" What a struggle this book was. It can be summed up easily. Rhian talks about war and argues with a bunch of people, then there is a bit of fighting. I've never read another book where court politics irritated me so much. Everyone bickers and Rhian yells at them. I guess it's because most other books have rulers that actually command respect, instead of demand it at the top of their lungs and shake a fist. I understand that not everyone likes Rhian and acknowledges her fully, but I got tired of the constant bickering that never moved forward. The first 600 pages of the book felt pointless, nothing happened other than some discussion and maybe one semi important event. None of the characters are complex or interesting, not even Zandakar. Rhian's marriage isn't interesting to read either. I stuck in there because I loved empress so much, but I honestly think that Riven Kingdom and Hammer of God were a waste of my time, and Empress would be better stand alone. Why can't evil triumph over good for once? Once again, the safe road was taken, in more ways than one. "
— Ithlilian, 12/3/2013