Intriguing start to Richard Swan's latest trilogy.

There's been a good amount of hype regarding this upcoming series- the author's previous series "The Empire of the Wolf" was very well received, and now here comes a spin-off in the same world a few centuries later. I am glad to report that this book certainly lived up to the hype, keeping me on edge (and in suspense) for the full length of the novel.

The nation of Sova returns as the primary setting, but this time with countless political nations and sub-domains, throughout the known world- just look at the wonderful map! This is a third-person point of view series with four characters' perspectives. There is the Secretary to the Stygion Ambassador Renata Rainer, who is sent forth on a diplomatic mission with the Stygion mermen race. There is Peter Kleita, a young wide-eyed military lieutenant sent to the "Far East", resembling modern 18th century reaches of colonial America and Canada. There is the Count von Oldenberg, a wild-card in the making, a nationalist senator who scemes to dig up old magic to Make Sova Great Again, both in the domestic and foreign policy sense. There is one more POV that is unnamed for spoiler reasons.

I once read Swan list some inspirations for this series, such as the French and Indian War, The Little Mermaid, and portrayals of horror (yes, be prepped for some scary stuff). I think it is an ideal blend, crafting an interesting world, that has magic viewed as a different perspective, now portrayed differently from the first series. I'll lastly add that in order to read this series, there is no requirement to read TEotW. I got a little bit of enrichment and a few easter eggs, but nothing is required to retain from that series to fully enjoy "Grave Empire". Swan stated that the story of Sir Konrad Vonvault is over, and he remains true to that promise. Same goes with Helena Sedanka, both of them ultimately irrelevant for the plot of Grave Empire.

I give this 5/5 stars, as I anticipate that this will be one of 2025's best releases.