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The Empire's Ruin

Ashes of the Unhewn Throne, Book 1

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The Empire's Ruin

By: Brian Staveley
Narrated by: Moira Quirk, Joe Jameson, Oliver Cudbill
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About this listen

Brian Staveley, author of The Emperor's Blades, gives listeners the first book in a new epic fantasy trilogy based in the world of his popular series the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, The Empire's Ruin.

Best of Summer 2021 - Polygon

The Annurian Empire is disintegrating. The advantages it used for millennia have fallen to ruin. The ranks of the Kettral have been decimated from within, and the kenta gates, granting instantaneous travel across the vast lands of the empire, can no longer be used.

In order to save the empire, one of the surviving Kettral must voyage beyond the edge of the known world through a land that warps and poisons all living things to find the nesting ground of the giant war hawks. Meanwhile, a monk turned con-artist may hold the secret to the kenta gates.

But time is running out. Deep within the southern reaches of the empire and ancient god-like race has begun to stir.

What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever. If they can survive.

©2021 by Brian Staveley. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Military Survival

Critic reviews

“Brian Staveley’s books are epic in every sense of the word. His characters are complex, his history deep, his plots rife with action and intrigue. He’s a giant in the genre, no doubt.” (Nicolas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld)

“If you loved Brian Staveley's Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, then hang onto your war hawk, 'cause his new book, The Empire’s Ruin, returns to the world of the crumbling Annurian Empire in a spectacular way. Fans of Staveley's work, and those who enjoy epic fantasy outside the conventional mold, are going to unearth treasure.” (R.S. Belcher)
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loved it from start to finish. Riveting and beautifully written, it capitalises on the rich lore and wonderful characters in the previous books and connects threads that I truly thought were entirely separate.i don't generally leave reviews but I felt motivated to do so. read the series, then this one. You will not be disappointed.

best in the series; phenomenally good

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I am so pleased to have another book in this world and so pleased that Gwena is back! Can’t wait for the next book!

Back in this world again!

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The narrator for Ruk’s story line did fantastic accents I wish I knew who he was it was fantastic! Akhils narrator had a whimsical quality that brought out the facets of the character and his inner thoughts in an engaging way. I will be getting the next book at some point, but it is kind of long so I might listen to something else first.

Good book, 3 narrators was good but odd

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Hugely enjoyable, good narration and exciting fast paced storyline with interwoven character arcs that keep you hanging!!

Great!!

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I'm going to admit that it took me quite a long time to start appreciating the novel, but once the pieces come together it's hard to put down.

slow but worth it

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