The Empire's Ruin Audiobook By Brian Staveley cover art

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

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

Highly rated for:

Immersive World-building Compelling Character Arcs Intricate Storyline Emotional Resonance Philosophical Depth
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Still great

I was a little bummed out when I saw that Simon Vance wasn't the narrator and it took some time to get used to but overall the multiple narrators did incredible. the story itself start off a little rough but once it really gets going it's an awesome continuation to Chronicles

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very full book, loads of adventure.

this was an excellent book. I hope there is more to come. I am not sure how I feel about the ending, there is so much left unsaid and at the same time it could almost stand alone. I look forward to more to come.

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my favorite book this year

I loved it from start to finish it one of those books where I got so emotionally invested in the characters I found myself pacing during parts of the book

Gwenna Sharpe no f*&^ quit!!!

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Absolutely incredible!

One of the best fantasy books I've read. Staveley is only getting better at this. Loved the new settings and chance to explore the continent of Menkiddoc.

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Excellent

Great follow up to a great series. I can’t wait for the next book. I like the three different narrators.

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Noticeable improvement in just about every regard.

I absolutely love this book. the voice actors were perfect. be careful because it does get quite gory.

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love the story

loved it, however, this book was a bit more graphic than his other. More graphic than it needed to be. in my opinion. but I still loved the story.

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Series keeps getting better and better!

great series! Gwena was amazing. i want to get the book now and get the story again.

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Fourth the charm

Enjoyed as much as the best of the first three. Congrats, Brian! Must be very difficult to keep the pace and creation up to your standards.

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Fantastic extension

Loved the whole book, can’t wait to see what’s next.

One five one five one five one five

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