I'm the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!, Vol. 7

Let me be upfront: *I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!* is not for listeners who want moral ambiguity or slow-burn introspection. This is a series that *revels* in its protagonist’s pettiness, and Vol. 7 doubles down with a plot that feels like a high-stakes game of 4D chess—if the chess pieces were armed with mechs and grudges. Cliff Kirk’s narration is the audiobook’s secret weapon. He nails Liam’s aristocratic sneer, but where he *shines* is in the secondary cast: Calvin’s simmering rage, the First Prince’s brittle authority, even the minor nobles get distinct vocal textures. The pacing is relentless, though not always flawlessly. A mid-book detour into magical theory (while fascinating) drags slightly, and the abrupt shifts between political intrigue and space battles can feel jarring if you’re not locked in. That said, the production values are *impeccable*. The audio mixing ensures Kirk’s delivery never gets lost under the rare but effective sound effects—a subtlety that elevates tense scenes, like when that damn magic circle appears (you’ll *hear* Liam’s pause before he reacts). My only real critique? The story occasionally sacrifices emotional depth for spectacle. Liam’s relationships—especially with his subordinates—could use more nuance; right now, loyalty feels transactional even when it’s framed as personal. But if you’re here for a villain who’s *competent*, *entertaining*, and unapologetically extra? This volume delivers with the precision of a railgun to the face. Just don’t expect to root for anyone but the chaos.