The Empire of Ashes

The Draconis Memoria, Book 3

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steve West

In the White Drake's war, the price of freedom is paid in blood and fire....

For hundreds of years, the Ironship Trading Syndicate was fueled by drake blood - and protected by the Blood-blessed, those few who could drink it and wield fearsome powers. But now the very thing that sustained the corporate world threatens to destroy it. A drake of unimaginable power has risen, and it commands an army of both beasts and men.

Rogue Blood-blessed Claydon Torcreek, Syndicate agent Lizanne Lethridge, and Ironship captain Corrick Hilemore have been spread to disparate corners of the world, but they are united in their desire to defeat the White Drake and the Spoiled who follow it.

Humanity itself is at stake, but with the aid of ancient knowledge, revolutionary technology, and unexpected allies, all hope is not lost. Saving the world will require sacrifice, as Clay, Lizanne, and Hilemore will see all they know either consumed by flames or reborn from the ashes.

©2018 Anthony Ryan (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Ryan skillfully navigates multiple narrators to unveil a world steeped in magic and on the brink of destruction. Both the characters and the setting are irresistible right through to the end.” (Publishers Weekly)

"The series is action packed, full of intrigue, and just plain fun. Ryan deftly writes something for fans of dragons, steampunk, or gutsy characters (or all three). Readers of epic adventure fantasies like Game of Thrones should check this series out." (Booklist)

Good work!

The story is well written and there are no ex machina like events. Narrator has shown considerable improvement on the quality of the narration. I did not regret the purchase.

For me personally Anthony Ryan is one of the great authors of my time. I haven’t been so completely riveted to an epic since JRR Tolkien, and Ryan’s writing style is much more succinct than Tolkien’s anyway.

Great finish to a great series, though I’d love more...

Another great series from Anthony Ryan - fantastic. Ill admit to being ticked off when the producers changed narrators for book two (& Steve West continued through to Book 3). I always find that highly annoying, because you’re accustomed to specific voices for characters. That said, Steve West is also a great narrator, too, and did an admirable job. I just prefer consistency throughout a series, as do most people, I would guess.

Good but frustrating narration

It’s a great series, definitely worth your credits. Sort of a gentler zombie apocalypse with dragons and magic tale.

Although I think the narrator is skilled, I found his inability to not speak like an upper class English gentleman frustrating. There are main characters who are from the streets and who use corresponding language, yet he chooses to do their voices like King George is reading their lines. I found that forever distracting.

decent ending. room for more

A satisfying if open ended conclusion. leaves much room fore more to be told in the universe. hopefully author will revisit

best book in the series.

He really knows how to end a series with a bang... or two... or 10.

There MUST be another one!

A wonderful new world! I hope it doesn't end here. The way the author pulls all the character threads together in the climax was exciting. I enjoyed these books and characters a great deal. I hope Anthony keeps this series going.

You will not be disappointed!

Loved it... An excellent book of prime calibur and the best dramatic production ...well acted. I highly recommend it

Excellent World Building. Unique Magic System

I really liked how almost each chapter ended on a cliffhanger. Kept me engaged with the story. Some reviewers said there is a touch of steam punk. I would say it is more just a touch of Sci-Fi. There is a tremendous amount of fighting, if that is what you like, you will love all 3 books! What kept my interest was the character development and interaction. I recommend the entire series.

Terrible narration, great story.

How someone can make such an incredible story dull with terrible narration is beyond me. Bring back Steve Brand! I struggled a lot to make it through because of the narration, but glad I stuck through until the end.

Excellent Steampunk fueled by dragon blood!

Complex plot filled with interesting characters. Great world building. Top this all off with a top notch narration.