A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix

I decided to read and review this book because: (1) I like Garth Nix's Old Kingdom books, Shade's Children, and the Ragwitch; (2) I had $11 of Amazon credit that was expiring. It is a Young Adult novel (like Shade's Children), a quick read, and I enjoyed it.

A Confusion of Princes is a space opera narrated by and starring Khemri. He is a typical Prince candidate: taken as an infant from his parents after being tested suitable and spends childhood undergoing enhancements and education. He has romanticized assumptions of what it will be like to be a Prince from watching the sim, The Achievements of Prince Garikm. This is quickly dispelled when, on the day he ascends, he is nearly assassinated when meeting his Master of Assassins, Haddad, for the first time.

Khemri is escorted, by Haddad and his new retinue of other priests, to the closest temple to connect to the Imperial Mind. Connecting is essential as it provides access to information and the connection is a deterrent to blatant assassination attempts. Khemri hoped to have the freedom to explore the galaxy, but instead he exercises his only option: to enlist in the Navy. After one year at the Naval Academy, he is promoted and sent to a remote outpost. It is there he is told he will undergo a test in order to join a secret Imperial Service of the Empire: Adjustment (espionage). Khemri, stripped of enhancements, learns he must "think about what a Prince would do, then do the opposite."

I liked the book. Initially, I didn't think it came to a satisfactory close: Khemri relates his "happily ever after" and we don't know what happens to Atalin and the Empire. However, as I thought about it more, it makes sense that Khemri would not be able to relate any epilogue beyond what happened to him. For more information, there would need to be global narration in the epilogue.

And now that I think about that, I wish the novel had been written like others I've read recently: a chapter following Khemri and then a chapter following Atalin and so forth. Toward the end, I found myself more interested in Atalin's activities. But I appreciate the novel for how it is written. If Garth Nix ever writes a sequel to it, I will read it (but I don't think he will).

Visit Garth Nix's website for more information about the author and how to purchase his books.