What do you think?
Rate this book
The Emperor, the Son and the Thief #1
The Emperor
In the early 16th century in the city of Mora, capital of Kermin, a cruel new ruler has come to power – Alberon, self-styled Emperor of the North. Not satisfied with his own power and wealth, he covets the rich southern lands of Amina and plans a brutal campaign of conquest, fuelled by a deadly new weapon – the power of gunpowder. In the same city and at the same time, a young orphan boy called Raimund is forced into picking pockets to keep himself fed. In a northern city another young man, Audun, learns about a mysterious and powerful red stone – and begins to uncover the secret of his royal birthright. Soon the lives of the Emperor, Audun and Raimund will become inextricably entangled.
This story is Volume 1 of a trilogy, The Emperor, The Son and The Thief.
This story is Volume 1 of a trilogy, The Emperor, The Son and The Thief.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
About the author
Robert Reid
5 books1,750 followersRobert (Bob) Reid grew up in Scotland’s beautiful border country. Hawick was home until it was time to go to university in Edinburgh. A degree and a PhD in Chemistry followed. It was in Edinburgh that Bob met and married Phyllis. Work opportunities took them south, and their son Simon was born in Cheshire and their daughter Charis some years later in Swindon. Highworth, near Swindon, became home in 1982. It still is home and has become a special place to Bob and Phyllis.
Bob’s career of forty years was initially in technical management, then general management and business consulting. Work generally took priority over creativity. Semi-retirement in early 2018 created the time, family and friends the encouragement, for Bob to develop his writing. His first novel “White Light Red Fire” was published in April 2019 and is a historical fantasy loosely based on the Scottish wars of independence of the early 14th Century. ‘The Emperor’ was the first of a trilogy based in the same lands as “White Light Red Fire” but placed two hundred years later, in the early 16th century. The Son continued Audun’s story and the story of the red fire.
The third book, ‘The Thief’, was published 27th February 2022 and brought to a close the story of Raimund, Audun and the red fire.
The Empress tells Sylva and her son's story after their banishment by Audun. Sylva and the Princes will become engaged in a struggle for the rights of thrones.
Follow Bob on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/robertreidau...
Bob’s career of forty years was initially in technical management, then general management and business consulting. Work generally took priority over creativity. Semi-retirement in early 2018 created the time, family and friends the encouragement, for Bob to develop his writing. His first novel “White Light Red Fire” was published in April 2019 and is a historical fantasy loosely based on the Scottish wars of independence of the early 14th Century. ‘The Emperor’ was the first of a trilogy based in the same lands as “White Light Red Fire” but placed two hundred years later, in the early 16th century. The Son continued Audun’s story and the story of the red fire.
The third book, ‘The Thief’, was published 27th February 2022 and brought to a close the story of Raimund, Audun and the red fire.
The Empress tells Sylva and her son's story after their banishment by Audun. Sylva and the Princes will become engaged in a struggle for the rights of thrones.
Follow Bob on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/robertreidau...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 27, 2020
There has been peace across the kingdoms for 200 years since the end of White Light, Red Fire – but that is about to change. The Emperor picks up the story and moves it along at a satisfying pace. It’s easy to get hooked and the pages turn quickly. A slightly smaller (or so it seems) cast of characters and a straightforward start to the trilogy that brings The Emperor, The Son and The Thief into focus and links them together.
This first book shows us the aspirations of The Emperor and his eagerness for a fight. The evil of the Red Light is ever-present and the threat it represents sits menacingly in the background. The book gallops along and we learn the history of the Son and the Thief along the way.
A really engaging and enjoyable read that follows-on well from White Light, Red Fire and finishes leaving the reader keen to uncover the next steps in the second book of the trilogy.
This first book shows us the aspirations of The Emperor and his eagerness for a fight. The evil of the Red Light is ever-present and the threat it represents sits menacingly in the background. The book gallops along and we learn the history of the Son and the Thief along the way.
A really engaging and enjoyable read that follows-on well from White Light, Red Fire and finishes leaving the reader keen to uncover the next steps in the second book of the trilogy.
July 17, 2023
The Emperor: The Emperor, the Son and the Thief Book 1 by Robert Reid is a great historical fantasy book and showcases the author's amazing talent. The book moves along at a good pace as it picks up after 200 years of peace and stability. The Emperor, the Son, and the Thief are a fascinating trilogy that is the focus of the story as it moves along well. There is in-depth characterization, stunning settings, and a solid plot. There is nuance and an underlying threat in this tale that provides plenty of menace and tension. Highly recommend.
August 18, 2023
Recommended
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed my time reading The Emperor: Son of the Thief by Robert Reid. The historical details seemed pretty well researched, making it a quite visual experience as if I became more involved with the story. I was drawn in particular to the motivations and struggles of the characters. The political intrigue and power dynamics were also pretty cool, although some scenes could on a little long. I found myself invested in Lucius's journey from the son of a thief to a man of importance in a world full of danger. This is the sort of character arc I like if it’s handled well, and the pacing through the book meant this worked quite well. The themes of power and identity, and the struggle for survival were also interesting features that for me made this book a pretty decent read. I’ll be recommending The Emperor to friends, and I’d say any readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed up with fantasy.
September 2, 2023
The Emperor by Robert Reid was an interesting historical/fantacy book. Robert Reid does a wonderful job with the characters investing the reader along the journey while painting the scene. With that the pace of the book begins slower as you are learning so much then begins to pick up as you move along. Once you make it through you are ready to dive into book 2. My favorite thing about this book is how alive if becomes Robert Reid does a great job with that!
August 31, 2023
I had absolutely no idea what I was expecting when I read this book, and it took me by surprise. When I started reading "The Emperor," I found myself shocked, in a good way. In fact, since the blurb of the book is vague (good point in my opinion), the book had surprises. Hence, the book managed to take me by surprise in a positive way.
The story introduces a few main characters, and we get to look into their backstories before the plot advances – a signal that there's more to come, possibly in the next two books of the series. In this book, I found two characters who seem connected, but I am curious as to how the third character will become involved.
One thing I appreciate is how the author takes the time to introduce the characters and the world they inhabit. He even includes a map. I find it very important to visualize the events in my head when I read, and the author did great when it came to that. I also believe that these books are connected to another work of the author set in the same universe.
I took my time reading this book, and I am glad I did because of how much I enjoyed it. There are books people zoom through, but this one needs extra care with time. Don't rush this one. I did initially feel overwhelmed and I struggled to remember some of the character's names. In fact, I confused a few characters at the start. Eventually, they all clicked and I got to enjoy the story without the confusion. 'The Emperor' is a great start to a series. You need to be patient as the action builds up later.
The story introduces a few main characters, and we get to look into their backstories before the plot advances – a signal that there's more to come, possibly in the next two books of the series. In this book, I found two characters who seem connected, but I am curious as to how the third character will become involved.
One thing I appreciate is how the author takes the time to introduce the characters and the world they inhabit. He even includes a map. I find it very important to visualize the events in my head when I read, and the author did great when it came to that. I also believe that these books are connected to another work of the author set in the same universe.
I took my time reading this book, and I am glad I did because of how much I enjoyed it. There are books people zoom through, but this one needs extra care with time. Don't rush this one. I did initially feel overwhelmed and I struggled to remember some of the character's names. In fact, I confused a few characters at the start. Eventually, they all clicked and I got to enjoy the story without the confusion. 'The Emperor' is a great start to a series. You need to be patient as the action builds up later.
November 17, 2023
I thought this was a great story with a lot of twists that I didn't see coming. It would be hard to talk about the book without giving some of the plot away, but it kept me reading, and was truly hard to put down. I usually read from 11 pm until about 1 am, then go to bed. I ended up staying up until about 2 am or later each night trying to find out what was going to happen next. I thought the book was very well written and easy to read.
The first chapter alone piques your interest and keeps it as the story develops well beyond any expectation. The plot takes shape as multiple forces come into play. The characters are well wrought and carefully integrated into the story, while the setting feels intimate and natural. Relationships are challenged and drama unfolds nicely in this epic tale. A challenging read, but one certainly worth your time and effort, you will find yourself flipping the pages to get to the end. Highly recommend.
The first chapter alone piques your interest and keeps it as the story develops well beyond any expectation. The plot takes shape as multiple forces come into play. The characters are well wrought and carefully integrated into the story, while the setting feels intimate and natural. Relationships are challenged and drama unfolds nicely in this epic tale. A challenging read, but one certainly worth your time and effort, you will find yourself flipping the pages to get to the end. Highly recommend.
November 10, 2023
As the title suggests, the book involves three main characters. One is the vicious emperor Alberon, who ruled the city named Mora in the 16th century in the northern land. The greed for power, land, and wealth made him blind to his power, and he attacked the southern city as well to establish the power of his reign. But this story is not about his conquest. Two more sub-protagonists named Raimund and Audun would make the story more interesting. One of them is a thief by circumstance, and the other is the heir of a reign, but who is whom? Let that be suspense. The more you read, the more engaging the story turns out to be. I was captivated by each chapter. Although some of the twists can be guessed easily, the author has done an increadible job of bringing a historical drama into intriguing fantasy. The characters and situations are well developed and defined, which makes the flow of the story seamless. This is an ideal company for a long ride that will introduce you to a different world of fantasy.
November 16, 2023
“The Emperor” is a historical Fantasy that is set in the early 16th century in the city of Mora, capital of Kermin, where a cruel new ruler named Alberon, has come to power. The novel focuses on the emperor's desire to expand his rule into the rich southern lands of Amina, using gunpowder as a weapon to fuel his conquest.
Elsewhere, a young man named Audun, discovers a powerful red stone and begins to uncover the secret of his royal birthright, soon intertwining his fate with that of the Emperor and Raimund, a young orphaned boy who’s drawn into a life of thievery in order to survive.
The authors character building was perfect, and I was most certainly invested in them. As a detailed reader, I could not find any loopholes in this book. At first, I found it difficult to follow through, but just into the second chapter, It began to flow perfectly, and there were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique.
Elsewhere, a young man named Audun, discovers a powerful red stone and begins to uncover the secret of his royal birthright, soon intertwining his fate with that of the Emperor and Raimund, a young orphaned boy who’s drawn into a life of thievery in order to survive.
The authors character building was perfect, and I was most certainly invested in them. As a detailed reader, I could not find any loopholes in this book. At first, I found it difficult to follow through, but just into the second chapter, It began to flow perfectly, and there were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique.
November 14, 2023
When I picked up "The Emperor" by Robert Reid, I was prepared for another historical fantasy romp. You know, the kind where you might expect to see a knight casually ordering a dragon around like some sort of medieval Uber. But Reid's not playing by the usual rules here. He’s all in for the long con, folks.
This book is like the tortoise in that race everyone keeps talking about – it starts off steady, taking its sweet time to get you acquainted with every cobblestone and shady nook in Mora. And just like that tortoise, by the end, you’re rooting for it as it zooms past the finish line, ready for lap two in book two.
Reid has this sneaky way of making characters feel like old friends. You know, the kind that you might not see for years, but when you do, you're finishing each other’s sentences and stealing fries off their plate. They’re so fleshed out, I half expected to bump into them at the grocery store.
The world-building? It's like Reid handed you a VIP pass to the Renaissance Fair, minus the overpriced turkey legs and with an added bonus of a map that doesn't lead you to a guy selling scented candles but to the heart of Andore Island. Trust me, it’s a trip worth taking.
But heads up: you might want to keep a notepad handy for those character names. It’s a bit of a ‘who’s who’ at the start, and if you’re anything like me, remembering names isn’t your strong suit unless they've bought you coffee.
It's a slow-burn mystery box of a book; every page you turn cranks the lid open a little further until, bam, all the surprises hit you and you’re left wide-eyed, thinking, 'Did not see that coming.'
This book is like the tortoise in that race everyone keeps talking about – it starts off steady, taking its sweet time to get you acquainted with every cobblestone and shady nook in Mora. And just like that tortoise, by the end, you’re rooting for it as it zooms past the finish line, ready for lap two in book two.
Reid has this sneaky way of making characters feel like old friends. You know, the kind that you might not see for years, but when you do, you're finishing each other’s sentences and stealing fries off their plate. They’re so fleshed out, I half expected to bump into them at the grocery store.
The world-building? It's like Reid handed you a VIP pass to the Renaissance Fair, minus the overpriced turkey legs and with an added bonus of a map that doesn't lead you to a guy selling scented candles but to the heart of Andore Island. Trust me, it’s a trip worth taking.
But heads up: you might want to keep a notepad handy for those character names. It’s a bit of a ‘who’s who’ at the start, and if you’re anything like me, remembering names isn’t your strong suit unless they've bought you coffee.
It's a slow-burn mystery box of a book; every page you turn cranks the lid open a little further until, bam, all the surprises hit you and you’re left wide-eyed, thinking, 'Did not see that coming.'
January 16, 2024
Reading The Emperor, I was transported to the 16th century Mora, a city full of historical allure, and brimming with fantastical elements.
At the heart of the tale are three main characters, Alberon, (the villain) Emperor of the North, an ambitious character, who has a fascination with gunpowder and a desire for the southern territories of Amina.
Raimund, the orphan whose life in the underbelly of Mora is a survivalist's tale.
Then there's Audun, whose on a journey of self-discovery thats tied to a mystical red stone and a hidden royal origin.
All three lives become entwined and that’s where the excitement begins! I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
Robert Reid has a formidable spirit, that is expressed through his stories, and It shows in this book, The Emperor.
It is not often a book can be stamped “brilliant” but this novel meets the criteria. The Emperor stands as a testament to Reid's growing mastery in storytelling. It's a book that gives a compelling blend of history and fantasy, with characters that are both complex and relatable. It's a journey through a world that's as brutal as it is enchanting, and well worth taking the journey.
At the heart of the tale are three main characters, Alberon, (the villain) Emperor of the North, an ambitious character, who has a fascination with gunpowder and a desire for the southern territories of Amina.
Raimund, the orphan whose life in the underbelly of Mora is a survivalist's tale.
Then there's Audun, whose on a journey of self-discovery thats tied to a mystical red stone and a hidden royal origin.
All three lives become entwined and that’s where the excitement begins! I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
Robert Reid has a formidable spirit, that is expressed through his stories, and It shows in this book, The Emperor.
It is not often a book can be stamped “brilliant” but this novel meets the criteria. The Emperor stands as a testament to Reid's growing mastery in storytelling. It's a book that gives a compelling blend of history and fantasy, with characters that are both complex and relatable. It's a journey through a world that's as brutal as it is enchanting, and well worth taking the journey.
August 25, 2024
It's OK. At the beginning is a bunch of praise, this and the prequel book were stated to be like George RR Martins epic.
Well no. Not unless you took the entire series and chopped 4/5s of it out:
Jon is told he is the long lost...he goes to the Wall and finds the magic whatever he needs to defeat it and win.
He then goes...blah blah
This is how this book reads. Rushed. Chopped. Characters which could have been interesting make a brief appearance to give the Chosen One what they need and are written out again.
He succeeds at everything, reads some books, meets a captain who immediately houses them, teaches him and 5 minutes later puts him charge. and so on...
Won';t be bothering with the rest of it.
Well no. Not unless you took the entire series and chopped 4/5s of it out:
Jon is told he is the long lost...he goes to the Wall and finds the magic whatever he needs to defeat it and win.
He then goes...blah blah
This is how this book reads. Rushed. Chopped. Characters which could have been interesting make a brief appearance to give the Chosen One what they need and are written out again.
He succeeds at everything, reads some books, meets a captain who immediately houses them, teaches him and 5 minutes later puts him charge. and so on...
Won';t be bothering with the rest of it.
September 18, 2024
I can't get over the cover, I should not have to look at a cover for five minutes to figure out the name of the book and if it takes that long to understand the cover, just imagine the content. DNR+DNO I was attempting to buy this book but couldn't look it up for a price check. Only read a few lines but honestly, could not get into the book.
October 15, 2023
The author does a great job of establishing the world so you don’t feel lost in hidden history and information. Reid provides a map and surrounding area of the Andore island and maintains solid descriptions throughout and good explanations of the social and economic culture.
Reid excels in his character-building, though. His characters are rich and have much to offer any reader, and he does a solid job building arcs for them. It is like he is following someone around telling their story rather than characters he just created himself; this realness adds an element to the book that keeps it exciting and ensures that there is a forward momentum that fueled my investment. It is a rich world, but it’s a character-driven book. I didn’t read Reid’s first book, but I may go back and read it.
Great piece of fiction; if that’s your jam, this book is right up your alley!
Reid excels in his character-building, though. His characters are rich and have much to offer any reader, and he does a solid job building arcs for them. It is like he is following someone around telling their story rather than characters he just created himself; this realness adds an element to the book that keeps it exciting and ensures that there is a forward momentum that fueled my investment. It is a rich world, but it’s a character-driven book. I didn’t read Reid’s first book, but I may go back and read it.
Great piece of fiction; if that’s your jam, this book is right up your alley!
January 29, 2024
The Emperor: The Emperor, the Son and the Thief by Robert Reid is a piece of work whose action is situated in the early 16th century. Robert Reid presents three characters whose fates are connected and meant to collide: the ruthless Emperor who wants to conquer all, the orphan who has to steal for his survival, and a boy with royal blood who starts to uncover his lineage.
I wasn’t expecting much from this book, especially since it was one of the first books by this author. (I was disappointed too many times with “first books.") and I have seen too many similar plots. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the author. From his manner of writing, you would believe that he had a few more books under his belt. The characters were well-rounded, and the work put into the research for the book’s universe (landscapes, buildings, traditions, fashion, etc.) had become, as I read, a beautiful and magical painting in my mind.
I wasn’t expecting much from this book, especially since it was one of the first books by this author. (I was disappointed too many times with “first books.") and I have seen too many similar plots. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the author. From his manner of writing, you would believe that he had a few more books under his belt. The characters were well-rounded, and the work put into the research for the book’s universe (landscapes, buildings, traditions, fashion, etc.) had become, as I read, a beautiful and magical painting in my mind.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews