It’s always exciting to start new series. But that feeling when you truly love one and you know you have more? That’s even more exciting. I’m so happy to bring you And I Read’s review of The Empire’s Ruin which was a five star book! Keep reading this book review for the full thoughts.
Summary
The Kettral were the glory and despair of the Annurian Empire – elite soldiers who rode war hawks into battle. Now the Kettral’s numbers have dwindled and the great empire is dying. Its grip is further weakened by the failure of the kenta gates, which granted instantaneous access to its vast lands.
To restore the Kettral, one of its soldiers is given a mission. Gwenna Sharpe must voyage beyond the edge of the known world, to the mythical nesting grounds of the giant war hawks. The journey will take her through a land that warps and poisons all living things. Yet if she succeeds, she could return a champion, rebuild the Kettral to their former numbers – and help save the empire. The gates are also essential to the empire’s survival, and a monk turned con-artist may hold the key to unlocking them.
What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever – if they survive. For deep within the southern reaches of the land, a malevolent force is stirring . . .
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Empire’s Ruin is the start of a new series called the Ashes of the Unhewn Throne. Since it is the first book of a series, you should prepare yourself be to flooded with numerous names, places, and kingdoms. It took me roughly a quarter to half of the book to keep the different storylines apart and figure out what is going on. It’s also roughly the time when the story picks up, and you finally understand what a grand world Brian Staveley has created.
It’s filled with multiple fascinating character arcs, but each one has its unique story, character traits, and hardships to endure. It’s going to be amazing once the story finally unfolds in the upcoming books. It’s a must-read book for anyone who generally enjoys epic fantasy stories with vast and intricate storytelling.
Find The Empire’s Ruin on Goodreads, Amazon (US) (UK), Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.