5 star review - Heirs of Empire by S. A. Melia

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite

King Teodor has finally resurfaced after all the talk of his death. He returns with a new title and an army of spider-riding warriors at his side. He may have to use his army sooner than he expects, as his cousin Tomas has usurped Earth’s throne and has no intention of relinquishing it. Guy Erma watches this political dance play out, knowing that his recent unveiling as Prince Erederon has thrown him into the ring along with these two individuals as a potential heir to the emperor’s throne. Guy knows his loyalty to Teodor goes beyond duty. Still, as whispers begin to spread, he soon realizes the choices before him may make or break the bonds that survival and friendship have created between him and Teodor in S.A. Melia’s Heirs of Empire.

S.A. Melia returns with more intergalactic politicking in the latest installment of the Dodecahedral series. The world-building blends old-world urban constructs that readers will recognize from the architecture of previous centuries. Melia complements the structures with organic and cybernetic creatures that science fiction enthusiasts will recognize, such as the plague flies and the Battle Borgs. The dialogue blends old English that comes to the fore whenever the narrative shifts to court, with strategic back-and-forths among military personnel, highlighted by instances of foul language. Melia balances brief origin stories with intermittent flashbacks between Guy and Teodor that bring avid followers up to speed on the larger narrative while also making it easy for new readers to enjoy this as a standalone. Action enthusiasts will love the detailed battles that leave little to the imagination. Melia weaves these elements together with a fast pace and a romantic triangle that readers will not want to put down. I enjoyed reading Heirs of Empire and cannot wait for the next installment in this fascinating series.