Do you like court intrigue? Mistaken identity or relationship drama? Check out the Remarried Empress, I’m only into the first volume so far. But I can already tell it is going to be an interesting read.
Synopsis
The book tells the story of Empress Navier and Emperor Sovieshu, they were childhood sweethearts and have been married for years. They are the two pillars of the Eastern Empire, and everyone believed they would be together forever.
That is until the Emperor has a chance encounter with a beautiful girl in the forest. He is left smitten and brings the girl back to court under the guise of helping her recover. Navier makes sure the girl, Rashta knows she isn’t welcome. Navier has the her maids treat her as her station, a commoner demands. Navier ignores her husband’s growing fondness for Rashta hoping the problem will go away.
However when then Emperor begins to punish her maids for treating Rashta coldly. The Empress takes thing into her own hands. Making sure the girl knows she’s not welcome and spurning any affection Rashta gives towards her.
Though the Empress is hurt by the way the Emperor is siding with his new Mistress she’s not going to waste time wallowing. Navier sees that the palace and the emperor are starting to side with Rashta. She and begins setting up a close circle of trusted advisors.
Rashta, the Mistress is playing to win though, happy to spread lies and half truths about Navier to get herself in a better position with the Emperor. Meanwhile being sweet to Navier’s face. Rashta then complains to the Emperor about any slight, casting Navier in a bad light. But Navier makes things harder for her while scheming about her own future.
While all this is going on, The empress is exchanging letters with a mysterious secret admirer. The first letter comes to her as a surprise and she starts to enjoy sending them. The secret admirer is a listening ear that she doesn’t have in the palace. They communicate through a bird named Queen.
Things get more interesting though when the secret admirer visits the palace. Navier makes it clear that she doesn’t want to meet, already worried about her delicate political situation. Thinking she’ll lose the upper hand she has talking to them.
When the letter writer puts out that he is looking for the person he’s sharing letters with Rashta seizes this opportunity. She pretends to be the letter writer but is rebuffed. The letter writer has eyes only for Navier. Navier soon realizes she can use this to her advantage.
So when the Emperor asks for a divorce, Navier is ready. She insists that she’ll only allow a divorce if she can get remarried, to her mysterious secret admirer.
Review
I enjoyed the art. I especially enjoyed Navier’s fashion, her dresses were delightful. All of the fashion in the book was beautiful. It reminded me of a mix between Russian and Byzantine court fashion.
I especially enjoyed the back and forth between the the letter writer and Navier. I’m also a fan of the political machinations and palace intrigue. But that is one of my own personal favorite genres. So it possible it won’t be for everyone. I still think the story would be enjoyable for people who like strong female characters, or interesting romance set ups.
I’m looking forward to the second volume to see where things go. I suppose I could read it online but I am enjoying the print versions.
Overall I’d give this about four stars, very intriguing with familiar court plots to keep things grounded. The ‘villain’ is a little weak but I think that might just be because we’re in the first volume. I can’t wait to see more of Navier and the Prince’s relationship.
Amazon: The Remarried Empress Volume 1.
About the Creators
Author: Alp’at’arŭt’ŭ is the author of The Remarried Empress. Alp’at’arŭt’ŭ also wrote the manhwa Men of the Harem, which is about a female emperor.
Illustrator: Sump’ul is the cartoonist and artist for The Remarried Empress.
Other contributors: Hiŏri is the webtoon writer and adapter, Christie Chiho is the letterer, and Webtoon (Firm) is the translator
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