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             The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard An impulsive word can start a war. A timely word can stop one. A simple act of friendship can change the course of history. Cliopher Mdang is the personal secretary of the Last Emperor of Astandalas, the Lord of Rising Stars, the Lord Magus of Zunidh, the Sun-on-Earth, the god. He has spent more time with the Emperor of Astandalas than any other person. He has never once touched his lord. He has never called him by name. He has never initiated a conversation. One day Cliopher invites the Sun-on-Earth home to the proverbially remote Vangavaye-ve for a holiday. The mere invitation could have seen Cliopher executed for blasphemy. The acceptance upends the world. Adult • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+ • Romance/Fantasy • Fantasy/Court Intrigue • Fantasy/Epic and High • Diversity Representation/BIPOC Content Warning: Graphic/Explicit CW for classism, racism. Moderate CW for xenophobia, violence, cannibalism, death.  | 
        
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                     Reviewed by  
                            Worldbuilding: Aided the story 
                        Plot: Mostly clear Characters: Roles are clear 
                            Storytelling: Balanced 
                        Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Engaging 
                            Thought Provoking: New ideas came up 
                    
                Cover: Adequately represents the story Review posts November 17th, 2024  | 
            
        Submitted by  Booksthatburn on 
        
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