The Empire's Ruin
Brian Staveley
Synopsis
'Epic in every sense of the word' - Nicholas Eames
Once the might behind the Annurian Empire, the Kettral were fearsome soldiers who rode powerful war hawks into battle. Now the empire is disintegrating, as the ranks of the Kettral have been decimated from within. And the kenta gates, granting instantaneous travel across the vast lands, can no longer be used.
To save the empire, Gwenna, one of the surviving Kettral, is charged with a dangerous mission. She must voyage beyond the edge of the known world, to the mythical resting grounds of the giant war hawks. The journey will be perilous, through a land that warps and poisons all living things. Yet if she succeeds, she could restore the Kettral to their former glory and return a champion.
Meanwhile, a monk turned con-artist may hold the secret to unlocking the kenta gates. But time is running out. Deep within the southern reaches of the empire, a malevolent force begins to stir. What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever – if they survive.
'Brilliant' - V. E. Schwab on Skullsworn
'Will keep you turning pages late at night' Pierce Brown on The Emperor's Blades
The Empire's Ruin is the first book in the epic Ashes of the Unhewn Throne trilogy by Brian Staveley.
In the media
Brian Staveley’s books are epic in every sense of the word. He’s a giant in the genre, no doubt
Nicholas Eames
Brilliant
V. E. Schwab on Skullsworn
Will keep you turning pages late into the night
Pierce Brown on The Emperor's Blades
Deeply satisfying
Kirkus Reviews on The Last Mortal Bond