I think I would have needed a tiny bit more plot to completely fall in love with this book and while there are A LOT of characters with potential in this book I think because there are so many characters each one only gets so little time that I never really was able to connect with them. I think Maia is a chronically likeable main character, I mean who can not like a dorky underdog that has progressive views, but I think it also makes him a little predictable and boring at times? I don't think he ever chose something other than the obvious "right" choice. I had a good time, as a kid I would have absolutely been obsessed with this and I will gladly pick up the other books in this series but currently in no rush to do so

I really enjoyed The Goblin Emperor and was captivated by the main characters doubts and struggles. However, at the same time I was extremely frustrated by the hundreds of names and imaginary titles for every single person, noble house, room, function, religious aspect, region and everything else. Even on the last pages there were still new names introduced. (Hint: check if your edition has a list of dramatis personae at the end - mine did, which I noticed after finishing it.)