Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Exuberant and insightful, this science-fiction bildungsroman grapples with the essential question: "Who am I?" After 16 years of intensive training and superhuman augmentation, Khemri is ready to take his place as Prince of the mighty intergalactic Empire. Alas, he immediately finds out that his status isn't quite as exalted as he had always thought. To start with, there are tens of millions of Princes, and most of them are out to kill him. Khem must negotiate a deadly maze of military training, priestly recruitment and even Imperial interest, never knowing whom he can trust. He can rely only on himself--and all the mechanical, biological and psionic enhancements that far-future science can provide. Until the day even that is stripped from him… From the riveting opening sentence to the final elegiac ruminations, this is rip-roaring space opera in the classic mold. Add a perfect protagonist: Overprivileged, arrogant and not nearly as clever as he thinks, Khemri's first-person narration is also endearingly witty, rueful and infinitely likable. Perhaps his account relies a bit too much on "had I but known" foreshadowing, and the secondary characters are thinly sketched accessories to the hero's personal journey. But the rocket-powered pace and epic worldbuilding (with just the right amount of gee-whiz technobabble) provide an ideal vehicle for what is, at heart, a sweet paean to what it means to be human. Space battles! Political intrigue! Engineered warriors! Techno-wizardry! Assassins! Pirates! Rebels! Duels! Secrets, lies, sex and True Love! What more can anybody ask for? (Science fiction. 14 & up)

ALA Booklist

There's always the possibility for any prince to be chosen as emperor, but, in a vast empire of ten million biologically and mechanically augmented princes, Khemri discovers that sassination attempts and imperial interference aside fe as a prince isn't what he'd been led to believe. While on a secret mission to hone his skills and expand his knowledge, he meets Raine, a young woman who changes his perspective and, as a result, Khemri begins trying to fulfill his true potential. Aurealis Award winning author Nix develops an empire conceptually reminiscent of the sf classic Dune (1965), with an emphasis on house loyalty and political machinations. He keeps the details fresh through use of sf tropes, employing them to explore big-picture issues like morality and ethics under the guise of a rousing space opera. Khemri's first-person point of view, along with a fast-paced, action- and plot-driven story, is sure to appeal to fans of the Star Wars universe and any number of first-person shooter video games. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The latest from New York Times best-selling Nix is pubbing to some serious fanfare. Expect an author blog tour, a targeted Facebook ad campaign, a collectible poster, and more.

Horn Book

Khemri's coming-of-age story begins with his emergence from years of genetic and technical "remaking" to take up his title of Prince, but eventually he begins to reinterpret all he's been taught about the Empire. Die-hard adventure story readers will be enthralled, but Khemri's cheerfully self-deprecating tone and unpredictable choices make this romp entertaining on multiple levels.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Exuberant and insightful, this science-fiction bildungsroman grapples with the essential question: "Who am I?" After 16 years of intensive training and superhuman augmentation, Khemri is ready to take his place as Prince of the mighty intergalactic Empire. Alas, he immediately finds out that his status isn't quite as exalted as he had always thought. To start with, there are tens of millions of Princes, and most of them are out to kill him. Khem must negotiate a deadly maze of military training, priestly recruitment and even Imperial interest, never knowing whom he can trust. He can rely only on himself--and all the mechanical, biological and psionic enhancements that far-future science can provide. Until the day even that is stripped from him… From the riveting opening sentence to the final elegiac ruminations, this is rip-roaring space opera in the classic mold. Add a perfect protagonist: Overprivileged, arrogant and not nearly as clever as he thinks, Khemri's first-person narration is also endearingly witty, rueful and infinitely likable. Perhaps his account relies a bit too much on "had I but known" foreshadowing, and the secondary characters are thinly sketched accessories to the hero's personal journey. But the rocket-powered pace and epic worldbuilding (with just the right amount of gee-whiz technobabble) provide an ideal vehicle for what is, at heart, a sweet paean to what it means to be human. Space battles! Political intrigue! Engineered warriors! Techno-wizardry! Assassins! Pirates! Rebels! Duels! Secrets, lies, sex and True Love! What more can anybody ask for? (Science fiction. 14 & up)

School Library Journal (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gr 9 Up-Khemri is one of the newest Princes of the Empire and as yet unaware that mortal peril accompanies the luxuries, servants, and technological augmentations that come with his rank. The intergalactic Empire is directed by the Imperial Mind but run by millions of Princes who all compete to become the next Emperor. First among Khemri's servants is his Master of Assassins, Haddad, who guides and protects him on his first journey to the Naval Academy. There Khemri meets Morojal, a mysterious priestess who tells him that the Emperor has plans for him. From that point onward, Khemri's life takes many strange turns, even to the point of having to live as a regular human beyond the bounds of the Empire. It is then that he meets Raine and learns with her that it is possible to care for someone other than himself and something other than the Empire. Khemri seems to be on a path to becoming the Emperor but will he be able to choose another fate? Nix once again proves his mastery of speculative fiction by creating a society unlike any in his previous works. In this single volume he manages to tell a tale that is grand in scope with vivid characters and imaginative technology. Science fiction fans should enjoy his vision while the author's longtime devotees will find new reasons to appreciate him. Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI