returned to the Empire. Lin may need their help to defeat the rebels and restore order.

But can she trust them?

The Bone Shard Emperor is the unmissable sequel to The Bone Shard Daughter, one of the biggest fantasy debuts of recent years - a captivating tale of magic, revolution and mystery, where a young woman's sense of identity will make or break an empire.

Praise for the series

'A bold, ambitious debut' M. R. Carey

'Epic fantasy at its most human and heartfelt . . . inventive, adventurous and wonderfully written' Alix E. Harrow

'Brilliant world-building, deep intrigue and incredible heart' Megan E. O'Keefe

'Action-packed, must-read epic fantasy . . . One of the best debut fantasy novels of the year' Buzzfeed

'This brilliant fantasy debut has announced Andrea Stewart as quite possibly the best newcomer of the year' Novel Notions

The Drowning Empire series
The Bone Shard Daughter
The Bone Shard Emperor
The Bone Shard War (coming Spring '23)©2021 Andrea Stewart Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Romance Fiction

Critic reviews

The twisting turns of political negotiations, the desperation of each character to do what's right, and the carefully written world building come together to power this compelling and suspenseful fantasy . . . Stewart's elegant planning and unspooling revelations will keep readers hooked from the first page and fans will be impatient for the next and final volume in the trilogy
Stewart's heart-pounding second Drowning Empire epic fantasy expertly picks up the pace from The Bone Shard Daughter . . . Stewart keeps the energy up across the many engrossing plotlines, with immersive battles aplenty to keep readers on the edges of their seats. This page-turning instalment is sure to please series fans
A wild ride full of action, betrayal, and heart-in-your-throat plot twists. Nothing happens as expected, and it's fantastic
The Bone Shard Emperor is delicious fantasy fiction at its best, wrapping its coils around my mind and heart, teasing me and toying with my emotions, breaking my heart and melting it at the same time. Stewart has truly shown her skill as a writer, with two standout books in a series that is cementing itself as a pillar of modern fantasy
All stars
Most relevant
Taking us from the cliff edge of book 1 and throwing us into a pit of despair for all characters. It lacks the mystery of the first book but offers suspense and romance instead. Worth listening to if you were a fan of the first as it hints at a thrilling third part on the way.

Good stuff

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An excellent sequel to an excellent first entry. The story I found to be extremely engaging, each of the three main characters all had reasons you would root for.

The mystery that Andrea Stewart teases is very inviting and I wanted to know more.

The narration is stellar from all three narrators and are able to bring life to each of the characters.

I can't wait for the final book, I am sure it will be just as good if not better!

An Excellent Sequel

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only one major complaint - the next book isn't out yet. how can I wait?

superb sequel

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This has been such an interesting journey. Excited for more from this author! 6 stars!

A brilliant sequel. Can't wait for the final book.

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The compelling characters make the political focus, not feel like a focus making it incredibly gripping because you care about their strife and decisions. Amazing story, amazing narration,bought book 3 ages ago

Incredible magical perspective

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