Fantasy · Adventure · Science fiction
The Emperor's Soul
A novella about a condemned master forger who is given a hundred days to recreate the soul of an emperor left nearly lifeless by an assassination attempt. She must do it under the eyes of court officials who do not trust her.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 175
- Format
- Book 1.75 of 1 in Elantris
Read this if you like short, clever fantasy with an unusual magic system and a tight deadline.
Skip this if you want a long story or a large cast, since this is a compact single-plot novella.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Emperor's Soul
- What is The Emperor's Soul about?
- A novella about a condemned master forger who is given a hundred days to recreate the soul of an emperor left nearly lifeless by an assassination attempt. She must do it under the eyes of court officials who do not trust her.
- Who should read The Emperor's Soul?
- Read it if you like short, clever fantasy with an unusual magic system and a tight deadline. Skip it if you want a long story or a large cast, since this is a compact single-plot novella.
- How long and how fast is The Emperor's Soul?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 175 pages, first published in 2012.
- Does The Emperor's Soul have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Emperor's Soul for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Emperor's Soul; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Emperor's Soul?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Elantris, Piranesi, The Name of the Wind.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Emperor's Soul
-
Elantris Set in the same wider world, a full-length novel with a related feel for ideas and politics.
-
Piranesi A short, strange and thoughtful fantasy that is equally about identity and perception.
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The Name of the Wind Another fantasy that loves the craft of a gifted person learning a precise, magical skill.
Fantasy
