I Finally Read Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio... (The Sun Eater Book 1)

[@SunEaterBooks]

Hey Petrik! Thanks for this! So glad that you enjoyed book 1, looking foward to hearing what you think of the rest as time goes on. Welcome to the Empire!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you for the kind welcome, Chris! Most importantly, thank YOU for the great story. So excited to find out what's next. Soon! :)

[@dinocollins720]

YES!!!

[@JoelAdamson]

I'm glad you point out that Rothfuss didn't invent (a) framed narratives, (b) character-oriented fantasy, (c) coming-of-age, (d) tragedy, (e) characters with interests, or (f) fantasy literature. It's so funny when a particular book becomes popular and its devotees act like the author pioneered every technique he uses, instead of just doing it very well. I'm not saying Rothfuss didn't do any of it well, it's just bizarre to hear people think he invented all these things. All the accusations of plagiarism leveled at Ruocchio are coming from ignorance.

[@PetrikLeo]

Precisely. Look, I love The Name of the Wind. But just because Name of the Wind popularized framed narratives, doesn't mean he invented it. He, too, borrowed a LOT of elements from Earthsea, to mention one. I can't believe the accusations and some snippets delayed me from reading it.

[@JoelAdamson]

@@PetrikLeo Sun Eater reminds me a lot more of Gene Wolfe than Name of the Wind, especially in tone. The parts I've read of Name of the Wind seem fairly jolly.

[@_jared]

Reading Sun Eater has been a great experience. I am totally in love with this series. I think it is now firmly in my top 5 series.

[@PetrikLeo]

I have read only Empire of Silence and I can already see the big potential this will become one of my favorite series of all time. I look forward to reading more. Also, just saying, I love your youtube channel! So cool of you to stop by my channel! :)

[@_jared]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you for the kind words. I always enjoy your reviews.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey, it only took 3 years of me pushing you ha ha glad you enjoyed it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Haha! It's been a while. I'm glad I managed to read it. Now I will catch up to the series in the next few months! 😁

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@PetrikLeo Enjoy!

[@adrianusnicholas8600]

Yes! Finally you’ve read it! I love this book. Space empires, space cossacks and feudal future, this is basically a sci fi and epic fantasy mashup!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thanks, Nicholas! A wonderful blending of sci-fi and epic fantasy indeed. :)

[@bradkrick8254]

Hell yes!!!! Earth and Empire these books are great!!! Can’t wait to follow your journey down the path with Hadrian!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I'll try to have a review for each book posted on my channel! :)

[@tgibridays]

Yesssss! We got him. Welcome aboard. The next two books are definitely better and are some of my favorite books I've read. Ruocchio masterfully blends many of my favorite SFF concepts into these two books.

[@PetrikLeo]

Happy to join the ship! I look forward to reading Howling Dark and Demon in White before the year ends! :)

[@brentasmith]

Oh Petrik I'm so happy you liked my favorite sci fi series of all time. You're going to love the sequels.

[@PetrikLeo]

Took me a while to start this, but happy to finally do so. Will read the sequel and have a review up here, too! :)

[@EliasR24]

I'm so glad you love it! This is one of my all-time favourite series 😁 I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of the series cause it only gets more epic!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I have a feeling this is going to become one of my favorite series, too! :)

[@DashWatson]

Finally! Thank you. And welcome. 😊 PS: Do read The Lesser Devil before starting Howling Dark. It's not necessary but enriches the experience. Also, I think you should be warned I felt Howling Dark has some pacing issues in the middle part though it ended well.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I will be reading Lesser Devil early next week. And I will keep your advice into account on Howling Dark. With Ruocchio's prose, though, I doubt I'll ever feel bored. :)

[@Talking_Story]

Your review has me counting the days till next month when I dive into this!

[@PetrikLeo]

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it! :)

[@thewulverslibrary4435]

Yes, Petrik!! Great video!! It’s all uphill from here 🔥!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I'm excited to continue! :)

[@groofay]

This is one of those series I've been meaning to start for ages. I've even had the first book for over a year now, I just have *so many* other series to get to as well. Best problem ever, if we're being honest.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's worth starting it. At the very least, next year, because the series will end at the end of 2024! :)

[@groofay]

Alright, good to know! I'll move it up in my priorities so I don't miss the discussions around the ending.

[@claytonhomer3096]

Never a doubt in my mind you wouldn't love this book and series. I have pitched the book as Robin Hobb writes her version of Red Rising. Yes, people foolishly think Rothfuss invented the framing narrative, so people say he is copying him. His prose is much more effortlessly gorgeous than Rothfuss, and I think more like Robin Hobb. His plot movement is much faster than Hobb but slower than Brown; It's a good middle ground. This is the "weakest" of the series and books two and three are so freaking amazing. I am in awe of his skill at such a young age. He has potential to reach the levels of the greatest writers of all time if he continues to improve. Cheers Petrik for the spotlight on this incredibly underrated series!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I'm pleased with everyone's kind welcome and recommendation. Robin Hobb's writing style/version of Red Rising sounds about right, really. Fitz told his story in a diary, too. I will certainly read Lesser Devil and Howling Dark this month! :)

[@LiamsLyceum]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m partial to it myself.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Liam! Looking forward to the next one!

[@cipriansirbu3699]

I'm so glad you liked it,was afraid you won't 😅.The great news is that the next two books are even better,never heard anyone liking Empire of Silence more than Howling Dark(my favourite ) or Demon in White.I love this series so much. You made my day better.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah, I keep hearing the next two books are superior to Empire of Silence. That's amazing when I already love the first book this much. Looking forward to reading Howling Dark soon! :)

[@luiggiesan]

I’m so glad you loved it! It’s one of my top books of all time, especially Howling Dark.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, my friend! Very pumped to start reading Howling Dark this month! :)

[@curtjarrell9710]

Over the past several years I've heard SO MANY booktubers sing the praises of Empire of Silence that I purchased a copy and plan to read it at some point. I'm currently reading and enjoying The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Happy reading.

[@PetrikLeo]

The Lies of Locke Lamora is awesome. Happy reading to you, too! I hope you will love Empire of Silence as much as I did when you get to it! :)

[@nmal8702]

You're in for a treat! Wish I can be anyone who hasn't read this series just so I can read it all over again for the first time!

[@parkercrystal1]

Took you long enough! BTW I DNFd Name of the Wind, thought Dune was boring and didn't like Red Rising and *still* love this series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahah I know right! And damn, those are three most often recommended series to try Sun Eater! :D

[@danielbujdos]

This was a beautifully presented review. The next two instalments in the series are incredible, ‘Demon in White’ is the embodiment of perfection for me, the best book I’ve ever read. It gives me shivers every time I think about it. Happy reading! :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! You make me incredibly excited to read Demon in White in November. But first, Howling Dark this month! :)

[@bradkrick8254]

Same. It’s a perfect book. Second best ever for me.

[@ryandberry1]

I just finished this as well. Very excited to continue on!

[@PetrikLeo]

May the adventure be amazing for both of us!

[@sreyamroy]

Very excited to read the Sun Eater series one day!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely put it on your radar! The series is ending in about a year from now! 😄

[@RedFuryBooks]

I can't wait to read this! Thanks for the review

[@PetrikLeo]

You will love this, Josh! I'm sure!

[@kirstenholmes6]

I can’t wait to read this series of books. Fantastic review!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! You have to read this, Kirsten. It's incredible. And everyone said the next books are even better! :)

[@aliturk6692]

I'm so happy you read it, hope you love the follow ups

[@PetrikLeo]

It was soooo good! :)

[@aliturk6692]

@@PetrikLeo wait till you finish Demon in white, Ruocchio is a master of his craft.

[@silentspec111]

So happy you are Finally reading this Petrik. Also jealous you will get to read these books fresh😅

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I'm pretty excited about reading them all! :)

[@lordramoth3416]

This book is so good it’s the best reason to choose reading as a hobby.

[@PetrikLeo]

I agree! 😄

[@fcsolis]

Yah. Amazon's algorithm has been recommending this book to me for some time. I'm in! Thank you.

[@PetrikLeo]

Must be destiny! 😄

[@yassinemiri3555]

Space opera has always been my favorite SI-FI sub-genre or SI-FI adjacent sub-genre this why I loved the Dune series and why I'm pretty sure I will love the sun eater series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely should pick it up if you love space opera! :)

[@yassinemiri3555]

@@PetrikLeoDone ! So many rabbit holes ! Might as well call me Bugs Bunny at this point 😂

[@TheAshwini1988]

So glad you enjoyed and loved it too! I need to continue with the series but I fell for the series last year and just knew you would also love it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I definitely will continue with the series soon. I hope you will, too! :)

[@tylerblack301]

What a review! You’ve made me want to read EoS sooner rather than later!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! It was soooo good! :)

[@BlackLiliummmmm]

YES finally. 4 more books to go Petrik ;)

[@PetrikLeo]

I have a LOT to catch up! 🤣

[@BlackLiliummmmm]

@@PetrikLeo But it only gets better :) As for the comparison with Dune. Among other things I can see it in a way how history of the world is based on Earth but current plot so far the in the future that in both ways the true origin is kinda mystical in nature, etc

[@dinocollins720]

Knew you would love this Petrik!!! And I'm so happy you did!! Great review I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of the series!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Dino! Such a great debut. I will read Howling Dark soon! 😆

[@book_scent]

Wow, what an endorsement! I'm really glad you had such a great time with it. I've been meaning to read The Empire of Silence for a while now and you're making me super excited for it!! Will be diving in soon 🤓

[@PetrikLeo]

I love this one so much, Karin. I think you will have a great time with it, too! :)

[@esmayrosalyne]

Absolutely thrilled for you that this lived up to your extremely high expectations, this only makes me more excited to get to it myself! Brilliant review, enjoy the rest of the series!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Esmay! I had such a blast reading this book. Definitely will read the rest of the series soon! :)

[@greblaksnew]

It's absolutely a fantastic book packed with everything I love: danger, romance, philosophy. I might add that the audio book of EoS is stellar. Ruocchio rocks it for for sure!

[@PetrikLeo]

Hear hear! Glad to hear the audiobook is great, too!

[@BrendaVFitness]

Yes!!! This series is by far the best Sci-Fi series I have ever read (I've only read through book 3 as of now) but I can't agree with your assessment more! Howling Dark is unbelievably....SO MUCH BETTER.

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo! I can hear your excitement from you. I'll try to get my review of Howling Dark up this month or early next month! :)

[@Thunder117]

If you read the sun eater in publication order like for example Tales vol.1 before Demon in White you will find some connections and more backstory :) can't wait for you to read the third book (easily my favorite of the bunch)

[@PetrikLeo]

I plan to do that! But wait, I thought Tales of Sun Eater volume 1 is after Demon in White. Did I get that wrong? :D

[@Bluenamii]

@@PetrikLeo Yeah, the order is as follows according to Christopher Ruocchio himself: Empire of Silence; The Lesser Devil; Howling Dark; Queen Amid Ashes; Tales of the Sun Eater, Vol. 1; Demon in White; Tales of the Sun Eater, Vol. 2; Kingdoms of Death; and Ashes of Man.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@Bluenamii i'm writing this down! Thank you. I plan to get to Demon in White before the end of the year! 😁

[@inkshoe25]

I LOVED Red Rising, it is my #1 favorite SFF series and all my books in the series are signed by him. 2 hours into reading RR, I was hooked hard and it only got better from there. This series isn't without its faults. I have stars in my eyes but I am not blind, LOL. So it is with GREAT anticipation that I read Empire of Silence. But I am so nervous that I am going into it with very high expectations. I'll just blame you and Daniel if I don't love it, ha. Thanks again for a great review.

[@PetrikLeo]

Haha you're welcome! I certainly hope you will love this as much as we did. I think it is on par with Red Rising Saga in a different way. Both of them are my favorite sci-fi series of all time! :)

[@matteodallavalle7762]

Finally the review! I think that you've love EoS, you will be stun by Howling Dark and also Demon in White! Those two are masterpieces!

[@PetrikLeo]

After multiple delays, I finally read it! 😂😂 It seems like everyone agree Howling Dark or Demon in White are superior. So excited to read them soon!

[@matteodallavalle7762]

I think that Howling Dark have my favorite ending ever. You're not prepared for it (and I'm happy for you for this!) Without spoilers: have you enjoy the character of Cat?

[@PetrikLeo]

@@matteodallavalle7762 absolutely! Loved Cat. Her friendship with Hadrian amidst the dark times was precious. 😊

[@matteodallavalle7762]

@@PetrikLeoI think the same! Can't wait for your opinion about Howling Dark. Have a nice read... by one of your Italian fan 😁

[@treebranch2066]

So did you like it 😁 I own a few in the series myself but have yet to read them and am now excited that I picked them up. Thanks !

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha, I loved it! Definitely read them as soon as you can! :)

[@Sagal.I]

Magnificent review Petrik! You convinced me to finally start that series, specially as Red Rising is my favourite space opera too

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Definitely do it. I loved this and yet feel I'm only at the beginning of something special! :)

[@hasanmir]

This books reminds me a lot of Dune, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think it does enough to stand on its own two feet. I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

Would you recommend Sun Eater to someone who finds Dune boring?

[@hasanmir]

@@guruthosamarthruin4459 Oh, absolutely. The one thing that really reminds me of Dune in this particular book is the litany he uses about controlling his fear, I forget the exact quote. But other than that, I think this is a brilliant, well crafted story that stands on its own two feet.

[@PetrikLeo]

I think other than the fear litanies, I couldn't find anything else here that reminded me of Dune. 😂 Definitely looking forward to the sequels!

[@stevenmontoya7275]

@@PetrikLeo I think the nuclear armistice and power dynamics, the way his house is kind of a mix of Harkenon and Atreides, his fall of grace, his betrayal by his family, and the fact that the way the galaxy operates (control of technology, religious orders to weave bloodlines) plus the feel of the novel are the reasons people compare it to dune.

[@Mikyz11]

Great review! This is a great book, I also postponed reading the series for an unhealthy amount of time! I think it also takes inspiration from Gene Wolfe’s Book of the New Sun, at least in the prose and pacing. Not sure if that’s just me.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I think I have heard the series being compared to Book of the New Sun, too, in its inspirations. I haven't read Book of the New Sun, though!

[@tgibridays]

The later books yes, but Ruocchio hadn't actually read any Wolfe until after he had written EOS and maybe Howling Dark as well. He's talked about it before on his channel.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed empire of silence it's totally worth a read I would love to read the other books in the series but unfortunately the public library doesn't have any of the other books in the series

[@PetrikLeo]

Arghh, I hope the other books will appear in your library soon! :)

[@tgibridays]

Request them! Mine only had the first two books and I requested they get the others one every month or so until I was able to catch up. Sometimes it won't fit in their budget, but I've found that most libraries are interested in hearing what their patrons want.

[@zenthepoet.]

Finally... Petriks back!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Zen!!

[@zenthepoet.]

@@PetrikLeo Welcome!!

[@nmal8702]

I delayed watching this review for as long as I can just because I wanted to watch it with the perfect setting and time! Your thumbnail had my hopes way up, and now that I've seen you're about to post the second book's review, I felt I just had to watch this! Boy was it worth the wait haha. I, alongside many others, begged you to read this over the years, and now we're like giddy parent watching their child enjoy the present they got him! So glad you enjoyed it, I think I would've given up on life if you didn't haha... And the ride is just going to keep getting better and better! You're making me want to go and reread the whole series again ugh! This will go down in history as a sci-fi classic and I know it, it just needs more time as people are slowly starting to figure out the gem of a series this is! And your awesome and detailed review will help with that even more, so we thank you!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm just happy I have a new series to obsess over haha. I have finished Howling Dark and it's somehow even better than Empire of Silence! I will have a review for it up this week! :)

[@seanhalpin87]

New you'd like it! Glad to see gushing petriks back

[@PetrikLeo]

It's probable I will gush my way through the series. 😂😂

[@dmuse3813]

Great review! I am so pleased to see reviewers shower praises on Ruocchio’s work. This series is fantastic; and I’m positive that because you liked EoS so much, you will enjoy the entire series (the bulk of it that we currently have).

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I'm so excited to continue with the series this month. The first book is already this good. Can't imagine how great the next one will be. 😁

[@markredman426]

Glad You liked Empire - love this series from the first release and each book improves on the last, enjoy your journey.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah, I finished Demon in White and I'm mindblown by how good it was!

[@richwar2417]

Looking forward to getting back to Sun Eater after finishing my reread of Red Rising and finishing Lightbringer.

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome! That's what I did, too, before starting this series!

[@midrangemonroe1]

I'm 400 pages into the second book, and while I enjoyed Empire of Silence, Howling Dark is significantly better. It has continuously gotten more weird, disturbing, and gripping. It's an absolute masterpiece and I find the universe and character development more fleshed out than Red Rising. I'm so excited for the rest of the series.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's amazing. I am so pumped to read Howling Dark. Empire of Silnece was so damn incredible already, imo. :)

[@epiphoney]

Time to put Peter F. Hamilton on your tbr, either Night's Dawn trilogy or Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained, for epic space opera scope.

[@PetrikLeo]

I have heard a lot of great things about Hamilton's books. I have to add his books to my TBR pile! :)

[@shinigami2502]

Glad to know you enjoy the book! Its my all time favourite SFF series and I love it to death. Imo, those little spoilers he sprinkled aren't really spoilers but more like foreshadow which hooks me even more since I want to know what happen that lead to such spoiler

[@PetrikLeo]

I totally agree with you about the spoilers! They hooked me to continue and pay attention to certain aspects more! 😄

[@stephanieneal5942]

Yessss I'm so excited you're reading these! The next two are even better 🙂 I enjoyed book 1 but felt it didn't quite live up to its epic beginning, but the rest of the series absolutely does!

[@PetrikLeo]

Well, consider me super excited to read the next two ASAP! :)

[@EstoNoEsUnSpoiler]

Hey Petrik! Have you read The Book of the New Sun? I’ve just finished and, without surprise, blew my mind. I’ve read somewhere that Ruocchio was inspired by Wolfe.

[@PetrikLeo]

Not yet! The Book of the New Sun is still on my TBR pile. I have wanted to read it for years now, but still couldn't find the right time and mood to commit to it! :)

[@kumarsalib722]

I hope he releases a collectors hardback edition when the series is finished.

[@PetrikLeo]

Who knows, it might happen someday. There is the diamond edition already, though. But it's sold out.

[@AmiRempel]

This makes me so happy. Welcome to the fandom!

[@PetrikLeo]

Happy to be here! The excitement to start Howling Dark is so strong!

[@AmiRempel]

Please start asap! I’m so excited to hear your thoughts❤

[@alexmacfarlane4426]

Sun Eater is the best read in years (64 years starting with biggles!). How such a young writer has so much knowledge to reference and mesh other works is astonishing. There is even a nod to Monty Python in the series. The religious inquisition has 2 main weapons! I expected the comfy chair to make an appearance. Brilliant series and I need book 5 now.

[@PetrikLeo]

It is truly astounding. Glad you love Sun Eater, too. Ashes of Man is a great one. I will start reading Disquiet Gods soon!!

[@DarkoDame]

This series and Red Rising saga are tied for my favorite ongoing sci-fi series. I love both equally.

[@PetrikLeo]

Heck yeah! I look forward to seeing how it will rank on my list!

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Sun Eater surpassed Red Rising as my favourite goes.

[@preppingforbeginners1347]

Wow I'm waiting g on book 7 for red rising so seeing these comments just sold me on starting this series as red rising has my heart

[@Bluenamii]

I love this series. Howling Dark is just as great as Empire of Silence and even better in some places. I am sure you are going to love it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I will share my thoughts on Howling Dark after I read it this month! 😁

[@praetorxyn]

I'm glad you loved it, this series is criminally under known. I recommend the full reading order, which would be The Lesser Devil before Howling Dark.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's the plan. I'm reading Lesser Devil next week. And then Howling Dark soon after that! :)

[@liviajelliot]

Great review and very interesting! It seemed to be a great blend of topics; evidently, I live in a bottle because I hadn't heard about the comparisons/points regarding Dune. As a Dune fan (it was the first SFF I read), Empire may be right up my alley. Guess I know where my next Audible credit will go!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! You have to let me know your thoughts on this book once you read it. I think it's awesome! 😃

[@warlordpro67]

FINALLY! EARTH AND EMPIRE!

[@PetrikLeo]

EARTH AND EMPIRE

[@heretic124]

It's not 1:1 copy of course, but the political system is definitely inspired by Dune. Hadrian is a character responsible for billions of deaths. He's nobility with very similar character traits. Oh and the third novella's release date has been announced this week. It's actually a small novel. :D

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely not a 1:1 copy. And I guess I haven't read enough of Dune (only read the first book) to catch that Paul Atreides is responsible for billions of deaths like Hadrian. Haha, I saw that Lorian novella! It's a big novella!

[@chief8625]

Glad that you enjoyed it. While I loved the first book, the second book is a lot better. I hope you enjoy your journey through this awesome series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I'll try to leave a review once I'm done with each main novel! :)

[@misternegative4918]

Waiting till I finish Red Rising I think before I start this series. Sounds great, can’t wait to get to it

[@PetrikLeo]

That's what I did. I read all of Red Rising Saga first. I don't want to juggle two big sci fi series. 😅

[@misternegative4918]

@@PetrikLeo exactly. Same thing keeping me from starting the Expanse

[@TheDragonbornReviewer]

Would you say that the framing narrative in this book is more like Saxon Tales by Bernard Cornwell then, if not Name of the Wind? I ask because I’m a huge fan of Saxon Tales and if it draws a comparison to it in that sense, I’m not only used to it, I also enjoy that formula.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! Uthred's style of narration in Saxon Tales is not far off, even if the prose is completely different. Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings or maybe Richard Swan's Justice of Kings is a great comparison in terms of narration style, too. In these two series, we are reading the diary of the main narrator, and the narration sometimes talks about what has happened in the future. The same as Hadrian's!

[@MacScarfield]

Just read the preview of the first 5 chapters of «Empire of Silence», were I caught: Jadd: The Jaddite Faith from several Guy Gavriel Kay novels (GGK’s mix of Christian Trappings and the Sun Cults from Antiquity: Unsurprising given Ruocchio have stated himself as a fan of GGK, with signed books by him) & Jeddah, an Ancient Port City in Modern Day Saudi Arabia Birth Vats for the Nobility: «Brave New World» by Aldous Huxley Hadrian’s home planet of Delos: Greek Island, Holy Site for the worship of Apollo and Artemis and the Athenian-led Delian League which fought Sparta in the Peloponnesian War of the 5th Century BC + The Name of the Mega-Corporation running the parks in «Westworld» Hadrian’s brother Crispin: The St. Crispin’s Day Speech from «Henry V» The Alien Antagonists, the Cielcin: Ciel (French: Sky) + sin (Mr. Ruocchio is Catholic, alright! 😄) Lothrian: Have some similar language structure as the Free City of Lorath from GRRM’s «ASOIAF» + Lotharingia/Lorraine in Modern Day France Hadrian’s family name Marlowe and their Devil Symbol: Christopher Marlowe wrote «Doctor Faustus», about the eponymous scholar who make a pact with the devil Mephistopheles (+ a reversed color scheme of the Manchester United Devil Logo, given the Marlowes’ English Ancestry?) The Mother of Hadrian’s Family Name, Kephalos: Cephalus, whom Socrates have a dialogue with in Plato’s «Republic». Cephalus give as a definition of justice «to give each what is owed to them», which Socrates refutes by saying that returning a borrowed knife to someone who has turned mad and might therefore hurt themselves, is not just…(cue philosophizing on justice and madness!😅)

[@PetrikLeo]

Nice. Haha, I didn't know about the accuracy of GGK's influence because I am not a fan of his books, but you're spot on that Ruocchio is Catholic. Definitely continue reading the book. It's awesome!

[@MacScarfield]

@@PetrikLeo Ruocchio mentioned being a fan of GGK in his interview, especially of his Byzantine Empire-inspired duology «The Sarantine Mosaic» (Book 1 «Sailing to Sarantium», was my favorite read of 2022, but to be fair, the majority seems to prefer book 2 «Lord of Emperors»). Which GGK books have you tried? Roucchio also mentioned the mythical figure Cid Arthur being a mix of Siddhartha and King Arthur, in his interview with «Talking Story»!

[@MacScarfield]

@@PetrikLeo Carcassoni: The Southern French City of Carcassonne, famous Cathar Stronghold during the 13th Century Albigensian Crusade (+The City of Carcosa from the Lovecraft Mythos) Eusebia: Feminine variant of Eusebius (Eusebius of Caesarea, who is credited for converting Roman Emperor Constantine the Great to Christianity) EOS: Now «Xenobite» is literally just Greek for something to akin to «Foreign Lifeform», but I can not help but think that it have also become future slang for «scary alien», born from a fusion of the Cenobites from the «Hellraiser» Franchise & the Xenomorphs from the «Alien» Franchise! 😆 The Colosseum of Meidua, the Dome of Bright Carvings, reference the Bright Carvers from «Gormenghast» & Bright Weavings (GGK’s webpage), and the unfair Gladiatorial Batte Reenactments are similar to both historical examples as well as the ones in «Gladiator». The hoodlum on a motorcycle (using petrol!) attacking Hadrian with a lead pipe is straight out of the anime/manga «Akira»! 😄 Montante: Another name for a Zweihander sword Vilicus: Latin for «supervisor» House Orin: Orin is the name of the Main Character in the 80s animated Sci-Fantasy Movie «Starchasers», a character in David Foster Wallace’s «Infinite Jest», and Aquaman’s treacherous half-brother, and their conflict with Hadrian’s Father is not unlike the destruction of House Reyne by Tywin Lannister from George RR Martins «A Somg of Ice & Fire» (made famous by the song «The Rains of Castamere»). The Isle of Karch: Karch is a Nation in GGK’s «Jad-verse» Royse Field: Rolls-Royce? The Star of Gododdin, comes from «Y Gododdin», a Medieval Welsh Poem about the Heroes of the «Old North» Brythonic Kingdom of Gododdin, lost to the Anglo Saxon Conquest of England Lictors: The Public Bodyguard of Roman Elected Officals Logothetes: Greek «Bureaucrat» The Festival of Boedromion: Ancient Athenian Summer Festival in honor of Apollo aiding Athens in wars Anagnost, novices in the Chantry: «Anagnosis» is Greek for «Re-knowledge», so something akin to «re-educated» The Space Opera Poster of «Tiada, Princess of Thrax»: Verdi’s «Aida», the Thracian Slave Rebellion Leader Spartacus and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter of Mars/«Princess of Mars» The Spaceship Eurynasir: Eury is Greek «wide», and nasir is Arabic for «(male) helper» Saltus reminded me of the Epsilions of «Brave New World» mixed with some «Blade Runner» and Hadrian’s revulsion towards the «Natural Born» Gilliam is akin to the revulsion most in the «World Stats» has against John the Savage in «Brave New World» The Planet of Emesh: The Sumerian God of vegetation and summer, but also Emesa (an Ancient Syrian City famous for it’s Sun God venerated by Emperor Aurelian and the Priest-King family which married into the Roman Severian Imperial Dynasty, producing infamous Emperors such as Elagabalus and Caracalla), the Emishi of Japan («Barbarians»/native population displaced by/assimilated into the Japanese: Prince Ashitaka in the animated Fatasy Movie «Princess Mononoke» is one!) and Emese (Mythical Scythian Ancestral Mother of the Hungarian Royal Line) Planet with Two moons, similar to many of GGK’s worlds! Lucas Skye: Luke Skywalker! 😄 Umandh: h-uman(i)d? U(n)man? Sulis: Celtic Diety worshiped at the Roman Thermic Baths at Bath, England The Cousland Drakes PMC: Cousland is a Noble Family in the Fantasy Video Game «Dragon Age»! 😄 The Arch-Builders of Ozymandias: The Famous Poem «Ozymandias» by Percy Shelly, «Look at my works, ye mighty, and despair!»😄 The Continent of Anshar: A Primordial Mesopotamian God, «The Whole Sky», King of the Gods before replaced by his son Marduk Aldia Di Otranto, the High Prince of Jadd: «The Castle of Otranto» by Horace Walpole, the first Gothic Novel! Alcaz du Badr: Arabic for «The Alcazar («Castle») of the Full Moon» Sign of the Sun Disk: GGK’s «Jad-verse»! 😄 Danu: Scythian for «river» (found in the name of several European Rivers, such as the Danube and Don Rivers), Reconstructed Indo-European Water Goddess from the Hindu Primeval Water Goddess and the Reconstructed Mother Goddess of the Tuatha De Danann of Irish Myth Pallino: Italian for «Bullet»/«Little Ball» Luin: The Luin of Celtchar, a legendary spear/lance in Irish Myth, «Blue» in Tolkien’s Sindarin (as in the Blue Wizards, «Ithryn Luin») Mandyas: Greek «Mantle», kape used by Orthodox Monastics and Crusader Knights Olorin: Gandalf’s Quenya Name! 😄 Sepulchre: A Cavern Tomb, as in the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

[@scotts1912]

Empire of Silence is just a little taste of what's to come. I'm nearing the end of Kingdoms of Death and it's incredible. I love the horror that Ruocchio weaves into the series, which starts in Howling Dark and REALLY ramps up in Demon in White and Kingdoms of Death. Also, any claim that Sun Eater plagiarized Name of the Wind or Dune is bull****. Plain and simple. People just want to create drama. And I LOVE Name of the Wind and Dune.

[@PetrikLeo]

That makes me even more excited to continue. I'll make sure to read Howling Dark this month! The goal is to read up to Ashes of Man before the release of Disquiet Gods. Also, yes. I totally agree with you. I did not feel Empire of Silence every plagiarized anything from Name of the Wind or Dune. Some people just want their favorites to stay as the only books (according to them) using some story elements borrowed from somewhere else.

[@WordsinTime]

Welcome to the Empire!

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm FINALLY here!! :)

[@Edog1337]

Glad you like it. Now if you would only start the Wandering Inn!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! One at a time!! 😆 Sun Eater is my priority at the moment!

[@Paromita_M]

So nice you liked it. 👌🥳

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Paromita!

[@SivaKumar-yo1tw]

I stopped halfway when Hadrian kept making mistakes after mistakes. Perhaps I will read on since you liked it Petrik

[@PetrikLeo]

He wasn't wise, for sure! If you do continue, fingers crossed you'll end up liking it! :)

[@ΓεώργιοςΚουτσαύτης]

It is a crime that red rising is significantly more popular than the sun eater chronicles.

[@PetrikLeo]

Haha wouldn't say it's a crime, I LOVE Red Rising, too. But this one definitely deserves WAY MORE readership! :)

[@ΓεώργιοςΚουτσαύτης]

@@PetrikLeo Red rising is good, apart from the first book. But it is not nearly as well written as the sun eater.

[@GrimLordofOregon]

I do plan on reading the Sun Eater series, just not right now.

[@PetrikLeo]

Take your time. Reading at the right mood is awesome. 😄

[@andrewf7732]

My main issue with Empire of Silence was the middle had pacing issues and the plot wasn’t nearly as good as the beginning and the end. I get why people like it but I don’t get the massive praise because the middle plot was very average. It also felt like a debut as I don’t think the prose felt effortless like Hobb or Guy Gavriel Kay, but he is a talented writer. Think I’ll pick up the sequel next year since everyone says the sequel is great. I’m hoping it continues in the direction the ending promised.

[@PetrikLeo]

I understand that. This is why I mentioned the story and pacing essentially restart once Hadrian arrived in Borosevo meeting new characters and navigating new intrigues. But as far as prose goes, I never have any issue with it and I think it's absolutely beautiful. Hobb and GGK actually came to mind when I was reading his prose, and to think this was done when the author was in his early 20's is mindblowing to me.

[@Belemrys]

So much better!

[@PetrikLeo]

Looking forward to reading the sequels!

[@silvertiger1324]

While reading I just couldn't help but to continuously compare Christopher Ruocchio's the Empire of Silence series to Simon R Green's Deathstalker series. It's like Ruocchio has mirrored Green's epic on so many levels. While making his universe a bit more serious. Even the two protagonist share similarities. But Owen Deathstalker is a more endearing character than Hadrian Marlowe by far. At times I've struggled to even "try" and like Hadrian. Something is just off about him that doesn't resonate with my idea of a true heroic protagonist. I like the series enough to finish it. And definitely anticipate the next book. The audiobook bluetoothed to a vintage looking radio takes it to another level btw! Actually both series are great in this way.👍😎

[@PetrikLeo]

I don't think Hadrian is ever meant to be a heroic protagonist. But I'm still early into the series. Also, this just means I have to check out Deathstalker series. Never heard of that one before! :)

[@silvertiger1324]

@@PetrikLeo You may be right about Hadrian, Petrik. I do hope someday/ or year you will be able to partake in the Deathstalker series. Epic space opera entertainment. But for now please do enjoy the Empire of SIlence series. Didn't mean to derail you, sir.✌

[@Marcus-id5ur]

Wasn't a huge fan of Empire of Silence, but by the 3rd book I thought they had improved a lot. Not a huge fan of the protagonist so being told as a flashback probably doesn't help.

[@PetrikLeo]

Totally understandable. I seems to have such a soft spot for this kind of flashback narration! :)

[@Jipni]

I'm also not a huge fan of the protag and the more I learn about him the less I like him- and the more grating his story/tone is. I almost want him to fail. Which again.. makes it compelling. Which leads me to being fan of the book/series.

[@brokenredflag]

😮😮😮. Intresting. I like space to. Hold up- 3 languages!!?? Holly cow!! I know spanish and is a mirakle i know english. Ive been trying to learn japanese my hole life. Your smart. What are the other 2 you know?? Bey

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! Indonesia, Chinese Mandarin, and English are the three languages I speak. I know a little about Japanese but I wouldn't consider myself fluent at it. :)

[@Speed202]

I found the world very intriguing although it was difficult for me to finish the book. I felt like Rocchio needed to write the story from a different POV...maybe Hadrian"s father...

[@PetrikLeo]

Interesting! I didn't think of that, but I can definitely see how it would be interesting! :)

[@GRINDSETRN]

Keep in mind that it is only a set up rest of the series are completely on another level

[@PetrikLeo]

I knowww. That's crazy. I loved this one very much already! 😅

[@alexmacfarlane4426]

The framed narrative was around a hundred years ago. Go to Heart of Darkness!

[@PetrikLeo]

Nice. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@thatsci-firogue]

I'm probably going to restart the series after I get caught up with Red Rising.

[@PetrikLeo]

Sounds like a great plan! 😊

[@Avzigoyhbasilsikos]

Finally

[@PetrikLeo]

Yesss 😄

[@dinocollins720]

Yeah the next books just get better IMO!

[@PetrikLeo]

Looking forward to reading them! 😄

[@Elricsedric]

Is it better than red rising?

[@PetrikLeo]

The first book? Totally, imo. I highly enjoyed Red Rising, but EoS is a better book.

[@safinan8008]

Hello 👋 sorry 😔 this book series wasn’t for me…. Thank you for the review… happy reading to you 🎉

[@PetrikLeo]

Thanks! Happy reading to you too!

[@stephenmorton8017]

OK! A ringing endorsement. ( Get it? )

[@PetrikLeo]

Ring ring ring ring!

[@christhewritingjester3164]

Well now, that sounds like a series I need to add to my TBR. I think some people put too much emphasis on what inspires an author, like that means it's a complete ripoff. Taking and reshaping/remixing ideas can leadto wholely new stories that have a very different feel to them.

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely add it to your TBR. The series is coming an end too next year. I know right? I find it more interesting to see how the author intergrate the inspirations into their work. 😁

[@christhewritingjester3164]

@@PetrikLeo The first book is actually free on Audible right now (maybe part of the plus catalog??) so I'll be starting it sooner than I thought!

[@Thefantasybookwarrior]

Will there be hardcovers available in the near future? 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Never give up hope! 😂

[@Gwyndon]

I’m interested in this books series but I don’t like books bogged down in world building. I like GRRM, First Law, and Red Rising. Hate Name of the Wind and find Sanderson very meh…

[@PetrikLeo]

I don't think it's bogged down in world-building! If you like GRRM and First Law and Red Rising, you should be good to go, imo!

[@Gwyndon]

@@PetrikLeo awesome thanks!

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

👌😃📚📚📚📚📚

[@elstriker2020]

Wait...I thought you have read the book

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah, a week ago. 😂😂

[@elstriker2020]

@@PetrikLeo no, I mean like waaaaaaay back before now, like years ago. It's mandela effect, I guess

[@PetrikLeo]

@@elstriker2020 hahaha nope! This is the first time I'm reading it. 😁 Will be reading Lesser Devil next week!

[@Imsuper656]

I wouldn't call it science fiction, it's more 'Space Opera"

[@PetrikLeo]

Space opera IS a part of science fiction. I'll call it both especially because the author says it too

[@donnawillson1516]

I’m sorry ,I found it rather dull and repetitive 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Nothing wrong with that! It's your experience. I know plenty of readers who disliked EoS too. 😁