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The Empire's Ruin cover art

The Empire's Ruin

By: Brian Staveley
Narrated by: Moira Quirk, Joe Jameson, Oliver Cudbill
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Summary

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.

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)

What listeners say about The Empire's Ruin

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Caution

bad language from the start improves the great story line. Throughly enjoyed it now looking for the next in the series.

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Pacey, action packed and a great sequel

If you loved the first three books, this is for you. Action packed story; yes, much has been reviewed about the introspection of one character, but I didn't feel it was as laboured as some said. I got past it. Narration by one actor is a bit too camp for me, but it's only part of the narrating, so perfectly tolerable. Loved this book; so thrilled the author added more to the original trilogy. I recommend it!

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Review

Good story. I have listened to many audio books and have used the stars to rate but never written a comment but the narration on this book is absolutely terrible. One worse than the other.

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35 hours were not enough

The longest book I have ever listened to. It ended too soon! Loved every minute of it, didn’t get bored even once.
Looking forward to the next one.

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Amazing

Another fantastic book! Desperate for the next one!
I believe this is the first of a new trilogy.

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Save the Ones You Can

A brilliant follow-on from the Unhewn Throne. It is a story of survival in a brutal world, of vulnerability in a sea of cruelty. I am, however, somewhat disappointed in Gwenna, who seems to be on a journey of destruction followed by self pity. With Gwenna as your friend, you really don't need enemies.

Narration was brilliant and really added to the characterisations.

If you like fantasy, then this is fantasy at its best.

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Great

Love the original trilogy. This is more of the same, which is both great and a bit predictable. However still great characters in fantastic situations with unpredictable outcomes. Can’t say I enjoyed every story arc like I did with the other trilogy but still very good.

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the lass rat was incredible

I can't wait for the next one in series as it leaves you wanting so much more

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Back in this world again!

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!

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Loved it but struggled with the it

So so long and didn't have the edge to the other trilogy, felt very disappointed after 35 hours, will try again if there is a next book as he is a brilliant writer.

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