Emperor of Thorns

The Broken Empire, Book 3

By: Mark Lawrence

Narrated by: Joe Jameson

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Lawrence brings the Broken Empire series to its devastating conclusion.

The path to the throne is broken - only the broken can walk it. The world is cracked and time has run through, leaving us clutching at the end days. These are the days that have waited for us all our lives. These are my days. I will stand before the Hundred and they will listen. I will take the throne no matter who stands against me, living or dead, and if I must be the last emperor then I will make of it such an ending.

This is where the wise man turns away. This is where the holy kneel and call on God. These are the last miles, my brothers. Don't look to me to save you. Run if you have the wit. Pray if you have the soul. Stand your ground if courage is yours. But don't follow me. Follow me, and I will break your heart.

©2013 Mark Lawrence (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Dark and relentless, Prince of Thorns will pull you under and drown you in story. A two-in-the-morning page turner. Absolutely stunning... jaw-dropping" (Robin Hobb)

A good finale for the trilogy

Just finished listening so my feelings are very hot still.
Let's start by saying the narration was stellar. Joe Jameson delivered a consistent performance throughout the whole trilogy and especially the last few chapters were marvelous.

**SPOILER**
We got to see some more of the empire and meet mentioned people in a satisfying way. Loads of old friends pop up now and again, which was nice.
My main concern is the lack of consequences for Jorg: throughout the serie it felt like reading accounts of a D&D game where the Dungeon master really likes his chaotic evil player and he lets him do whatever he likes.

Story wise, I did enjoy the ending, to me it was the only kind that was appropriate for a character like Jorg, although it felt a bit inconclusive.
Most side characters don't get closure.
The book is very good nonetheless and it's gripping until the end.

As a whole the serie Is great, since it provides a new, fresh perspective from a moraly dark MC whiteout (for the most part) redeeming qualities.
Recommended!

Great series

Interesting main character and great narrator. Story is dark and the world has an interesting history.

Verry good

Was a little short on action in the end but, it was a superb ending to the series..

Good listen but disappointing ending

Any additional comments?

The story follows from the previous books. Sometimes the flipping back between the present and the past seems excessive. Most of the loose ends are tied together. The ending was broadcast well in advance. It didn't quite happen as I would have expected (which was that Jorg's convictions were manipulating reality to produce the dead king, especially since the guilt of hanging in the thorn bush and not saving his brother/mother is an underlying issue throughout the series). In the end the actual ending was a bit deficient. and the equality of dream and reality doesn't quite explain how the link between conviction and reality is 'fixed' at the end.

In any case the book is worth listening to, especially after the other books.

A disappointing ending to a great saga.

I can't say that I enjoyed the final chapter of the Broken Empire trilogy. While I found the first two books absolutely fantastic, this third one falls completely short of the expectations I had.
It feels like the author is beating around the bush most of the time and then dumps a rather quick and unsatisfying ending based around a twist I saw coming from a mile away.

I devoured the first two books, but this one took me forever to complete. Again a great performance by Joe Jameson, but he alone cannot fix the disappointment that was this book.

Great story, unfulfilling ending

Although im a big fan of Jorgs adventures and the world of broken empire, i find this ending a bit unsatisfying, enjoyable non the less

A good, dark and original story.

I just wish there was more, but then again I feel as though it finished just the way it was supposed to. Definitely recommended, it's well worth listening to.

Surprisingly good

Series started poorly. The book overly and uncomfortably and too realistically focused on the brutality and misery of defenceless children and random murder. However by the end of the series it all made a point. This series is definitely above average and worth the read. Perhaps this author will be worth future consideration in any new series.

Excellent book, perfect reader

Felt like the ending was coming to soon but was very content with it, excellent book with the perfect reader to bring it to life. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much reading it myself.