The Last Emperox by John Scalzi

The Last Emperox by John Scalzi, 318 pages

From the MARC: "The collapse of The Flow, the interstellar pathway between the planets of the Interdependency, has accelerated. Entire star systems--and billions of people--are becoming cut off from the rest of human civilization... Emperox Grayland II has finally wrested control of her empire from those who oppose her and who deny the reality of this collapse. But "control" is a slippery thing, and even as Grayland strives to save as many of her people form impoverished isolation, the forces opposing her rule will make a final, desperate push to topple her from her throne and power, by any means necessary. Grayland and her thinning list of allies must use every tool at their disposal to save themselves, and all of humanity. And yet it may not be enough. Will Grayland become the savior of her civilization . . . or the last emperox to wear the crown?"

The ending of this series was equal parts heartbreaking and satisfying. It was surprising to find out who the last emperox was. With the threat of human extinction, the series felt heavy and dark at times, but the ending, while still dire, felt hopeful.