'Brian Staveley’s storytelling gets more epic with every book, and The Empire’s Ruin takes it to a whole new level' – Pierce Brown
One soldier will bear the hopes of an empire
The Kettral were the glory and despair of the Annurian Empire – elite soldiers who rode war hawks into battle. Now the Kettral’s numbers have dwindled and the great empire is dying. Its grip is further weakened by the failure of the kenta gates, which granted instantaneous access to its vast lands.
To restore the Kettral, one of its soldiers is given a mission. Gwenna Sharpe must voyage beyond the edge of the known world, to the mythical nesting grounds of the giant war hawks. The journey will take her through a land that warps and poisons all living things. Yet if she succeeds, she could return a champion, rebuild the Kettral to their former numbers – and help save the empire. The gates are also essential to the empire’s survival, and a monk turned con-artist may hold the key to unlocking them.
What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever – if they survive. For deep within the southern reaches of the land, a malevolent force is stirring...
'Brilliant' V. E. Schwab on Skullsworn
'A truly epic tale full of memorable characters, clever politics, an intelligent magic system, brutal battle scenes, and witty dialogue' FantasyFaction on The Last Mortal Bond
The Empire's Ruin is the first book in the epic Ashes of the Unhewn Throne trilogy by Brian Staveley.
The series
In the shadow of a crumbling empire, where secrets are buried in blood and betrayal lurks behind every corner, Ashes of the Unhewn Throne delves deep into a world torn apart by violence, ambition, and power struggles. The series weaves together a rich tapestry of complex characters, each carrying their own burdens and desires, set against a brutal, unforgiving backdrop.
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At the heart of this epic narrative is the throne itself—a symbol of power that has been shattered, its remnants scattered across the empire. As the story unfolds, the paths of three siblings intertwine in ways that will change the course of history. From political intrigue to personal vendettas, their journey is fraught with danger and heartbreak. As each sibling grapples with their role in the empire’s destiny, they must confront not only their enemies but their own inner demons.
What sets Ashes of the Unhewn Throne apart is its masterful world-building. Staveley constructs a world where every shadow hides a secret, every decision ripples across generations, and no victory is without its cost. The series is a meticulous blend of action, philosophical exploration, and a deep dive into the human condition, all set within a world where the lines between hero and villain blur.
The writing itself pulses with tension, carrying readers through epic battles, political machinations, and deeply personal moments of loss and redemption. The intricacy of the plot—never content with mere surface-level conflicts—unfolds with such complexity that it keeps you guessing at every turn. The rich, immersive world that Brian Staveley has created is more than just a backdrop; it is a character in itself, alive with history, myth, and raw emotion.
Ashes of the Unhewn Throne is more than just an epic fantasy—it’s a testament to the price of power, the bonds of family, and the undeniable forces that shape both empires and individuals. For those who crave an intricate, darkly atmospheric journey into a world that feels as real as it is dangerous, this series offers a story that doesn’t just entertain—it leaves a lasting impression.
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