The Stone in the Skull: The Lotus Kingdoms, Book One

The Stone in the Skull explores an unlikely friendship born out of necessity and shared purpose between a fallen warrior and a wizard-made automaton, who was once human travel to deliver a Wizard’s message. A queen, forced to make a marriage to protect her kingdom, fights to remain in power while hiding a forbidden love. Across the land, a second ruler fights to find her son, an heir to the throne. With war threatening to destroy an empire, a mystical religion built around superstition, and a throne meant for a male ruler, is Queen Mrithuri strong enough to survive the battle and reign over the Lotus Kingdoms?

Though a bit frustratingly slow, Elizabeth Bear begins her newest series with The Stone in the Skull. With strong female characters set in an intriguing world, I got bogged down in the exacting details and descriptions of what was a promising addition to the empire-building, fantasy genre.