Empress of the World

by Sara Ryan
Empress of the World cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Young Adult (YA)
Technical:
  • ID: 1874
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781101118399
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2003-05-26
  • Reviews: 3

Nicola Lancaster spends her summer at the Siegel Institute, a gathering of brilliant and intense teenagers. She befriends a diverse group, including Katrina, Isaac, Kevin, and the captivating Battle. As their friendship deepens, Nicola finds herself drawn to Battle in a way she never expected, forcing her to question her own identity and desires. This trailblazing debut novel explores themes of self-discovery and the complexities of first love, reissued with an introduction by David Levithan and additional graphic novel stories about the characters./n/nThe book delves into Nicola's internal struggle as she navigates her feelings for Battle, providing a poignant and relatable exploration of sexual orientation and personal growth. The inclusion of graphic novel stories adds a unique dimension to the narrative, offering visual insights into the characters' lives and relationships.

Reviews
ForgePress · 2024-07-07
heartwarming 4.50

The story is heartwarming and cute, making it a tale worth re-reading. The writing is remarkably engaging and leaves a lasting impression.

This reviewer found 'Empress of the World' to be a remarkably written story that they would love to re-read in the future. They describe it as a heartwarming and cute tale that leaves a lasting impression. The reviewer appreciates the engaging prose and the overall charm of the story, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Empress of the World is a remarkably written story and one of the few books I'd love to re-read again in the future when I want a heartwarming, cute tale of youthful discovery.

    The story is engaging and heartwarming, making it a delightful read.

    The writing is remarkably engaging and leaves a lasting impression.

AutoStraddle · 2015-11-12
compelling 5.00

The protagonist is relatable and the story is compelling, making it a standout read. The book is described as the best and resonates deeply with the reviewer.

This reviewer finds 'Empress of the World' to be the best book, highlighting their deep connection with the protagonist, Nic. They describe Nic as someone who is lost with friends, quiet, but ambitious, and strong in her own way. The reviewer appreciates the story's ability to resonate with readers on a personal level, making it a compelling and memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Empress of the World is the best book.

    I really relate to Nic. She's sort of lost with friends. She's quiet, but ambitious, and strong in her own way.

    It's a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt out of place or struggled with self-discovery.

Hellphies Fiendish Fiction · 2014-03-25
endearing 4.00

The characters are realistic and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage insecurity and confusion. The story is endearing and worth reading.

The reviewer appreciates the realistic portrayal of the teens in the book, noting that they are insecure, confused, and scattered, which makes them relatable. They found the story endearing and worth reading, highlighting the authenticity of the characters' experiences. The reviewer believes the book is a valuable read for those who enjoy stories about personal growth and self-discovery.

Quick quotes

    Empress of the World looked like it was worth a read.

    The teens in the book are realistic enough: they are insecure, confused and scattered, but also strong in their own ways.

    It's a story about finding yourself and first love, which is always a compelling theme.

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