Intriguing, twists and menacing.
359174
Loved the book. Something different than the usual Victorian novel. Looking to read more from this author. However I did guess. Still loved it.
532544
The author continues to choose original and unexpected devices to create both a fascinating story arc, and also present realistic enough scenarios to demand continuing attention.

Character development isn't a strong point, but events move quickly enough to keep it from being a major drawback. Final thought, it's refreshing to encounter a series where humanity is knocked down and is continuously being out-planned, out-thought and out-maneuvered. It provides a very real sense of disorientation and dismay at times.
4679545
EXCELLENT, INVENTIVE NOT TO mention creepy and with an interestingly devious plot twist at the end.  Highly recommended ,shouldn't disappoint.
2188699
Intriguing story that holds your interest pushing you to turn each page anticipating some hint of where the story will end.
1794494
Fun to read.  Twisted plot kept me coming back for more and the ending kinda surprised me although, in retrospect should have predicted it.  Recommend to suspense readers
3280478
It's a really good read, combines politics, deceit, terrorism, with biomedical ethics and possibilities.
I like the characters.  A sequel of sorts is included as an afterword - I was surprised.
4526898
Intrigue and unusual plot with twists throughout.  All the way through the plot it was hard to believe the intensity of the characters.
2283303
Wow.

Amazing twists and turns, truly believable and complex characters, and more chills and thrills than you could poke a stick at.

Great stuff, and a highly recommended and accomplished novel.
1588822
A fast paced journey filled with unexpected twists. Just about the time you think you have it figured out your taken off into an even more treacherous situation . You certainly can't say it's the same old story line there is always a new evil lurking.
4073991
I don't know how anyone could possibly not want to know what happens next and find out what the hell is going on. Action filled and loaded with mysteries.  There is some really good character development.  Even though there are some characters that are nearly impossible to like. Looking forward to book 4.
3172331
The Emperor's Knife is a story about the diseased Cerani Empire, suffering from a blight as well as from conspiracies at the highest levels.

An affliction plagues the lands. Marks appear on the skin of the afflicted and spread until the entire body shows the pattern. A mystery surrounds the pattern. No one knows its origin or how to prevent it. It is feared that it serves some sinister purpose, masterminded by a hidden architect with unrighteous designs for the empire. Great measures are taken to protect the kingdom-- all marked persons are put to death. But what happens when Emperor Beyon himself shows the marks?

The Empire is also being decimated from within. The people who enjoy the Emperor's trust plot against him, wrapping self-interest with a cloak of concern for the future of the Empire. In truth, old resentments and ambition lie at the heart of the deceptions.

Three unsuspecting people are caught up in all the machinations. Sarmin, the Emperor's only surviving brother and successor, has been locked up most of his life purportedly for his own protection. He possesses powers he has yet to discover. Mesema, a woman from a faraway tribe, is on her way to Cerani to be a bride for Sarmin, political bartering at work. Despite the mercenary horsetrading, however, her intended union with Sarmin seems pre-ordained by her talents. Eyul is the Emperor's Knife or assassin whose loyalty to the crumbling empire engenders to find a way to save it.

Mazarkis Williams employs a restrained, deliberate pace. The first quarter of the book is steeped in mystery and suggestion. It indicates something magical and sinister but it doesn't quite tell you what it is. There is a decidedly mysterious tone permeating the whole of this book. This increases the intrigue factor and keeps you reading.

Most of the characters are fascinating and engrossing, carrying out their unique parts in this tale. It stalls a bit when it comes to some of the interpersonal, romantic relationships. Some suffer a bit from not having enough background while others seem to come to an abrupt halt. This is a double-edged sword-- the only reason to feel the lack of a foundation is because of great curiosity and interest in these relationships.

The magic system is intriguing and powerful. There are mages that have elemental powers. There is precognition and clairvoyance. The magic that surrounds the pattern is also very fascinating. I do wish I knew more about how it all works. It shows you much about what it can do, but not enough of its source and its inner workings.

It is in the political subterfuge and machinations where this tale is most particularly developed and absorbing. Events unfold slowly, always indicating an unknown grand design. But the seemingly isolated and disjointed events are painstakingly tied together. All the planning and plotting lead to a comprehensive and satisfying resolution.

The Emperor's Knife will be enjoyed by those who are fond of exotic settings. There are palaces, deserts, horse tribes. It also has many Middle Eastern elements. It is a world with harsh, old-world traditions-- the primacy of royal blood, male dominance, familial possessions, class distinctions. While there is sword and sorcery, this tale is more mystical and cerebral.

I am more than sufficiently intrigued to want to read the next book. I'm attracted to the tone and mood of this tale and can see a vast landscape within which it can proceed.
3616856
An amazing and clever novel, full of surprises, with an unusual villain and a complex protagonist. Is he the hero of his own tale? Not necessarily an easy read, but well worth the trouble on many levels and particularly frightening for techies and those who value their privacy. Technoklutzes need not apply.
3400635
Lots of things to think about in this storyline. It keeps you guessing, when one gets solved, up pops another. Very soon

Interesting read.
3652410
An intricate weaving of history, intrigue, romance and paranoia as told by the author.  An interesting and well documented read.
4865283
This book is so intriguing and frightening, that you can actually see how it could happen. Very hard to put down. Don't read it if you don't want to cry, and yell at main characters to not do what you know what's coming.
1125463
Fascinating and intricate and intriguing story.
336430
Never did I expect that. There are things in this book that will make you think. Then there are things that you never see coming. Just when you think you know whats going on, you are turned in a new direction. Im sweating waiting for book two.