It took me FOREVER to get into this book (as the 6 month reading timeline would indicate). I started on kindle them moved to audio and, not gonna lie, I was really confused for like the first 50%. There are SO many characters and locations and the narration flipped from one person/place to another mid-chapter often. But, once all the world building was complete, this book really took off. I finally started connecting with characters and I was totally hooked by the end. Already downloading book 2 to start as I’ve heard the second one is even better. Hoping the narrative is a little more clear.

The Empire's Ghost is a slow build novel, but considering the rich, descriptive writing and intricate plotline, I would say it balances itself off pretty well.

The history of the world consumes most of the pages but is relevant to the catalyst and continuation of the novel. By far, my favorite aspect of the book is how masterfully interwoven all of the characters are. The dual POV enables readers to voyeur into the lives of each character which justifies the length of the novel. Each character is unique and feels like a friend. The female leads are headstrong but distinctly vulnerable at times which makes them relatable.

The tale is impeccable with twists, turns, and intricate narratives that leave you feeling complete.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review. You can follow me on IG @JessicaReadsIt.

DNF at 27%. The story was a little too confusing for me. I liked the writing but I had some trouble following what was happen. Had good fantasy elements though and things I know readers will enjoy.

A solid first book! This was an introductory read so the pacing was often slow but it did a fantastic job at introducing the world and the characters (my favorite ones are Kel, Arianrod and Shinsei). It dragged a bit, sometimes there was just too much talking and were are a couple of POVs I was not interested in but I trust their storyline are going to have some relevance in the next books. The last 30% of the book made up for the pacing of the first part because there was much more action, which I appreciated! I hope the Dragon‘s head group is reunited because their group scenes were my favorites. I was sad about Seth‘s death but it failed to be really surprising because he was clearly the weakest one in the group, too predictable. Seems like some characters are keeping secrets about their past and I‘m curious to know more about them.
Overall, i liked more I thought I would so I look forward to reading the sequel.

I loved this book. From beginning to end, it had everything I wanted in a book.

A large cast that didn't feel like a set of paper cut outs. Instead, everyone has a backstory and a motive. I did end up taking notes as I went, but that was because I was racing to figure out who was going to be important to the mysteries of the plot, rather than because I couldn't keep the characters straight. Ms. Steiger does a fantastic job at making sure you remember the characters.

The world building isn't just wide in its scope, it's also deep. It truly feels like everything is known to the author, and yet the book doesn't read like an encyclopedia.

By the time I had gotten half way through the book, I had already decided on purchasing it for my library.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for letting me have an e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This one just wasn't for me, I just couldn't seem to engage with the story and found myself getting utterly lost in the plot. Usually I love fantasy and can keep the story straight, but struggled here. Certainly a me problem and I am sure other readers will really enjoy this read.

This is the first book in a high fantasy trilogy. It shifts between the POVs of several characters, all from a continent on brink of war. There is little/no romance with bit of action, but is mostly a political/character driven book.
This book is centered around a band of thieves and conmen living in Sheath, a slum of the imperial city of Imperator Elgar. They, along with an assorted cast of kings, ladies, butchers, advisors, and swordsmen, play a dangerous game to keep their love ones and countries safe.
Two countries have already fallen to Elgar’s dream of uniting the continent into the long-gone empire of Elesthene, and three remain. The board has been set and the opening moves and countermoves played. Who will remain standing, and who will fall?

This book is everything I didn't know I needed to read and I loved it. The world building is clear and I can see myself in the scenes. I read this one and book 2 so quick which surprised me for how thick they are! Looking forward to continuing the series.

I am reviewing the entire series because I struggled through book one but was very glad that I continued the series because I really enjoyed books 2 and 3. I normally DNF books that I am struggling through but I really enjoyed the world building in this one and the writing is lovely. The issue I ran into in book one was that there were far too many POV's. While there are often a lot of POV's in fantasy books this one had too many too early, which meant I didn't care about most of them. I will also note that this is a series where you immediately need the next book because everything is left so open ended. Books 2 and 3 were very well done. The characters were far more fleshed out and had a lot more depth and likeability. I loved the world building, the intrigue and the writing. If you're a fan of fantasies this is a series worth checking out!

In the first installment of the Paths of Lantistyne series, The Empire's Ghost, the readers is introduced to a new fantasy series by author Isabelle Steiger. We find ourself immersed into stories of its kingdoms, its leaders and the servants fighting for each. We also find a lonesome bar with a group of misfits quietly keeping the peace and thieving for survival.

This epic fantasy reads at a very slow pace, and takes a bit to understand all its characters. The ending pulls all the storylines together leaving you wanting book 2 to continue the journey through this place and its people.

Rating 3.5

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Thomas Dunne Books for the complimentary copy of this novel.

I (yet again) requested the third book in a growing series. I just plowed through the first two chonkers and call me crazy, but I'm loving these.

Paths of Lantistyne is an RPG inspired intricately faceted epic fantasy series. Magic is a mythical tale that whispers at the edges of the plot. War is knocking on the doors of neighboring lands and political ploys are digging graves and counting coin.

In the Empires Ghost, be ready for the character onslaught up front. There's actually a really excellent review by a fellow series lover who gives a well done layout of the characters, kingdoms and lands on Goodreads. I think the addition of something like that is needed in all epics but I digress. In short this is told from multiple POVs from rulers to common folk. The world building was excellent and easy to follow once the narrative settles into its flow. I personally didn't feel this dragged even though it weighs in over 400 pages. Each character, their personal struggles and goals kept me pretty riveted. By far, I have an undying love for Lady Margraine. I think she's the emotionless dark soul we all wish to be in our hearts. The climactic conclusion was the perfect bow tied on the merging paths and plot points.

This is an extremely ambitious book with a massively sprawling story, so many characters and plot threads that it takes some time to really get into the story. This whole first book was really just world building and introducing the many characters…it’s a lot, so much that it took most of the book to really be able to start keeping who/where/what (mostly) straight in my head. I’m hoping there will be more focus on character development in the next book now that the world is established, as they feel rather shallow thus far…most of them feel like caricatures of stereotypes so I’d really love to see them fleshed out. But even with all of that and some issues with the writing style feeling a bit clumsy and unpolished, by the end I’m feeling invested in the story and most of the characters, and I am looking forward to diving straight into the next book!

I have been provided with a review copy of The Empire’s Ghost from NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the first book in the brand-new Paths of Lantistyne series and this was just a great way to start off a new series. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted copy.
There were a few things that I loved, and a few things that did not work for me.
I loved the overall world built and the plot idea. It's rich and still similar to our world so it is easy to follow along. the hierarchy is simple but interesting with male and female dynamics at the top of it. Most of the characters were thought through really well, I loved most of them even the villains. It felt like every character had a dark side but we got to see why it exists and learn to feel empathetic toward them.
The main thing that did not work for me is the writing style, the way the author put several POVs in one chapter. In a book, there is a white space that separates them in the chapter, but sometimes it's still the same POV that goes after the space. That was very confusing and took me a long time to catch whose perspective am I reading from. The second thing, are the character names. They were all way too similar, starting with the same letter and even sounding similar. I have lost the thread of the story multiple times because I was confused by the character. This might be a "me" thing, but it was the main reason for my rating is lower then I hoped to give.
I would absolutely read the rest books of the series, I absolutely loved where the story was going and wanted to know how it will end.

After reading this very long book. It was a little hard for me to keep the characters straight. Most characters had names that were of some similarities to the lands and then I found myself very confused on what was what. I did like Roger, Majorie and Seth’s character though. I thought they offered great entertainment to the book. If the writer could bring some simple verbiage rather than flamboyant words; example the the names of lands or the leaders of armies, then I could have a good chance of following with the book. Possibly the narrative to the story could be clear and precise, which could pull my attention more into the story. Also, starting off the story with some good action sequels followed by the Hero explanation about that scene would be a real attention getter.

I really enjoyed reading this book and from the moment that I started I knew that I was in for something special. The flow of the story makes for an enjoying and relaxing read, one in which you can lose yourself. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you have known them forever and you want to see them succeed no matter what. This is a must read book that will take you away from your everyday reality for a few hours. Fantastic.

The Empires Ghost (Paths of Lantistyne – Book 1) by Isabella Steiger

432 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Thomas Dunne Books
Release Date: May 16, 2017

Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Magic, Medieval

This book is set in a world like medieval times. There are royals and commoners, and I enjoyed the different threads of stories. A dictator has taken over one kingdom and is trying to overthrow neighboring areas. He sends a group of commoners that were caught in the underground prison to find an artifact. It turns out to be a magical amulet to hold magic. There are many different characters, but each has his/her own personality. I look forward to the next book in the series, the Rightful Queen.

The book has a steady pace, the characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. This is the first book in the Paths of Lantistyne series. I am sure the characters will grow in depth as the series progresses. If you like fantasy kingdom stories, you will enjoy reading this book.

This was honestly just too long and too much talking, on and on. I was not intruiged, i was bored beyond my wits. I tried to hold out, and i did. But i was not much interested even though i stayed.

This is Book 1 of the Paths of Lantistyne Series. Elesthene was a powerful empire, but the rise of this empire meant that magic disappeared. This left the empire broken and struggling. As everyone fights for power, a group seeks to upend everything. Can they do it, or will the empire be lost forever?

A captivating and enchanting tale with all the makings of a thriller and escape fantasy. The author has done a wonderful fob of combining intrigue with imagery while still keeping the action moving and relevant. Character development and interaction was like watching things unfold on the silver screen while yet maintaining the intimacy of the shrouded times and challenges. An exhilarating time travel that is both relevant and modern in its twists turns