After the assassination of Matheus Ceirran, his loyal captain Anita Decretan pursues vengeance across a galaxy teetering on the brink of war, while navigating a passionate, fraught relationship with Queen Altagracia and uncovering a secret that could destabilize empires. This sweeping, queer space opera reimagines the tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra, exploring themes of immortality, legacy, and the personal costs of power through lush prose and intricate political intrigue.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a sprawling interstellar empire inspired by ancient Egypt and Rome, the novel continues the story begun in The Stars Undying, reimagining the historical figures of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony as Altagracia Caviro Patramata, Matheus Ceirran, and Anita Decretan. The narrative picks up after Ceirran's death, following Anita as she seeks revenge for his assassination while entangled in a relationship with Altagracia, queen and oracle of Szayet. The plot is driven by political intrigue, shifting alliances, and the discovery of a dangerous secret that threatens the balance of the galaxy. The story is told primarily from Anita's perspective, with interludes from a historian character, and explores themes of immortality, legacy, and the cost of power, using elements such as the quicksilver pearl and the Black Maw to blend science fiction with mythological and historical motifs. The book is described as dense, with a focus on political machinations, philosophical questions, and the emotional ramifications of its characters' choices.

Readers praised the novel's prose, describing it as lush, poetic, and precise, with many highlighting the beauty of the language and the depth of the character studies. The exploration of themes such as immortality, memory, and the tension between personal desire and political duty resonated with many, as did the nuanced depiction of queer relationships, particularly between Anita and Altagracia. The inclusion of a diverse cast, including lesbian, bisexual, and nonbinary characters, was noted positively. Several reviewers appreciated the ambitious structure, including the use of a frame narrative and interspersed letters and documents, as well as the way the book reimagines historical events and figures in a science fiction context. Some found the emotional impact of the story, especially the tragic elements and the fate of the characters, to be powerful and affecting.

A number of readers found the book challenging due to its dense and sometimes convoluted plot, with frequent comments about confusion regarding the science fiction elements, such as the mechanics of the quicksilver pearl and the Black Maw. The shift from a dual point-of-view structure in the first book to a single perspective in the sequel was a disappointment for some, who missed the intricate character dynamics and interiority that characterized the earlier installment. The pacing was described as inconsistent, with abrupt shifts between action and slower, more contemplative sections, and some felt that the focus on political and plot-driven events overshadowed the development of key relationships, particularly between Anita and Altagracia. Several reviewers noted that a deeper familiarity with the historical source material enhanced understanding, and some wished for additional context or a glossary to help track characters and events.

The book is the second in the Empire Without End duology and is scheduled for publication in March 2025. It is categorized as science fiction, space opera, and LGBT fiction, with adult and queer themes, and has received an average reader rating of 4.28 out of 5 from a small pool of early reviewers. The narrative structure includes both Anita's first-person account and interludes from a historian, and the story continues to draw heavily on historical and mythological parallels. Some readers recommended reading the two books back-to-back or brushing up on Roman and Egyptian history to fully appreciate the references and narrative choices. The author, Emery Robin, has been noted for their ambitious storytelling and is expected to continue exploring similar themes in future works.