The Poet Empress

Full Review:

Rating Breakdown:

• Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Romance: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
• Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

💕 The Romance & Relationship

I mentioned this in my Goodreads review, but this is most definitely NOT a romantasy. It is a fantasy with romance elements. Like there’s the whole marriage selection/concubine situation, but it’s more setting up the environment and relationships at play, than setting up a romance plot if that makes sense?

Wei and Terren had such a tumultuous relationship that I don’t even know where to begin. Without getting into too many details, it was just heartbreaking in every possible way…  

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👥 The Characters

Wei

Wei did what everyone was terrified to do and defied all expectations. I absolutely LOVED her character. It was a bit expected what her journey was going to be, considering the title. However, how she handled herself and how much she grew was bold and impressive.  We love a strong heroine!

Terren

It’s so easy to forget how young Terren is. As the book progresses, we learn more and more about him and he was just SO young through everything. Terren is a great example of a complex character and while the initial impression is to hate him, you might not feel the same once you get to truly know him.

Maro & Silian

Grouping Silian in with Maro because they felt like a genuine couple with similar motivations. Silian would do anything to support her husband and gain power; Maro would do anything to gain power and the crown. As much as they try to front as the calmer and more civil option, they’re just as shady and selfish as everyone else in the imperial court.

Empress Sun Ai

Sun Ai was the classic villain, but not because she was Empress. She had a lot of pride in her family clan and her motivations were purely focused on her son (and clan, in a way). 

Hesin

How is Hesin still alive?! He’s the wise old advisor, but every time it gets to his backstory, he just seems SO old?! I get his sigil is loyalty to the crown but it’s like he’s immortal.

Ciyi

Ciyi might come across as fake or annoying, but to me, he was such an honest character. He was obvious with his intentions of moving up in the court. He still helped Wei with her secret even though it risked his rank, and life. 

Hu, Wren, and Others

Hu had a late introduction, but she and Wren were my favorite characters. My heart. All the feels. I loved all of Wei’s court.

Concubines

The only characters I couldn’t care for were the concubines. While Wei developed her own character eventually, the concubines were always changing sides based on fear. I really wanted one of them to become genuine friends with Wei!

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✍️ The Setting & Style

What I Loved:

I loved how EVERY character had their own character arc, which is very impressive for how many characters were present throughout this book. A big theme in the book is a person’s motivations and why they do the things they do. That was super apparent in every character, from Wei’s helpers to the concubines to the royal family to outsiders.

I also happened to be reading this for Chinese New Year and found it quite apt for the occasion (as a year of the dragon myself)!

What Could’ve Been Better:

Lowkey, I kind of wish there was more closure for Wei and her family. Without spoiling, the end choice made a lot of sense and was expected, but I didn’t think that would be the end. Not much could’ve been better though, in my opinion; this book was absolutely incredible!

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🎯 Is The Poet Empress Worth Reading?

Perfect for fans of:

• Epic/dark fantasies
• Strong FMC (chosen one vibes)

Consider skipping if:

• Books about war and political intrigue
• Historical Chinese setting