Source Format Pages Publisher Genre Publication Date
Author ebook 165 Arboretum Press Historical Fantasy February 29th, 2020

You may have noticed I failed to include the blurb for the novella – that was on purpose due to potential spoilers as this novella follows what is one of my favorite trilogies out there: Empire’s Legacy!

Now, there is a small chance that you have missed out on reading my reviews for the trilogy. Fear not, and you are forgiven, here are the links again for your comfort 😉

Empire’s Daughter * Empire’s Hostage * Empire’s Exile

As a brief, this trilogy starts off with some serious girl power vibes, moves into the very intriguing political atmosphere and has complicated web of personal relationships throughout with some of the most epic and sweat inducing love stories (inc same sex love stories) I have ever come across. The most important vibe I have got from Marian’s writing though is that whilst with plenty of twists, there isn’t ever a scene introduced simply for shock value. It’s as solid a trilogy you can come across. Oh.. and while I am on a roll here, Marian is one of the most intelligent authors I have had the pleasure to read from – her knowledge and passion for history, culture and birds and nature really shines through these books. So many hearts from me ❤

Riiiight… So, the novella… The first three books progress to their natural, edge of the seat-type ending.. in a way... you see, the next full length novel in this world Marian has created is in the works, to be published (fingers crossed) this year as a spin off… and honestly, this novella is an addition that I didn’t know I needed! Not only to fill the hole full of pining for these characters, but to also offer that smooth transition to the upcoming book. I mean, who friggin’ knew there’s so much backstory Marian could offer? And that the backstory is so captivating and full of information that is vital and is ultimately everything that I have come to know and love in the first three books?! So, heck yes I enjoyed Oraiáphon! A whole lot I did…

The POV in the novella is different to the preceding three books, giving us the story through the musician Sorley’s eyes and frankly, I am blown away. Sorley, as he appears at some point in the trilogy, is an important enough secondary character who slowly makes his presence come to the centre. Especially in Oraiáphon, Sorley – having gone through some personal changes due to the events in the previous books – is a strong voice of mixed emotions. I also loved that he dared to challenge his devotion by allowing himself some freedom. Cryptic, I know! But, it was probably the best facet of his character in the novella.

I will not go into the politics and current state of our characters of this novella – spoilers, remember? – so all I can say is:

I will sing my praises for this series until I am old and grey and beyond for I have come attached to the characters, the world, the politics and the complex relationships that Marian so expertly pours onto paper.