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The Garden of Empire

A sweeping fantasy epic full of magic, secrets and war
3.66 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

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( 660 ratings, 145 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Garden of Empire by J.T. Greathouse is a fantasy novel set in a richly imagined world where political intrigue and personal quests intertwine. The protagonist navigates a realm rife with power struggles and mystical elements, caught between duty and destiny. As various factions vie for control, deep secrets and ancient magic threaten to reshape the landscape of the empire.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in epic fantasy that explores themes of power and rebellion, set in a richly detailed world. Fans of intricate political plots and character development will be drawn to its engaging storyline and compelling narrative.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The sequel to the critically acclaimed and British Fantasy Award-nominated The Hand of the Sun King.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
WAR MAKES MONSTERS OF EVERYONE.

Foolish Cur, once named Wen Alder, finds that his allies in the rebellion might cross any line if it means freedom from the Empire. But he can't overcome a foe as strong as Emperor Tenet alone.

REBELLION HAS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.

Koro Ha, Foolish Cur's former tutor, discovers the Empire is not so forgiving of those who raise a traitor. And their suspicion may cost him and his people more than he can imagine.

THE GODS ARE LURKING IN THE SHADOWS.

As war against the Empire rages, Foolish Cur knows there is a greater threat. The emperor plans his own coup against the gods, and they will wreak destruction if he tries. To stop him, Foolish Cur might have to risk everything - and resort to ancient magics that could tear the world apart.

This is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Shelley Parker-Chan. Readers can't get enough of The Garden of Empire:

'This book is a complete package of beautiful prose, well written characters, well explained magic with good battle scenes and immersive world-building' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A gripping, riveting, highly entertaining, well plotted, and well told story. A page turner that kept me hooked. A story which is epic and intimate and the same time. Loved it, loved it, loved it' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The plot was amazing. It kept me engaging and there was not even a small moment throughout the book when I didn't enjoy it. It had a huge twist in the story that I didn't see coming. The themes of rebellion, war and its consequences, leadership, betrayals, family, friendship, duties, power are employed very well' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'We are treated to rich characterization, vivid description, a believable lush world, amazing magic, and wrenching moral conflicts' Goodreads review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A thrilling sequel to The Hand of the Sun King. The magic system is still one of the most unique I've read' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Magic in this series feels like a magic of an old style. While I love some of the more mechanistic descriptions of magic in some modern books, I love the way magic is more of an art than a science' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This focus on wider, ancient powers is elegant and vividly described, the increasing complexity was cleverly integrated and really opens the plot up.' Goodreads review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Series: Pact and Pattern

View all
  • The Hand of the Sun King
    My name is Wen Alder. My name is Foolish Cur. All my life, I have been torn between two legacies: my father's, whose family trace their roots back to the right hand of the Emperor, and my mother's, whose family want to bring the Empire to its knees. I can choose between them — between the safety of empire or...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Garden of Empire
    WAR MAKES MONSTERS OF EVERYONE. Foolish Cur, once named Wen Alder, finds that his allies in the rebellion might cross any line if it means freedom from the Empire. But he can't overcome a foe as strong as Emperor Tenet alone. REBELLION HAS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. Koro Ha, Foolish Cur's former tutor, discovers the Empire is not so forgiving of those...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Garden of Empire by J.T. Greathouse garners high praise for its rich and complex characterisation, elegant prose, and masterfully executed plot. Reviewers are captivated by its unexpected twists, evocative writing, and immersive world-building. It is lauded as a standout fantasy sequel with electrifying magic and a gripping finale, making it highly recommended among fantasy enthusiasts.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781473232938

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 May 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 480

About the Author

J.T. Greathouse is the BFA nominated author of the Pact & Pattern trilogy: The Hand of the Sun King, The Garden of Empire and The Pattern of the World. In addition to writing, he has been a student in Beijing, an ESL instructor in Taipei, a bookseller, and a high school English teacher. His short fiction has appeared, often as Jeremy A. TeGrotenhuis, in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, PodCastle, IGMS and elsewhere.

Also by J.T. Greathouse

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    'STUNNING' RICHARD SWAN 'GREATHOUSE IS A MASTER' RYAN ROSE 'ABSOLUTELY RIVETING' THE FANTASY HIVE 'MARTIN BY WAY OF SAPKOWSKI' FANFIADDICT A LAND DIVIDED. A HISTORY INKED IN BLOOD. ONE SORCERESS'S QUEST FOR ANSWERS. The world beyond the City of the Wise is fraught with danger. But Fola, a talented sorceress who has left the safety of its walls, is unconcerned....
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  • The Hand of the Sun King
    My name is Wen Alder. My name is Foolish Cur. All my life, I have been torn between two legacies: my father's, whose family trace their roots back to the right hand of the Emperor, and my mother's, whose family want to bring the Empire to its knees. I can choose between them — between the safety of empire or...
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