Imperatora: Book One by Mia Zbikowski is an epic fantasy that follows three women: Ell, a forester haunted by mysterious whispers; Hellion, a priestess who has lost her god’s voice; and Desde, an enchantress whose magic drains her life force. This epic trio is torn from their worlds and thrust into the desert kingdom of Al’idris. Strangers at first, they must rely on each other to survive. Bound by fate, they strike a dangerous bargain with the queen, uncovering dark secrets about the kingdom and their exile. Along the way, they face perilous magic, inner demons, and the growing bonds between them. Zbikowski’s attention to detail creates an immersive world where magic, religion, and politics are intricately woven into the plot, making the setting integral to the story and shaping our view of the characters and why they behave the way they do.

Author Mia Zbikowski’s ability to create complex, flawed, and compelling characters is a standout feature from the very opening of this larger-than-life fantasy. Each of the three women is fully realized, with unique struggles that are deeply personal yet interconnected, and these authentic and powerful voices come through with distinct dialogue and strong narrative detail. It’s like we’re right on their shoulders exploring the desert kingdom of Al’idris, which is richly imagined with vivid landscapes and intricate lore that ties together the logic of this strange new world. The theme of personal transformation is handled well as each woman must confront her own limitations and fears to find her path to strength, which is highly relatable for readers to follow and root for each of them on the way. Zbikowski expertly balances tension, vulnerability, and affection, creating a relationship dynamic that feels organic and integral to the story’s progression, adding emotional depth to the epic fantasy elements. Overall, I’d certainly recommend Imperatora to fans of highly detailed and action-packed fantasy novels, and I can’t wait to see what else the series has in store.

Mia Zbikowski’s Imperatora is the first book in a series, and it delivers a bold promise of adventure for readers. The intertwining fates of three remarkable women unfold in the vast desert of Al’idris, where survival hinges on their ability to trust one another. Ell is a young forester with an injury that refuses to heal. There is more — she struggles with disturbing whispers. Hellion is a priestess who feels like she has fallen from the grace of her god, no longer able to hear the god’s voice. Desde is an enchantress whose energy ebbs with every spell she casts. These women make a deal with the enigmatic Queen of Al’idris, offering their help while hoping to find answers and discover the secrets leading to their exile. In a world where nothing is what it seems, they brace for danger, encounter magic they have never seen before, and push themselves to the limits. Can they find their way home to themselves?

Imperatora is an enthralling epic fantasy, character-driven and brimming with magic. The narrative contains everything readers want in a fantasy tale — a stunningly imagined and deftly accomplished magical world, sophisticated characters, intricate worldbuilding, expert storytelling, and phenomenal conflict. The narrative offers an interesting premise with three powerful and gifted women in dire straits. The author makes them genuinely flawed and dependent on each other. The relationship dynamics between the three key characters are intelligently crafted and feel natural. The narrative doesn’t lack drama, enhanced by well-crafted dialogues and descriptions. The themes of self-discovery, identity, magic, and faith are skillfully developed in this mesmerizing tale. Mia Zbikowski’s gift for writing intense conflict also shines through this story. I was fully invested in the characters, the setting that comes alive, and the conflict that escalates quickly.

Imperatora is the first book in a series by Mia Zbikowski. It's a fascinating epic fantasy novel about three women trying to understand and discover their purpose in a new, dangerous world where nothing is as it seems. A sorceress, a priestess, and a young forester, each from different worlds, find themselves experiencing strange events. Witnessing disturbing scenes and frightening darkness, in the blink of an eye, Hellion, Desde, and Ell find themselves alone in a place none of them recognizes. They don't know why they were brought to the unforgiving desert kingdom of Al'idris or how to return to their homelands, but they all agree to stay together and search for answers. Soon, they learn how hard it is to obtain answers and how many threats they must face: ghuls, vampires, demons, and corrupted magical energy. They make a pact with the queen of Al'idris, hoping it will finally get them closer to the answers they seek. Yet they discover it might not be worth the danger.

Imperatora by Mia Zbikowski is a well-crafted and impressive story about three strong female protagonists forced by an unknown power to fight dangerous creatures, confront the limits of their strength, and search for answers away from their homes. Their journey is unique, eventful, and memorable. Highly gripping from the beginning, fans of fantasy will love to get lost in this richly detailed world threatened by corrupted magical energy. This book blends gritty action, magical dangers, and mystery with themes of identity, fate, and survival. It's an exceptional series opener and a must-read, even for those new to the genre. It will hook anyone immediately from the very first page.

Imperatora: Book One by Mia Zbikowski is a riveting epic fantasy that weaves together the lives of three women—Ell, Hellion, and Desde—who are abruptly cast into the inhospitable desert kingdom of Al’idris. Each character brings a unique struggle that adds depth to the story: Ell is haunted by a mysterious injury and unsettling whispers, Hellion grapples with the silence of her god, and Desde faces the devastating toll of magic that drains her life with every spell. The narrative centers on their precarious alliance, forged in desperation as they seek a way home. The stakes heighten when they strike a deal with the queen and embark on a perilous journey to discover a secret threatening the kingdom’s stability. As the women navigate magical dangers, clashing personalities, and an unexpected bond, they must also confront profound internal challenges and the unsettling truth behind their exile.

Mia Zbikowski’s world-building is rich, immersive, and impressive. The harsh landscape of Al’idris acts as a setting and antagonist, reflecting the characters’ internal battles. The story examines themes of survival, faith, and sacrifice, exploring the boundaries of endurance and the cost of magic. While the novel’s explicit language and graphic violence may not suit all readers, they underscore the rawness of the characters’ experiences and the brutality of their world. Imperatora: Book One offers a compelling start to what promises to be an epic series, combining the intrigue of high-stakes adventure with the complexities of female friendship and self-discovery. Fans of high fantasy won’t want to miss Zbikowski’s debut novel.