The Empress and the Acolyte

I've thoroughly enjoyed every book in the Lyremouth Chronicles. The author has created a unique and imaginative world that it's a pleasure to visit. From her theories on the magical dimensions, to the differences in the ways humans and dragons perceive time, it's a treat to join Tevi and Jem again in this intricate creation. I give the author very high marks for her skill in bringing it all to life. This book can successfully stand on its own, but don't deprive yourself of the first two books in the series, which were also a delight. There are the usual elements of mystery moving the plot along, but where the book really shines is its examination of morality through the eyes of the two protagonists: Tevi and Jem. They each have a perspective on things that is very unique from the other; in addition they each have different skill sets that help shore up one another's weaknesses. They are a formidable team, and I love being along for the ride as they try to figure things out, all the while testing and strenghthening their bonds of love. It's inspiring. Magic, dragons, true love, revenge, musings on time and cause and effect and their effects on our morality. It was an excellent ride. Perhaps even worth 4-1/2 stars for the strength of the series as a whole. If you like fantasy books, then this is for you.

All round this book is well written. The character development is well developed, but not over done. The plot is had been well develped and the comparison of the two characters in their struggle to do the right thing has been well done. A well written story and series. In fact I have read it twice.

"The Empress and the Acolyte" is the 3rd installment of the Lyremoth Chronicles, though the book itself can be considered as a stand-alone. And it is as fascinating as before. After completing the previous assignment, Jemeryl and Tevi stayed in Tirakhalod for more than two and half years so that Jemeryl could learn the tricks from Bykoda, the Empress, in hope to benefit the ungifted in Protectorate. However, life in Bykoda's empire wasn't easy to Tevi, who was often considered as the servant or a possession of Jemeryl. Just when Jemeryl nearly finished her study, Bykoda asked her to complete an assignment: keep the talisman from the reach of the betrayal who will soon take over Bykoda's empire and her life as well. Or, the talisman can destroy thousands of lives along with the history. Fletcher lays out the puzzle right in the beginning, which immediately draws the readers into questions: Who will be the murder? How can the murder break Bykoda's nearly invincible defense? Besides letting the readers poking the truth with Tevi & Jermeryl, Fletcher also presents readers a story in many aspects, like frustration in life and desperation of lost, and faith and support from love. "The Empress and the Acolyte" is an engrossing story and an enjoyable read. Fletcher keeps a good balance between the mystery and fantasy, and, as usual, it won't disappoint you. Even if you just jump into this series, you still can catch up the current story. In Lyremoth's Chronicles, you won't be spoiled or get annoyed by the recount of the previous plot. That's what a well-crafted series should be.