well, this was a massive disappointment.

everything i loved about the first book--its interiority, its intricate character dynamics--is missing here. or not exactly missing, but just so completely and utterly overshadowed by the sheer amount of convoluted plot there is to wade through. listen, i love a complex plot that makes me work to figure it out, but i feel like i worked and worked and worked and had little to show for it by the end of this book. there is a fine line between complex and convoluted, intriguing and confusing, and this novel was very firmly in the latter camp for me. it was simply too much: trying to do too much, trying to fit in too much, trying to deal with too much. characters, plotlines, themes, worldbuilding--it was nonstop, and it was overwhelming, and it barely left us or the characters time to properly process any of it. (there are some truly crazy things that happen in this book, and i dont mean that in a good way.)

what i wanted was to get back to what made the first book so brilliant: the nuanced, tense, and endlessly interesting character dynamics. and i was especially looking forward to seeing what kind of dynamic Ana and Gracia would have after the events of book one. ("looking forward to" is an understatement--i was incredibly excited for it, dying to see what it would be like). but the reality is that it is just so sorely lacking in this novel. these intricate character dynamic scenes are put aside in favour of plot happenings, fights, chases, exposition, side narratives, the list goes on. the Ana-Gracia dynamic is a cornerstone of the story, and yet the story gives it so little time to actually breathe and develop. we got a whole entire book about Gracia and Ceirran's relationship, and yet in this one we're just expected to fill in the gaps ourselves, to sketch in a story and a dyanmic based on the few scenes we do get between Ana and Gracia. what we got between them just wasnt enough, and it was made extra frustrating by the fact that it was time and again overshadowed by a plot that i found increasingly exhausting to follow. i was invested in this story for a long time, hoping it would go somewhere, but at a certain point the relentless pace and constant sense of confusion wore me down. it took me a while to get there because i was holding on so tightly to my faith that this book would pay off just like the first one did, but at a certain point this book just...lost me.

i was confused, i was frustrated, and frankly i was exhausted reading this. most of all, i was so, so disappointed. The Empire Undying is a book i would read over and over, simply for the pleasure of noticing all the brilliant parts of it that i hadnt noticed the first time, to dig deeper into its fascinating characters' dynamics, to try to figure out more precisely what kind of people they really are. this book, though, i barely got through once, and cant imagine ever reading again...for me, that says it all.

thank you to orbit for the e-ARC!

4.25 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit for this ARC.

I knew when I first read The Stars Undying, that Emery Robin's writing would stick with me. I also knew that it was a dense work that would require rereads to understand fully. A theme that The Sea Eternal has in common with its predecessor. Both are extremely lyrical works that speak of a soul deeply invested in the history used as groundworks for this story.

Although the characters are heavily flawed, the reader feels compelled to still root for the leads to somehow beat their original fate and come out of this war clean. However, I had to keep reminding myself that The Stars Undying mimics reality, and would continue to keep its similarities to the real life story of Cleopatra and Marc Antony. The deeper into the story I read, the more I could draw parallels to its counterpart. Robin did an amazing job at keeping the heart of the story true while maintaining a unique note.

The Stars Undying is a story that would need multiple rereads to fully comprehend the masterful turn of phrase Robin employed. I know that my first read will leave me bewildered and that I need to return to the world to fully appreciate the work Robin did. In my honest opinion, I feel both The Stars Undying and The Sea Eternal are hidden gems that deserve more recognition. No words are sufficient to describe how uniquely resplendent this space opera retelling is.

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. I cannot remember how I first stumbled upon Emery Robin and the first book in this series, The Stars Undying. I absolutely loved the first one and am so happy to say that the second is also amazing. This one is narrated by Ana Decretan, our Marc Antony analog, and another character referred to as V (and I am so sad I did not put together who it was early). I know the history of Cleopatra and her involvement with Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, and Octavian Augustus Caesar so I knew the beats of where it would go. What I did not expect was HOW it would get there and I loved it. The prose is fantastic, the way court documents came into it, and the overall storyline was phenomenal. I would suggest reading a Wikipedia article about Cleopatra prior to reading this series because it will help you get so much more out of it. I cannot WAIT to see what Robin works on next as I will be there for it, 5 stars.

The Sea Eternal, like The Stars Undying before it, is a gorgeously written book. It also struck me as a deeply layered novel, even more so than its predecessor. I’m not sure that I read it under the proper circumstances, or while in the right headspace, to give it all the consideration it deserves. But it was a magnificent read.

In the first book we saw the story through the eyes of Altagracia Caviro Patramata, the Cleopatra of the tale. Now we see the story from the perspective of Anita Decretan, the Mark Antony. The shift is dramatic. They’re very different people who have grown up and survived in their world in very different ways. But it also works well as it gives us another character that we know at least as well as the narrator, perhaps better.

And it all provides a wonderful canvas for the book to explore its themes. Love, immortality, eternity, what lasts and what doesn’t, what’s worth keeping and what isn’t. The pacing is often contemplative, rarely becoming quick or frantic. The language and prose are gorgeous. It’s a rich and wonderful read, just like the first book in the duology. And it leaves me looking forward to seeing what Emery Robin comes up with next.

The Sea Eternal is the second installment in the Empire Without End series. In this space opera, Captain Anita seeks revenge for Matheus Ceirran's assassination while navigating her complex relationship with Altagracia Caviro Patramata, Szayet's queen and oracle. Her quest leads her to a neighboring empire where she uncovers a galaxy-altering secret.

This was a fantastic sequel to The Stars Undying, exploring themes of immortality, power, and revenge through a blend of historical and mythological elements reimagined in a futuristic setting. I found myself flying through the pages and eagerly anticipating what was to come.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Orbit Books | Orbit for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

"The Sea Eternal" by Emery Robin is the second book in the "Empire Without End" series, serving as a sequel to "The Stars Undying." Set in a sprawling space opera universe, the story continues to explore themes of power, betrayal, and epic love against the backdrop of interstellar politics. After the death of Matheus Ceirran, who once commanded half the known galaxy, his loyal captain Anita is on a relentless quest for vengeance against his assassins. Meanwhile, she is entangled in a complex relationship with Altagracia Caviro Patramata, the queen and oracle of Szayet. Anita's journey takes her across borders into a mysterious neighboring empire where she stumbles upon a secret that could destabilize the entire galaxy. Back in the capital, Ceirran’s heir, Otávio Julhan, consolidates power, adding layers of political intrigue to the narrative.

The novel delves into the emotional and philosophical ramifications of immortality, power dynamics, and the cost of revenge. It weaves together historical and mythological references, reimagining them in a futuristic setting, with characters that are both grand and deeply personal in their struggles.

Detailed Review:

Plot and World-Building:

Emery Robin’s storytelling in "The Sea Eternal" is both expansive and intricate. The world-building is rich with a detailed backdrop of planets and societies, each with their unique customs and histories. The plot maintains the momentum from the first book, adding layers of complexity through Anita's journey and the political machinations in the capital. The narrative sometimes feels sprawling, but it's this very scope that provides a sense of epic storytelling. However, the pacing can occasionally falter under the weight of its own ambition.


Characters:

The characters in Robin's universe are compelling, with Anita's dual nature as a fierce warrior and a lover caught in a web of affection being particularly well-explored. The development of Otávio Julhan is fascinating, offering a new perspective on leadership and legacy. The relationship between Anita and Altagracia is painted with both passion and tension, though some might find the emotional depth occasionally overshadowed by the plot's broader strokes. The cast is diverse, with a casual inclusion of various sexual orientations, enriching the universe without making it the sole focus.


Writing Style:

Robin's prose is eloquent and imbued with a poetic quality that elevates the narrative. The dialogue is sharp, often laced with political and philosophical undertones that reflect the characters’ complex identities and motivations. However, the frequent shifts in perspective can sometimes disrupt the narrative flow, demanding a reader's full attention to keep up with the intricacies of the plot.


Themes and Messages:

The novel tackles themes of imperialism, identity, the morality of power, and the personal vs. the political. It questions whether immortality is a blessing or a curse, exploring this through the lens of duty and personal freedom. The use of mythological and historical parallels is clever, breathing new life into familiar stories.


Conclusion:

"The Sea Eternal" is a thoughtful sequel that broadens the scope of its predecessor while deepening the emotional stakes of its characters. It's a novel that rewards patience and attention, providing a rich tapestry of interstellar politics and personal drama. While it has moments where it struggles under its own narrative weight, the overall experience is captivating, making it a commendable addition to the space opera genre.

Ratings Breakdown:

Plot: 4/5 - Ambitious and engaging, though sometimes too complex for its own good.
Characters: 4/5 - Complex, well-developed, and emotionally resonant.
World-Building: 4/5 - Imaginative and detailed, creating a vivid universe.
Writing Style: 4/5 - Beautifully written, though occasionally dense.
Themes: 5/5 - Deeply explored with relevance to both the story and broader philosophical questions.
Overall: 4/5 - A robust and thoughtful sequel that, while not without flaws, adds significantly to its saga.

This was a great book!!!! I like the way the author writes and tells a story. I like the themes that were covered, and I definitely want a follow up to this book! I will be keeping an eye out now for a sequel!!! I loved it


Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!