overall 50 votes: 
editor average: 
Now Playing: Book One, “Lovers and Beloveds”: Eighteen-year-old Prince Temmin has led a childhood as close to normal as possible, far from the capital. When he comes of age and joins his father King Harsin, he’s completely unprepared for the politics, assassins and sexual intrigues at court. Temmin is even more unprepared when he discovers there is magic . . .
overall 7 votes:
editor rating: 
Welcome to Monsilys, capital of an empire racked by intrigue, facing invasion from abroad and treason from within. A young Empress recalls her two uncles to the capital, hoping their presence will help her keep her throne . . . Cassius, a seasoned military commander with an impulsive temper and a decided preference for the company of men, and Valentin: politician, . . .
I’ve been following this story nearly from the beginning and it’s only gotten better the more Mei has written. Considering this is her self-professed "first attempt at fiction," I’m going to have to give her a standing ovation. She certainly puts other, more seasoned, writers to shame in this regard.
Temmin, [more . . .]
I am fascinated by and love studying the Romans, especially from the late Republic and early Imperial eras, then toward the fall of the empire (mostly 5th century). Part of what drew me to the Traveller’s Guide was the very clear Imperial inspiration for Jovan. If you have even a passing knowledge of the history of the Roman Empire, or [more . . .]