Ashes of Man

Sun Eater, Book 5

De: Christopher Ruocchio

Narrado por: Samuel Roukin

The fifth novel of the galaxy-spanning Sun Eater series merges the best of space opera and epic fantasy, as Hadrian Marlowe continues down a path that can only end in fire.

The galaxy is burning.

With the Cielcin united under one banner, the Sollan Empire stands alone after the betrayal of the Commonwealth. The Prophet-King of the Cielcin has sent its armies to burn the worlds of men, and worse, there are rumors … whispers that Hadrian Marlowe is dead, killed in the fighting.

But it is not so. Hadrian survived with the help of the witch, Valka, and together they escaped the net of the enemy having learned a terrible truth: the gods that the Cielcin worship are real and will not rest until the universe is dark and cold.

What is more, the Emperor himself is in danger. The Prophet-King has learned to track his movements as he travels along the borders of Imperial space. Now the Cielcin legions are closing in, their swords poised to strike off the head of all mankind.

©2022 Christopher Ruocchio (P)2022 Recorded Books

Incredible sequel in a spectacular series

If you’ve made it this far, you already know how masterful a storyteller and writer is Christopher Ruocchio. He does not disappoint in the least with this one. The slow sections are just as gripping as the heartstopping action scenes, and there continue to be bold narrative choices in this ultimate high stakes game.

Roukin matches Ruocchio’s quality with his incredible narration, with his accrue understanding of Hadrian’s character and voice. It is the perfect match of material and voice actor—bravo!!

C.R. Has outdone himself!

He’s getting better and better at The Sun Eater series. This compares to the third novel in its breadth and scope. I can’t wait for another!

Fear is a poison

The story continues and since this is an ongoing series, giving a spoiler review would be an easy error, so I can only say, some of my questions of reoccurring characters were answered. The last couple of hours made the previous 20 worth it.

Great continuation of a fantastic story.

Tragedy and humanity come together. Some of it was hard to listen to. “Damnit Marlow.” The voice narration kicks it over the top.

A classic in the making!

I’m a devoted science fiction and fantasy reader — and rare is the pleasure of finding a perfectly wrought series full of ideas and well sculpted characters. I’ve loved all five novels so far and already pre-ordered the sixth. Always forward!!!

So good

Full of action. My eyes were full of tears at the end. It’s been years since an author has brought me to tears. Listened and read

Ruocchio is one of the finest contemporary writers.

This saga continues to amaze. The reader is set up to experience an entire range of emotions. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are horrible. The run up to the experience is so well and beautifully written that you really are there and can only feel as the protagonist does. I have read nobody that does it better. The is amazing as well. The writing is beautiful prose. The protagonist is an educated, introspective man who waxes philosophically-yet plainly, on every significant moment in his life. You can see him grow and change as he experience a very adventurous, painful life. This is by far the finest writing I have read. There is enough material that is superbly written to make a franchise that could be bigger than Star Wars or LOTR with no more development needed. If you are a thinker and occasionally consider the whys if humanity and the universe, you will greatly appreciate this futuristic adventure.

Enjoyable if not great.

3.75 ✨

Very-good series but not great. As with most books in the rest of the series, 3.75 stars rounded up. This book continues to follow Hadrian Marlowe through his long life and adventures.

The series is told in a first-person narrative with Hadrian looking back from his old age. The passage of many years in a few paragraphs is sometimes difficult to accept The character Hadrian is both admirable and annoying. If there is one thing that detracted from my enjoyment of the series it is the many self-righteous and annoying characteristics in Hadrian's personality.

Hadrian is at once a heroic figure but also annoyingly moralistic, at times immature and preachy. Yes, immature, even though in this book Hadrian is over 350 years old. I listened to the audiobook and felt that the narration by Samuel Roukin was okay. I found the story interesting, with good writing, and good world-building. It remains a series that I enjoy and want to continue.

Back to form

I doing the book before this one kind of mediocre, but this one gets back to being the series I love. Better pacing, interesting developments, plenty of action and new information.

4.7 out of 5

another excellent addition. wonderful narration. gripping story. looking forward to the next book. fifteenth word.