Books: The Last Emperox By John Scalzi (2020)

 

"The collapse of The Flow, the interstellar pathway between the planets of the Interdependency, has accelerated. Entire star systems—and billions of people—are becoming cut off from the rest of human civilization. This collapse was foretold through scientific prediction… and yet, even as the evidence is obvious and insurmountable, many still try to rationalize, delay and profit from, these final days of one of the greatest empires humanity has ever known. Emperox Grayland II has finally wrested control of her empire from those who oppose her and who deny the reality of this collapse. But “control” is a slippery thing, and even as Grayland strives to save as many of her people from impoverished isolation, the forces opposing her rule will make a final, desperate push to topple her from her throne and power, by any means necessary. Grayland and her thinning list of allies must use every tool at their disposal to save themselves, and all of humanity. And yet it may not be enough. Will Grayland become the savior of her civilization… or the last emperox to wear the crown?"

As I mentioned in the review of the first book, I read somewhere this series was supposed to be two volumes, not three. I think it should’ve stayed two books. Part of the problem lies in how many times Scalzi reminds the reader of the plot and while less obvious, here than book two, there still remains an over-reliance on the expository narrative trope –he tells too much of the story instead of showing it. Once again, the books ideas will resonant with modern times -the story isn't very subtle as we see greedy capitalists trying to save themselves and their fortunes and are willing letting the rest of the humans die a horrible death. Of course, not all are evil.

Despite some of my nitpicking, the three female leads are pretty fun, even if they all seem self-aware. Kiva is the best, though.