Ashes of the Sun
Burningblade and Silvereye, Book 1
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Ashes of the Sun
Buy Now for £22.43
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Narrated by:
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Imogen Church
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By:
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Django Wexler
About this listen
The first book in a new epic fantasy series from the author of the Infernal Battalion series.
Long ago, a magical war destroyed an empire and a new one was built in its ashes. But still the old grudges simmer and two siblings will fight on opposite sides to save their world in the start of Django Wexler's new epic fantasy trilogy. Gyre hasn't seen his beloved sister since their parents sold her to the mysterious Twilight Order.
Now, 12 years after her disappearance, Gyre's sole focus is revenge and he's willing to risk anything and anyone to claim enough power to destroy the Order. Chasing rumours of a fabled city protecting a powerful artifact, Gyre comes face to face with his lost sister. But she isn't who she once was. Trained to be a warrior, Maya wields magic for the Twilight Order's cause. Standing on opposite sides of a looming civil war, the two siblings will learn that not even the ties of blood will keep them from splitting the world in two.
©2020 Django Wexler (P)2020 Head of ZeusCritic reviews
"Ashes of the Sun shows that Wexler is a master of high fantasy. His plotting and this post-apocalyptic setting will warp your mind!" (S. M. Stirling)
"Ashes of the Sun is the best sort of fantasy. With fascinating characters, a richly realised world and romances both steamy and adorable, Gyre and Maya are epic heroes you'll want to know." (Robyn Bennis)
"Gorgeous writing, powerfully-drawn characters and an exciting storyline!" (K.D. Edwards)
I enjoyed the narration
Not too shabby.
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Couldn't finish - narration was not great
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Epic start to a series!
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The characters, being brother and sister, pulled me in right away as the chapters switch between their POV in different parts of the world.
While they started not so easy to attach to for different reasons, the journey they go on is satisfying and you will I was enjoying both their adventures by the end. Particularly in crossover moments.
Maya is the easiest to get fond of early on and has the heroic character who is as purely good, as much as anyone in the dystopian fantasy world. Her journey is fun, if a little over the top at times with the small romance element that just goes on a bit too long.
Think the traditional "I can fight giant monsters and risk my life, but I'm scared to show feelings to someone" trope. No issue with it but in needed wrapping up sooner in my POV. Other than that aspect that dragged on a bit too long her journey is fantastic and I really love her power and the aspect of mystery around "the thing."
Gyre is more the rebel with a cause type who is good at heart but mors like an anti-hero trying to be a revolutionary but more often is a theif. He works with a crew and a crazy person called Kitt who is hilarious as she is annoying. I have a love hate relationship with her and I think that's what the author wanted!
Gyre's development isn't quiet as dramatic as his sister but it is exciting and proves the most world building of the book with the Ghouls and history of the world being most explored through his eyes.
That is the most interesting part of the story, and there's enough revealed to feel you know some things but plenty more to pull you into book two which I've already added to my library. The side characters are also very well done here who also see some character development, especially one who I liked in the end but no spoilers.
I listened to this and, having seen a bit of harsh criticism of the narrator I'd counter that because I very much enjoyed her bringing the characters to life. I've had male narration doing female voices a plenty but, for some reason, I don't think it's as well liked when it's the other way around.
For me, I think imogen did a fantastic reading and brought a bounce and energy to the story that it very much benefited from. Her narration was consistent and I liked the way she played Kitt in particular. (And because I listened it's very possible a lot of things are spelled wrongly from my "Brain Book" so apologies if I made some mistakes.)
Overall 4.25 stars for the over long romance drawn out, other than that is an excellent experience and I'd recommend this to fantasy and action fans alike, particularly gamers as it could easily be the plot of a western RPG of some kind and I'd love to explore those powers!
Great start, fun world that feels like a video game
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The world-building shows potential, but the tone is uneven—caught awkwardly between a coming-of-age adventure and adult fiction. The frequent use of modern profanity, especially the word “f*ck,” feels jarring and out of place. In a fantasy setting, more creative, world-appropriate language would have enhanced immersion.
Likewise, the inclusion of same-sex relationships feels less like an authentic part of character development and more like a gesture to current cultural norms. Representation should serve the story, not distract from it—and here, it too often feels performative.
The characters themselves might resonate better with a younger teen audience, but the mature language and sexual undertones make that positioning unclear. The sibling arc at the story’s heart had promise, but it’s let down by clunky narrative shifts and a disjointed structure across the perspectives.
Ultimately, this book doesn’t seem to know who it’s for. Strip it back, clean it up, and give it a focused edit—and it could shine. As it stands, it’s a frustrating read that falls short of its potential.
Verdict: Confused tone, inconsistent voice, and a missed opportunity for something truly compelling
One to avoid.
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