Those Above

Those Above is the first book in The Empty Throne duology, set in a world where immortal beings rule over humanity from their mountain citadel. The story follows four characters from different social strata as they navigate the rigid hierarchy between the powerful immortals and their human subjects. Among the viewpoint characters are a military commander, a noble woman, a common thief, and one of the immortal rulers. Their separate narratives showcase the tensions and inequalities that exist within this sharply divided society. The plot centers on growing unrest and rebellion against the immortal overlords, while exploring questions of power, class, and what truly separates Those Above from those below. The novel combines elements of military fantasy and political intrigue within its complex world-building structure. The book examines themes of social order and the nature of tyranny, asking whether perceived differences between rulers and ruled are inherent or artificially imposed. These questions resonate with real-world hierarchies and power structures throughout human history.

Readers note the book's detailed world-building and complex social hierarchy, with many highlighting the unique four-races premise. The combat scenes and political intrigue draw frequent mentions in positive reviews. Readers appreciated: - Clean, precise prose style - Multiple viewpoint characters providing different perspectives - The exploration of power dynamics between races Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in the first third - Characters feel distant and hard to connect with emotionally - Plot takes time to come together One reader described it as "beautifully written but emotionally cold," while another noted it was "more focused on ideas than characters." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.61/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (90+ ratings) Many reviews mention it requires patience, with several readers indicating the sequel Empty Throne delivers more action and plot resolution. The book appears to appeal more to readers who enjoy political fantasy over character-driven narratives.

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🔹 Daniel Polansky wrote his first novel, "Low Town," while living in a tent in Cambodia, pursuing a minimalist lifestyle that allowed him to focus entirely on writing. 🔹 "Those Above" explores themes of class warfare and racial hierarchy through a fantasy lens, drawing subtle parallels to real-world colonialism and social stratification. 🔹 The book features immortal beings called "Those Above" who are physically superior to humans in every way - taller, stronger, and faster - creating a unique twist on traditional fantasy race dynamics. 🔹 The novel employs a four-perspective narrative structure, with each viewpoint character representing a different social class within the book's complex societal hierarchy. 🔹 Prior to becoming an author, Polansky worked as a cocktail bartender in Brooklyn, an experience he credits with helping him develop character dialogue and observation skills.