The Empire's Ruin

Written by Brian Staveley

Narrated by Moira Quirk, Joe Jameson and Oliver Cudbill

Brian Staveley, author of The Emperor's Blades, gives readers 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jul 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781511365055

Brian Staveley

BRIAN STAVELEY has taught literature, religion, history, and philosophy, and holds an MA in poetry from Boston University. His books, which have been translated into over a dozen languages, include The Empire's Ruin, The Emperor's Blades, The Providence of Fire, The Last Mortal Bond, and Skullsworn. He lives in Vermont and divides his time between running trails, splitting wood, writing, and chasing his son downhill on a mountain bike.

Reviews for The Empire's Ruin

[azbog cleary · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Enjoy the whole series. It was great ride. . .

[Matt · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The story itself is great, but the quality of the audiobook is poor. There are so many gaps where there is no audio so you miss portions of the story.

[Oso Isko · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great novel by Brian Stavely. I really like how it seamlessly builds off the previous series and Skullthrone, characters to plotting to the expansion of the setting. I look forward to follow up.

[Robert Gough · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful book. It's so sad to have it end without conclusion, though. Left me wanting more!

[Bee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVEd the book. I could not put it down. I was disappointed though as I feel like I’ve been left hanging & wish next book were available to read.

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my kind of epic dystopian gore-fest. Split into three story lines that I suspect will merge in what comes next, it's cruel, dark, full of extremely freaky creatures, gods, magic and endless surprises. It certainly didn't feel like a 735 page book as I read it. I'd fret about getting my hands on the sequel, but it's going to take a while to create and get things right, so I'll be patient.