Review of Imperial Assassin, by Mark Robson
Verdict: 9/10 - buy it!
This is the second in the 'Imperial' series, following on from 'Imperial Spy', which came out in February. We follow the same characters - the female spy Femke, young soldier Reynik, and their nemesis, the assassin Shalidar - as the situation develops following Emperor Surabar's decision to outlaw the Guild of Assassins. Somebody needs to infiltrate the Guild, in order to find out where they are based, and who is in charge. Femke can't do it, as Shalidar knows who she is. So Reynik, a soldier, not a spy, and still less an assassin, volunteers for the job. Will he be able to deliver what the Emperor wants?
In 330 pages, Mark Robson produces more incidents and plot twists than some of us have had hot dinners. This is a great read, which pulls you on from chapter to chapter, and never lets go. I really enjoyed watching Reynik develop over the story, and the cliffhanger at the end of the book left me desperate for Mark to finish writing the series finale, 'Imperial Traitor', so I can find out what happens next!
In conclusion, this is a book I'd thoroughly recommend to anyone who is looking for a fast-paced YA fantasy novel. It's officially out tomorrow - so go and get a copy before it sells out!
Patrick.