After the Crown

I previously raved about the first book in this series, Behind the Throne, which is a much darker, grittier space-opera-mystery-adventure version of The Goblin Emperor, the story of a reluctant royal heir dragged back from their life as a smuggler to run the empire when all of their family members are assassinated. This book picks up with their life on the throne: a daily gauntlet of negotiation and uncertainty amid veiled threats and assassination attempts.

There is plenty of mystery and adventure yet to be had in this story, including traitorous espionage, intergalactic maneuvering, and the threat of calamitous war. I find this series deeply enjoyable and can't wait to read the next installment.