Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio | Why You Should Read

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey Bookworms! I know physical availability for this series has been an issue in the past. But you can consistently buy the trade paperbacks on Amazon as they are in automatic reprint mode now. You can get them here: amzn.to/48q1qdt No, sadly, you cannot get most of the series on hardcover anymore.

[@bripost]

I've seen Howling Dark hardcovers going for $500-$600 dollars on eBay recently. It's crazy. I got mine for $250 and feel fortunate.

[@johnneeley1740]

This is what has dissuaded me from starting this. It’s petty but damn it I wish I could get the hardcovers at a reasonable price

[@Tralala001]

I was fortunate enough to find most of mine at HPB.

[@Zivilin]

I wish publishers would reprint hardcovers more often. I don't really care about special editions. I just want a regular hardcover since they're more comfortable to read from.

[@turtleanton6539]

Ok😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Truly one of the most incredible series. Thanks for giving me the necessary push to read Empire of Silence!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey, least I could do after all of the favorite series of mine you introduced me to. I always knew this one would be a smash hit with you.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks to you, Mike, I was going to read Sun Eater anyway, but I love watching your epic “Why You Should Read” videos, so here I am being convinced again!

[@mikesbookreviews]

You being what I would consider a philosophical reader will absolutely LOVE these books, IMO.

[@JARHuygebaert]

I have been reading Sun Eater for the last two months, reading all the novels, novella's and short stories, watching every interview and discussion... this is easily one of my favorite series of all time and certainly the best sci-fi story I've ever read

[@praetorxyn]

Everyone read this now! I'm telling you, it is absolutely incredible, one of the best things I have ever read, and if I took my own biases and nostalgia out of it, it may be the best from an objective standpoint.

[@joelmarin5890]

Do they have lightsabers like Star Wars?

[@praetorxyn]

@@joelmarin5890 Not exactly the same thing, but their equivalent is Highmatter Swords, and the main difference is that they have an actual blade shape, you can't just cut with any side you want.

[@joelmarin5890]

@@praetorxyn highmatter? What are they made out of? I’m curious

[@praetorxyn]

@@joelmarin5890 They basically carry around the sword hilt, and it has like a mercury / Liquid Metal sounding blade that comes out when you press a button. They will cut through anything except another high matter sword or a particularly dense metal I can’t remember the name of. Christopher Ruocchio does monthly Q&A livestreams, so you could ask him and he’d probably answer a question like that. But the materials used to make those swords are expensive and rare, so that’s the in-world explanation for there not being that many of them relatively speaking.

[@NmDPlm31]

Phenomenal series. Christopher has really been getting better and better. I should be finishing Disquiet Gods this week. So good.

[@Dmanfromspace]

Thanks to all the booktubers including you Mike, who introduced me to this series. Been reading it for the past 2 months and it is easily one of the best things I've ever read. If anyone doesn't vibe with the first book that much like me, I would urge you to continue onwards. The third book, Demon in White, is perfection incarnate.

[@nmal8702]

Just a simple thank-you for shedding light on the Sun Eater series, which I now consider to be the greatest sci fi series of all time!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

You're very welcome!

[@Severian1]

The Sun Eater Renaissance is awesome to witness. Bit of a rocky beginning(imo) but it's incredible how this series increases exponentially in quality. If you're starting this fresh, buckle up. Massive universe with one of the few well done First Person POVs ever and complex characters. I love this series so much.

[@TheDemonicInfidel]

I would have never discovered this series a year ago without your videos. Keep pushing this series. It is a masterpiece

[@paradowski12]

I landed on this channel after the usual - 'best sci fi books to read' search. Sun eater came up, i decided to give it a go. First book was not an easy read, i thought i made a mistake. Hundreds of pages of story setting that i didnt think relevant. Boy was i wrong. Boy was i wrong cussing you out for selling me this slow paced dross. Boy how quick the pages started to turn from the colloso period. Boy how glorious the next books were, how beautifully fleshed out this universe is, how great the story, how soul crushing are certain deaths, how happy i am to have found it. Its up there for me now with tghe Expanse and 3 body problem. Thank you for putting the good work my man !!!!!

[@Dwish305]

I want to go in super blind so I’m not going to watch the video but I know you were one of the first to champion this apparently top tier series, I’ll definitely read it one day.

[@Dude_on_a_Map]

It’s amazing how fast he writes. I just started Empire of Silence and I’m simply blown away how good this is. I had the first 3 books before I even read the first one based on your recommendation and after getting 1/4 of the way through Empire I ordered the rest of them.

[@AleksReads127]

One of the best series I’ve read! Christopher Ruocchio definitely deserves the praise-a truly phenomenal writer! Thank you, Mike, for reviewing the series and spreading the word. I picked up 'Empire of Silence' after watching your review 😊

[@a.pereira.s.1494]

One of the most amazing series i've ever read. Truly fantastic.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Wow what an incredible vid and ode to a masterpiece of a series!! The intro, the points about the series that are right on-thanks so much for turning me onto this special series a couple years ago and now I can’t wait to dive into the final two!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robert_lightsong]

Every time I think about how much I’ve enjoyed this series. I think about Mike. You introduced me to this series a couple years back and I’m really glad I listened to your recommendation. Thanks again Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad to hear it!

[@admirekashiri9879]

I’m currently listening to Demon in White and boy! I’m loving this series! I’m surprised I had never heard of it until coming across so many book KZbinrs big it up. Usually it’s grim dark fantasy I’m into but this has got me to appreciate Sci Fi series too.

[@derrickonkst4733]

I just bought book 1 of this series last night! Cannot wait to start this after I finish Of War and Ruin! Be nice change up from the string of Fantasy I've been reading

[@jandjartcreations5545]

I've read book 1, 1.5, and am halfway through 2. Loving every minute. Fantastic series so far

[@katieamarsh]

Halfway through book 2, you really really get a feel for what these books are!!

[@Uppernorwood976]

The second half of book 2 is where the series goes from good to great imo

[@MerrilyKristin]

I recently read Empire of Silence and I am kicking myself for how long I slept on this series! I'm so looking forward to continuing ASAP!!

[@davidz398]

Hi Mike! I always enjoy your videos. I recently purchased the series in hardcover- except for The Howling Dark, man it is difficult to find, will probably have to buy the paperback - but can’t wait to start Empire of Silence . Thanks for this video- it is inspiring me to start it. Just have to finish a reread of Dune and Dune Messiah before the March 1st release of part 2 of Villeneuve’ film. Cannot wait! Thanks for your excellent and always inspiring video content! Take care!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@christerdehlin8866]

I love this so much more than I ever loved Dune. Ruocchio is an amazing writer. I'd be surprised if these books aren't considered genre classics in a few decades.

[@JordanJohnson-rt3qf]

I finished Howling Dark last night and loved it.

[@rumi885]

I have binge read these books and can't wait for Disquiet Gods. So good!

[@katieamarsh]

I am partway through the e-arc and it’s awesome.

[@Silver_Girl178]

It's more Dune meets the Farseer Trilogy, if it has to "meet" anything, but that could just be me because those are two series that I love. And of course, Doctor Who, when it was good😊

[@edwinvillalobos7159]

One thing I told my brother that I found really cool is that suneater is like dune reversed, humanity has already scattered beyond the control of a single dictator(William) and the cielcin are the truly religious fanatics going out into the stars and cleansing them, and their leader once the tribes unite, is called the prophet😂 and their jihad is mainly against the sollan empire

[@eshg44]

You now made me read Empire of Silence (and Red Rising 1-3). Thanks a lot! Is it me or both franchises have massive video game potential?

[@theangryjeff]

Hadrian is my favorite protagonist as of book 4. He was instantly in the top 5 and moved up with each book. I love his melodramatic moments, his references and the sheer brotherhood vibes that pop up. Pallino is one of my favorite side characters as well. As a vet I always love a well written veteran in scifi or fantasy. Great vid!

[@RTH140]

Sold. My TBR list is already bursting at the seams, but you just put this one at the top of the list. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@sublime053]

I guess the universe wants me to read this series. My youtube is filled with every booktuber and this series haha. After I finish with the Book of the Ancestor trilogy, I'm headed here. Great vid as usual Mike.

[@Kellen81]

I found Suneater because of you and love it! The prose definitely stood out immediately and he does it without sacrificing the action that gets epic and brutal as the story progresses.

[@mikesbookreviews]

So glad they've resonated with you.

[@samseloo4962]

Empire of silence is maybe the slowest book ive ever read tied with revival by stephen king. But for some reason its so addicting, ive been churning through it unlike anything ive ever read.

[@Yhyhfrsdghhhhuh3]

That just speaks to the skill of the author. To unfold a story so slowly and spend so much time going through each small step in the very beginning of a protagonists journey while keeping it entertaining the whole way through is very difficult. Even his passing interactions with side characters we will never hear from again are engaging. You really get to see every aspect of Hadrian's personality on display, the good AND the bad.

[@lucasrizor3251]

Just finished Ashes of Man… I’m totally shook.

[@Tralala001]

This series is on my 2024 TBR and I'm actually 33% through Empire of Silence. I've been enjoying it so far! I was waiting until the series was near complete to start it!

[@noteuser15]

You got me to read sun eater a while ago with you first videos on it Mike, and now you’re making me want to forgo my TBR just to reread it all over again! My favorite series of all time

[@MyBoomStick1]

TBR?

[@noteuser15]

@@MyBoomStick1 “to be read”. The list of books one plans to read next

[@chrismueller8795]

I want to thank you for turning me onto the series. I picked up the series on your review of the first book, and love the books. Great author love his writing!

[@thomasgibson7019]

I’m not sure if it was the KZbin algorithm working or some other hand but after finishing my latest read what should pop up on my feed but Sun Eater. Lots of Sun Eater, your reviews, other booktubers reviews, and now this WYSR. Dammit but I just bought the entire series on my Kindle and now my new top of the list series. Diving in today. I think this might be something special. Thanks again Mike! Cheers.

[@PerfectCell9]

Just finished Howling Dark… un fucking believable … an absolute masterpiece. Can’t wait to start Demon in White tonight

[@katieamarsh]

Demon will blow your mind. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.

[@PerfectCell9]

@@katieamarsh that’s what I’m hearing, I know it will live up to the hype 👍

[@PerfectCell9]

@@katieamarshyou were not kidding, DIW somehow was better than HD. That ending 🤯

[@cfosburg]

I am listening to the audio version. It is very pleasing and pleasant to listen to. This book is what audiobooks were met for.

[@BRONCOBOYdm1]

Great timing on this video. I just started the audiobook for Empire of Silence today. It's been on my list for a while and you're praise for it is what has made me so interested in starting it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Outstanding!

[@Paromita_M]

Very nice introduction 🙏🏽 Great video for a very good series.

[@Terrathrax]

Awesome story here. Up to date on this series.

[@MurrayWilsonVideo]

Read “Shadow of the Torturer” and the others. Gene Wolfe is the most similar writer… especially the multiple metaphysical sidebars.

[@chrisslooter2825]

Watched this video a while back. I'm starting Empire of Silence tonight!

[@a.westernmann4224]

I had considered it several times but this finally gave me the push to pick it up. You also gave me the push to give Red Rising a shot and i’m so glad i did.

[@ZACHBARTRON]

This is definitely up next for me after I finish the expanse, been slowly finding the hardcovers and can’t wait to start reading.

[@jimave]

I started this series because of your recommendation and I love it. In some ways it is like the Red Rising series because of its connections to mythology. I’m planning to re-read the series before the next book is released.

[@zackerygreer2715]

Ahhh my TBR is getting too big! But I definitely pushing this up to my next read after Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff! Another author who I absolutely love because of you Mike!

[@joshuavincent3515]

I'm so glad you got me to read this series. I've haven't been able to put it down.

[@misternegative4918]

I’ve got the first couple audiobooks! Excited to check the series out soon

[@katieamarsh]

The narrator is awesome on the audiobooks.

[@marathonrunner89]

Perfect timing. I just picked up the first four books in this series earlier this week and have been itching to read them. Fun side note, 3 of them were signed!

[@esmayrosalyne]

Gosh I just love you epic intros!! Absolutely amazing video, if you hadn't already sold me before, I'd have gone out and bought the books immediately. So insane that Ruocchio has churned this series out so quickly, I am excited that the finale is already in sight. Perfect time to jump on the bandwagon now!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you like it!

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@mikesbookreviews I mean, you never lead me astray, so I think I am gonna be in for a treat!!

[@DeedZGameZ]

I'm about 2 weeks away on finishing the series I'm currently reading. I had this on my tbr list, but it was further down. Now I want to read it. Thanks for the recommendation Mike. It's bumped up to the top of the list now.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy!

[@caps_lock_]

Came across this series maybe a few months back via a different book tuber and god am I glad I did! Just started Disquiet Gods. Had is my boy! 😂

[@Ulmo90]

Awreome intro Mike, I lovs the Why you should read - videos! I read Empire of Silence recently and I'll pick up thr next one soon, it's on the top of my TBR

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@andrewbeccarelli7613]

Enjoying the series. Finished Howling Dark couple weeks ago. Order Demon in White but it's back order right now until (hopefully) next month

[@SunEaterBooks]

It should be back around the 10th. My publisher was completely unprepared for the jump in sales. They're actually already re-reprinting EOS.

[@andrewbeccarelli7613]

@@SunEaterBooks Yay! Thank you - I'll make do with my copy of Queen Amid Ashes I just received until then 🙂

[@amyexo]

Just started listening to the audiobook yesterday. Appreciate the insights!

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure!

[@MaxFidler]

This year I started The Wheel of Time and The Sun Eater, and normally by this time of year I would have probably finished 6 books. So far this year I have finished 3, The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt and Empire of Silence. Im about 90ish pages into Howling Dark. Im really happy that I have been taking these books a little slower. All of them have pretty much demanded that I read them slower. I agree with you, these have been taking two weeks and I dont mind it.

[@bihbluedragon8551]

i bought the first 3 books in the series a week ago cant wait to get into it

[@markb3534]

Great premiere! Good seen CR in the chat. Great WYSR Mike!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you kindly

[@SlayronReads]

Currently reading howling dark loving this series 🔥

[@FunFantasyBooks]

This couldn’t come at a better moment! I have Empire of Silence next in my TBR and this was the push I needed 🥹

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes!

[@spojce9]

I've been listening and am on book 2. I really like the writing style. The author is brilliant in places with his prose

[@iWizard]

I think you finally got the lighting and background and angle perfect.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Pretty close. It has been a labor of frustration ha ha

[@akashas6012]

You don't have to wait to start the series because you're waiting for the series to be completed. Because you already know the ending.

[@Dohrann]

love this format, great video man. Definitely have Sun Eater on my list

[@roberthubbard4881]

I started Empire of Silence 3 weeks ago, and I'm almost finished with it. It's been fantastic. So excited to continue the series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@QuasiLumius]

On the Last hundred page stretch of book one, can’t wait to get the the rest of the series.

[@Yhyhfrsdghhhhuh3]

Sun Eater is incredible. This series has a deeper and more interesting world than any other sci-fi I've read. Being a sci-fi nerd, I've gone deep on the Star Wars, Warhammer, Dune, and Alien/Predator movies, books and games. All of them have been amazing, but none have had a protagonist like Hadrian Marlowe. His heroes journey is so much deeper than any of the Skywalkers, Paul Atreides, or the God Emperor Of Mankind (heresy, I know). I haven't been able to put these books down, I've probably been putting in 6 hours a day on Audible (sometimes 10 while at work driving all day), and I've only made it to book 3 (I've of course been reading the short stories in between). I recommend this book series more highly than any book I've read since Project Hail Mary. Absolute 10/10

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'll be starting later this year and looking forward to it. Oh, and I almost did a spittake when you said Malazan kind of broke you! 😂

[@michaelkibble740]

Another good book receamendation by you thanks buddy

[@kidort4601]

I need to know who the artist is for those covers... Absolutely amazing!

[@giants8585]

Crammed the series in the last 3 weeks. Love the long form video, great stuff.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's my brand! Thanks for watching.

[@sgreen31]

Got Sun Eater slotted into the TBR towards the end of the year! Can't wait to read it! First half of the year is dedicated to catching up with Red Rising and Bound and the Broken 🤘

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@lovelyplantzen]

I’m starting book 3 in the next couple of days and I’m so excited 😊

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@OrlandoOrtiz570]

It's been on my TBR since I learned Mr. Ruocchio's favorite series is BOTNS.

[@chriswhite2689]

Botns is goated. If you're strong enough.

[@MattonBooks]

No surprise: the original Sun Eater Prophet drops an epic video on the epic series. I’ve been wanting to start this since I saw you mention it a couple years ago, and I’m glad to say I’ll be finally getting to it ASAFin’P, in March. 😀

[@mikesbookreviews]

I know you'll love it.

[@MattonBooks]

@@mikesbookreviews I strongly suspect I will. 🙂

[@shannonkennefick4862]

I’m 100 pages into empire of silence, but after dark age I just don’t have the mental capacity to finish it😢 hoping I can come back to it soon though. So excited for the year of the sun eater!!

[@akashas6012]

I just started and finished reading the series within the week. I read book 3, book 1, book 5 and the novella about his Brother Crispin. Demon in White great book. I started with Demon in White because it is the best in the series.

[@EzaVinylAddict]

Started this series today I’m in 185 pages and can’t seem to put it down I can’t wait to see where it goes

[@Henry-jp3mc]

Starting Empire of Silence right now.

[@elenebotha1889]

It’s just so beautifully written. Now reading Howling Dark🫶

[@QuattroOutdoors]

Wrapped up Disquiet Gods a little over a week ago. My favorite of the series so far.

[@Themes_and_Dreams]

Just wanna say you’re one of the best booktubers in the game

[@beanstalk304]

reading sun eater right now, love it so much!

[@gripriparmwrestling]

It’s incredible so far on book 3 and can’t stop reading the series….

[@Silver_Girl178]

I love this series-- I'm so glad I found it!

[@ChristiansEntertainmentEcke]

Love this video series of yours! Got me into John Gwynne back in the days :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mvinson8706]

I'm tempted to get into this. I realize it's going to be an investment. I sure hope the discord has a read along. I should jump on it. I wanted a break from red rising even tho I like it too. I can't seem to find them on Amazon, barnes and noble, or thrift books. I may just do the kindle version. I look forward to it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think you'd find plenty of support for it. My Discord is wrapping up a read along leading up to release of the new book. But it seems like there is one always starting over.

[@mvinson8706]

@@mikesbookreviews that'll just give me a reason to catch up

[@lofilazy.]

Just started Book 1 this week. The first person was a little hard for me to get into but after about 40 pages it just took off. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it when I'm not reading it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That'll happen frequently with this series.

[@StrictlyStarsky]

I’m currently reading Empire of Silence book one with more to go and i have to say from a fantasy readers standpoint this so far is a very easy universe to get into if one is new to sci-fi. Ps it is my most annotated book yet

[@samiurai0]

Christopher is such a master of prose. You weren't wrong when you compared him to Bradbury. I've recently gotten into the star sci-fi duo of the current gen - Red Rising and Sun Eater. Gotta admit that, although they are both great, I enjoy the latter much more.

[@elaineirving77]

I recently got the first book in a kindle sale so it’s officially on the TBR.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@laurenthompson2404]

You convinced me Mike, the Suneater series has been added to my mile-high TBR list 😂

[@kia4335]

I saw your review of the first book months ago and pickup the book. But I struggle so bad to finish it. Been trying to finish it thrice but maybe it's not for me

[@mikesbookreviews]

It be like that sometimes.

[@jaapat3141]

I’m reading Golden son at the moment. The hype is so big for Sun Eater so I’m maybe putting Morning star on hold to jump on this train… should I?

[@neutral_narr]

I would recommend finish morning star since it is a great conclusion then go into sun eater

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'd finish Morning Star first, since that's a perfect breaking point for Red Rising if you need one.

[@jaapat3141]

Yea, ordered empire of silence and it will arrive in a few weeks just when I’ve finished MS .

[@HonduranHoneymoonhon]

"He has such a mastery of the english language." Example: Homunculus(a Latin Word) 😁😁😁 just a friendly poke

[@mikesbookreviews]

He's also smarter than me ha ha

[@Joaquim.Oliveira]

Love your shirt !! Have you read any Doctor Who book? Great video as always 👍🏾

[@shawnyofthedead]

Want to get into it but the hardbacks are rarer than gold. I’ve read the first book on kindle but really would like the physical editions

[@Kim_Miller]

I read Empire of Silence a month ago and loved it. However, as I was watching the page count mount I kept thinking, "He's not leaving much time to get to the bit where he destroys a sun etc." Then it became apparent that this element of the story was not going to be in this book. Although I enjoyed the book, to find that the main selling point didn't happen was something of a let down. However, I have Howling Dark on my ereader next in line after my current read and will continue with the series. I tried reading Dune a few times many years ago but it didn't gel with me so I can't comment on Ruocchio ripping on it. However, Empire of Silence did have echoes for me of Wolfe's Shadow of the Torturer. Funnily enough, I'm currently reading a book of short stories in honor of Gene Wolfe and several of them take Wolfe's characters or settings and write fanfic into the gaps. So far nobody has done it well. Writers like Wolfe and Ruocchio are at the top tier for a reason.