School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Two sisters, separated for years, cannot be sure of the others' goals for the empire. Kara has been in hiding her whole life, unsure if she wants to take her rightful spot on the throne or remember who she was. But as she fights her way to save her people from Nero, the man ready to corrupt the world, she must learn who to trust and what is her true destiny. Rhiannon is now the face of her people; although she does not want to seem to be in league with Nero, she must make him believe she is impressionable. Nero's control over the people's cubes, which control their memories, has increased. The update now makes it possible for him to alter and even destroy their minds. The two sisters must find a way to stop him and save the people-but can they trust one another? Belleza's world creation is dynamic with great character development and a wonderfully realized setting. With the story switching points of view regularly, the narrative will engage teens and fantasy lovers. VERDICT Fans of Empress of a Thousand Skies will not be disappointed by the epic conclusion.-Jessica Strefling, US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Separated, unaware of the others, three teens try to wrest control of the galaxy from an evil celebrity in this sequel to Empress of a Thousand Skies (2017).Nero, a "holovision star with a pretty face" who's seized rule of the galaxy, seeks the overwritertechnology that mines memories, erases history, and controls populations by mind control. Does it really exist? Working against him are: Rhee, reluctantly acting as empress because her older sister, rightful inheritor of the Ta'an dynasty, is missing; Kara, who is Rhee's sister, alive but undercover, hoping to save humanity yet erase herself with the overwriter; and Aly, a boy who loves Kara, thinks she's dead, and joins a plot to assassinate Neroas revenge for Kara and for obliterating Aly's home planet. Rhee and Kara have tan skin; Aly is black. As Nero orchestrates explosions and airs deceptive holovision broadcasts, the teens' fierce little "orbit of soldiers and refugees and loyalists" comes together and apart on various planets. Violence is everywhere, and the protagonists labor under misunderstandings, trauma, and loneliness. Belleza's plot is terrific, though the writing is not as smooth as in its predecessor. Reveals are profound in substance, though the moments of revelation pack less punch than they could. Given its relative choppiness and rushed feeling, this sequel should be read immediately after Empress, to import its heart.Not a stand-alone but an essential conclusion with indelible moments. (map, character list, planet list) (Science fiction. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Belleza's thrilling sequel to Empress of a Thousand Skies (2017) begins as explosively as its predecessor ends. As war ravages the galaxy and revolution gathers in the shadows, Rhee, the Crown Princess, fights for her throne, and Alyosha, a fugitive, charts a course of revenge. Rhee must make a deal with Nero (a media star) to achieve her aims, and Alyosha must kill Nero to achieve his. All the while, Nero himself plays a duplicitous game to wrest control of the galaxy. As in the first book, Belleza weaves politics, ethics, and drama into a sweeping, savvy space opera. The romance is sweetly subtle, allowing the story's intrigue and action to take center stage. This ultimate revenge saga features an all-star cast of protagonists and villains with clear goals, motivations, and voices. Though the sequence of unfolding events can feel glossed over or not as thoroughly explored as one would like at times, it is nevertheless a fantastically written story that tackles real-world current events and issues within the setting of speculative fiction.--Davenport, Enishia Copyright 2018 Booklist
