Awww, come on Mike! My TBR is already monstrously vast, and you keep doing an outstanding job of getting me interested in more books. Cut it out! 😉Seriously, though, you’re right about the frame narrative. Chaucer used a frame narrative for The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, and Boccaccio even before him. Rothfuss didn’t invent it. The characters sound great here - thanks for the review!
Dickens was the one I knew the year of off memory ha ha. But yeah, it’s like saying Def Leppard ripped off The Offspring with “Gunter glieben glauchen globen.”
I’m honestly shocked that I haven’t seen more attention given to this series on TH-cam, Reddit, Goodreads, etc. It’s already become easily one of my favorite fantasy/sci-fi series all-time which is saying a lot, I’m just so in love with everything about it (be it the world, characters, prose, etc). It deserves a hell of a lot more recognition than it’s been getting, especially The Howling Dark and Demon in White which are just absolute masterpieces of fantasy literature inside and out.
The cover gives me some serious Destiny vibes which makes me intrigued by itself. I think I'll definitely look to pick this up. Another book on my TBR 👍
I just wanted to thank you YET AGAIN for introducing me to another new favorite series - finishing Howling Dark and am just blown away. I only wish I could read these again for the first time and can’t wait to pick up the third. Thank you Mike !!
Read this one this past summer, was excellent, a science fiction (not hard sci-fi at all) with definitely a fantasy feel about a lone character, but also can morph into a bit of a space opera, judging by the end. Also, enjoyed a great deal of the other characters, as well as, Marlowe. Ruocchio will be a major writer in the field. He has a very strong output already finishing up the writing on book four. Look forward to jumping into book two, but Mike, you are holding me back as I am starting the Malazan with you, LOL. Although maybe I can squeeze it in. Mike a great channel, thank you for your work and enthusiasm.
I’m currently 300 pages in, and I’m hooked. Really enjoying this story so far. Thanks for reviewing and getting the word out on this sci-fi hidden gem. 👍
I've been so excited for this review! You've been talking about this book quite a lot and every time you do, I get more excited to read it! As soon as I can get my hands on it 😍
This one is definitely in my TBR now. Dune and the dune saga are my favorite books of all time, period. I am huge space opera fan, but like in the most literal sense of the word. Epic and dramatic conflict in space.
Journey before destination. That was the thought that went through me while I was reading this book. This book series is going to be a tragedy and I believe it actually treats itself like it’s supposed to. I really liked how he set up the first cielcin interaction and giving them much more depth and personality. Definitely a brilliant book to me and one I’m going to get back to. Really nice to hear your thoughts on the book Mike. Catch you on the next video.
Awesome video. I recently finished empire of silence but my library didn’t have the other two. So I started stormlight archive instead. .... love the channel. Keep it up.
I'm going to be getting to this book in January and I am quite excited to dive in. I have also begun my journey with both The Wheel Of Time and Stormlight Archive this month!
I LOVE this series. Empire of Silence is great but Howling Dark and Demon in White are next level. Unfortunately Ruocchio has ruined most other sci-fi/fantasy for me.
@@mikesbookreviews Oh yeah! Looking forward to starting it sometime maybe between Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune or sometime after as a break
I just finished listening to this two weeks ago and I thought it was a very solid debut novel. It’s more a cross between Dune and Book of the New Sun than it is anything like Name of the Wind. Gene Wolfe does the same trick of casually dropping revelations for stuff that won’t be explained until several books later. And the Chantry reminded me a lot of the Seekers of Truth and Penitence with their blacker than black cloaks. The worldbuilding was really well done, and little stuff like Hadrian learning English as a classical language (sort of like Latin/Greek are to us) do a lot to get across the immensity of 20,000 years of human history. From what I hear book 2 and 3 are even better so I’ll get around to them eventually!
Me: Mikes got a new video out. Oh I’ve never heard of that book. Probably shouldn’t watch it in case I get spoiled. (Watched it anyway) Now I’m looking through Amazon trying to get myself a copy. Way to add to my ever growing TBR Mike!! Planing or reading Dune this month for the first time. Closing out the month with it before the Malazan read along.
Ha ha, I only do non-spoiler reviews now unless it's blatantly labeled a "spoiler talk" video. My goal is to get you guys to decide if it's something you'd be interested in or not. I think you'll enjoy iy.
I actually don't agree that people say he tells u the ending. He doesn't, it's basically told like a legend that we'll see unfold we don't know anything.
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!😅)
Just watched this after reading Empire of Silence on yours and Petrik's recommendation. Great book and video, looking forward to the rest of the series!
I really want to check this series out now. I was barely even aware it existed. In fact, I recognized the covers to the sequels when I googled it--otherwise, I would have said that I'd never even heard of it. It sounds like it deserves more buzz than it's getting.
@@mikesbookreviews Just finished. I definitely see how this gets Kingkiller comparisons. Fortunately, while Rothfuss fans will probably enjoy it, Rothfuss haters will *not* necessarily hate it. I'd say that Ruocchio is managing to do something rare (that Abercrombie is the master of): no matter how dark things get, you never want to put the book down because it's too depressing. There's this thread of hope running through a narrative that should be just acutely oppressive. It should feel like 1984, but it manages to avoid the anxious tension suffusing that novel (and a good thing, too, because that would be *unbearable* in a book this long). Great stuff.
Lo, Howlers. Just finished Red Rising up to the most recent book and I was eating up all of the content I could find about it to sate my hunger from other fans and their theories and opinions and so on. Ended up hearing off-hand about Sun Eater and came looking for reviews and opinions on that. Imagine my happy surprise when I find this video because Mike is one of the reasons I gave Red Rising a shot in the first place after hearing so many good things about that and it has easily become my favourite book series of all time, appealing to the things that I love the most in storytelling. Not saying too much because I'm not actually that much of a reader, but Red Rising is also the series that has me more interested in reading more. Some comparisons were also made between this novel and Dune, which is something I have never read, but have always wanted to read. Red Rising and a quick watch of Mike's spoiler-free video of Dune gave me the push I need and so I have picked up the 6 books from Frank Herbert and those will be next for me on my reading list. Probably taking a short break after RR though since my brain has been overloaded as a novice reader. Unfortunately, Mike just keeps dragging me back in. I have been majorly tempted to pick up Enders Game and Speaker for the Dead, as well as the Hyperion Cantos series and now Sun Eater. Sorry, I have a bad tendency to ramble, but basically I think I have another series to pick up now and try. I never watched the entire video because I want to remain as clueless as possible, but the small parts I did watch make it sound like this series quite literally appeals to the parts that made me most fall in love with Red Rising. Maybe it won't usurp RR's spot for me, but I won't say no to more of the same. Thank you very much for your wonderful insights once again, Mike.
If you want more big space opera (although not similar in any other respect I'm aware of) check out Peter F. Hamilton, especially the Commonwealth Saga. It's really good, massive in scope, and the world building feels the most grounded and believable of any sci-fi or fantasy book I've read. It's not as philosophical as Dune or as mind bending as Three Body Problem or as atmospheric and unique as Revelation Space, but it's still great stuff.
I love the writing style of Empire of Silence too, it honestly adds to the atmosphere. And btw I know it might be too far-fetched but earlier this year I did ask you if you'd want to beta-read and I understood that you're pretty tight with the reading schedule. Well I published my book in September thankfully :D so I'd be honored if you'd be willing to read this renaissance gothic/fantasy novel of mine. Thank you in advance!
@junechevalier I just looked it up, it seems intriguing. I'll purchase it and give it a read but I would like to know if there was an audiobook in the works as well?
Empire of Silence has been on my radar. But since Dune is your all time favorite book, I wanted to let you know that in 2021 I will be reading Dune for the first time. Just added it to my list.
Few series have held my attention. Game of Thrones and The Expanse are the only two I've enjoyed watching within the last year. As soon as you said "don't get attached" to specific characters, I instantly thought of Thrones. I might check out empire of silence
Just started the series, so thought it would be a perfect time to watch this video. 20% into the book, slight Dune vibes with the uranium as a valuable resource thing, but other than that, it's more a reverse Red Rising as you say. Really excited to be reading both this and Forgetting Moon this month.
Just finished EOS … I absolutely loved it. It was not what I expected at all, such an amazing surprise. Christopher’s prose is incredible. Cannot wait to continue on with this series
He just announced the title of book four. I love the three U.S. covers. A different artist did the first and if I didn’t know that, I wouldn’t have been able to tell.
@@mikesbookreviews Totally agree. Another series that comes to mind where I live US and UK covers is Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series. The UK covers are more simplistic, but look great.
I just started book #4. You're right, we've known before even turning the first page how the story ends. But I keep reading to find out "how" the story ends.
Great video mike👍... I was wondering if there were any visual illustrations of the book like drawings or the ones you used in the beginning of the video?
Thanks for the review of this book. I'll be picking Empire of Silence up soon. Throughout Red Rising's initial trilogy I definitely felt at times like Darrow was a bit over the top in being the smartest person in the room as you said, but idk if I'd classify him as a 'Mary Sue' type do-no-wrong character in the first book. He about died to his best friend at the time in a duel Darrow was ill-prepared for, and gal pal about cornered him into a freezing body of water to remain his freedom, about catching hypothermia. Darrow also made a grave error in a scene with the antagonist that catches up with him later in the series. Earlier in the first book Darrow loses to the rigged hierarchy when his tribe is not chosen regardless of their lead in the standing, and ultimately he could not save his loved one from their fate. Darrow definitely dives head long into things and believes his actions to always be best; but most of the issues I have with that persona come later in the series.
I enjoyed this book but at times when describing situations and things it felt very drawn out and I'd forget what kind of situation the main character was in. I also big fan of Red Rising and Dune so I figured I'd give this a go since there are several books in this series already out
I had a copy of New Sun on my shelf for like...10 years. I only cracked it as I was finishing up work on Empire back in 2015 (this was right before it sold). Since then, Gene's become probably my favorite writer after Tolkien. I tried to get a quote from him for the book (we had some mutual friends), but he was real sick there at the end and it never got through. My biggest professional regret is not writing him sooner.
@@SunEaterBooks Book of the New Sun is one of those series you can read over and over through out the years and still get new understandings from it. Can be a difficult read for sure.. But anyway I love Empire of Silence quickly became one of my top sci-fi series of all time.
Thank you so much for introducing me to this series, Mike. It's funny because people rant and rave about this book being a carbon copy of Dune, which is absolutely not the case. It bears some superficial resemblance, and as Ruocchio said, he did this on purpose to contrast the two. The story itself is much different
If book 4 doesn’t come out till March 2022 and that’s not even the last one I won’t be starting this for at least another year. But definitely excited to.
I get that. I'm apprehensive to read series that aren't complete. I made the exception for this one because my schedule is so packed I wouldn't be binge reading them anyways and because he seems to be a fast writer. But, as always, do what works for you!
Well guess I am interested in this now. Maybe I'll give it a go after Wheel of Time. Or maybe I'll use these books an excuse to procrastinate starting on that mountain of words, it's just three books for the time being, that's not too bad of a detour.
STRONGLY agree that it feels like if Rothfuss wrote Red Rising...and given that NOTW is my favorite book of all time and that Red Rising is my favorite sci fi series of all time, i fucking LOVED this book. Incredible debut
So, after watching several recommendations on book tube, I decided to purchase a copy. I only collect hardbacks which quickly brought me to the realization that there are so few! How in the world am I supposed to find all of them in UK editions!!!! (I like the art style better). Silence of Empire yesterday. Any recommendations on where to get the rest?
It's a big problem since his series has taken off much later than expected. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a better option than overpaying via eBay.
Just finished book6 of.tbe red rising ( light bringer ) And waiting on red god!! Hurry up pirce!!!! So I'm looking for a new read amd loved the red rising id like similar or space type sci fi So its this Hyperion 3 body problem So far and I hate options lol What do you guys suggest😊
Please review these two fantastic books, "Just Eat the Worm" and "Higher is calling" by Maxwell Adekoje. Thanks! Incredible read 📖 with massive nuggets for 2021. ❣
I hate Dune and I didn’t finish red rising but I liked this story. I need to go back to the first part of the book and reread it because I don’t know what it had to do with the rest of the story. It’s a good story and I’ll read the next book in the series.
Have you read red rising or just hear people compare to it the hunger games and that’s what makes you think it’s YA? Red Rising is no where near YA it’s brutal it’s violent and DARK it’s adult all the way no where near YA
@@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191 I have not read it (or even heard of it prior to my first book's release). I hear it's dark, but is it not in the YA section at Barnes & Noble? The reason I asked was not to put the series down or anything...that just isn't the part of the store I go to, which would maybe explain why I had no idea the books existed.
@@SunEaterBooks it used to be sold as YA and compared to the hunger games because there is hunger games vibes in the first book but the second drops it and becomes this dark brooding series especially dark age that’s the fifth book that should tell you something
@@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191 No no I get it, all I meant to get at was that if it's officially sold as YA I just hadn't physically seen it because I don't check that aisle in the store! I don't mean to come across as dismissing it, I just literally hadn't encountered it because it's in a part of the store I don't go to.
I'm a bit late to the party. Do you think the prose will be difficult to understand for non native people? Because beautiful prose oftentimes means we have too many complicated words in the book. 😅
I totally disagree with Patrick Rothfuss not being a good storyteller. But hey, loved the detailed review. And now there is another book on my radar...
I'm about 30% in and starting to get discouraged. He's at his low point and just seems to stay there. I'm ready for some "thing" to change, to happen. If there's much more of this I'm going to DNF or take a break and come back. I'm assuming it gets better?
![จบจนได้ ! | Black Myth: Wukong #007 [ตอนจบ?]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DSqvWndF0sw/mqdefault.jpg)
"Imagine if Patrick Rothfuss had written the Red Rising saga"
Me: 🤯
I am SOLD on this book. SOLD.
Awww, come on Mike! My TBR is already monstrously vast, and you keep doing an outstanding job of getting me interested in more books. Cut it out! 😉Seriously, though, you’re right about the frame narrative. Chaucer used a frame narrative for The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, and Boccaccio even before him. Rothfuss didn’t invent it. The characters sound great here - thanks for the review!
Dickens was the one I knew the year of off memory ha ha. But yeah, it’s like saying Def Leppard ripped off The Offspring with “Gunter glieben glauchen globen.”
@@mikesbookreviewsmy fav booktuber made a Def Leppard reference my life is complete🤘
Adding this to the list. Near the top of the list.
Excellent choice.
I'm really digging these intros!
Thanks!
They’re the best
This intro is a top five for me. Nothing tops that WYSR Red Rising one.
Yeah, they're amazing. They really set up the mood that makes you want to binge-read the story.
@@thomaswootress-reidt101 now I have to go back and rewatch that one haha. Just to compare!
Will definitely get to this once I'm through the Dune series.
You'll feel right at home.
Ya I thought it was very Duneish. Different of course, but like Dune it's a space fantasy.
Stick to the ones written by frank herbert. His son work is not that good dispite "useing" frank herbert "notes" (had to put air quotations)
I’m honestly shocked that I haven’t seen more attention given to this series on TH-cam, Reddit, Goodreads, etc. It’s already become easily one of my favorite fantasy/sci-fi series all-time which is saying a lot, I’m just so in love with everything about it (be it the world, characters, prose, etc). It deserves a hell of a lot more recognition than it’s been getting, especially The Howling Dark and Demon in White which are just absolute masterpieces of fantasy literature inside and out.
told you that you would like it
Yes, you did!
The cover gives me some serious Destiny vibes which makes me intrigued by itself. I think I'll definitely look to pick this up. Another book on my TBR 👍
Enjoy!
I just wanted to thank you YET AGAIN for introducing me to another new favorite series - finishing Howling Dark and am just blown away. I only wish I could read these again for the first time and can’t wait to pick up the third. Thank you Mike !!
My pleasure! So happy you’re enjoying it.
Read this one this past summer, was excellent, a science fiction (not hard sci-fi at all) with definitely a fantasy feel about a lone character, but also can morph into a bit of a space opera, judging by the end. Also, enjoyed a great deal of the other characters, as well as, Marlowe. Ruocchio will be a major writer in the field. He has a very strong output already finishing up the writing on book four. Look forward to jumping into book two, but Mike, you are holding me back as I am starting the Malazan with you, LOL. Although maybe I can squeeze it in. Mike a great channel, thank you for your work and enthusiasm.
Hey, thanks for saying so!
I’m currently 300 pages in, and I’m hooked. Really enjoying this story so far. Thanks for reviewing and getting the word out on this sci-fi hidden gem. 👍
Good to seethe review. If you get a break in between books start Howling Dark!
It is locked into the schedule. Will be current by March.
I've been so excited for this review! You've been talking about this book quite a lot and every time you do, I get more excited to read it! As soon as I can get my hands on it 😍
I loved this book.. One of the best debuts I’ve ever read.. Ruocchio is the Shakespeare if sci-fi lol.
Funnily enough, that "sans x, sans y" stuff Mike quoted IS a reference to "As You Like It."
This might sound a little weird, Mike, but you make me happy.
Ordered as soon as I finished this video! Thank you so much for giving books that aren’t as well known time to shine!!
This one is definitely in my TBR now. Dune and the dune saga are my favorite books of all time, period. I am huge space opera fan, but like in the most literal sense of the word. Epic and dramatic conflict in space.
This intro is so epic!!
Glad you dig it.
Journey before destination.
That was the thought that went through me while I was reading this book.
This book series is going to be a tragedy and I believe it actually treats itself like it’s supposed to.
I really liked how he set up the first cielcin interaction and giving them much more depth and personality.
Definitely a brilliant book to me and one I’m going to get back to.
Really nice to hear your thoughts on the book Mike. Catch you on the next video.
Love these books. The side story featuring Crispin is also excellent.
I didn’t get a ton into the secondary characters but there are some great ones.
You sold me in the first 15 seconds. The rest solidified it for me. Im stoked to pick this up now.
I have to give this series a try one day. I can't seem to find the physical copy of Empire of Silence everywhere! 😅
Been excited for this one! Looking forward to reading it once I'm done with first law
I think you’ll find plenty to like.
Awesome video. I recently finished empire of silence but my library didn’t have the other two. So I started stormlight archive instead. .... love the channel. Keep it up.
Hey, thanks for watching!
Dreams come true!
Hey, you're the one that put me in touch with Ruocchio, so I must thank ya.
@@mikesbookreviews Excelsior! I was hoping you'd like it. The book really grabbed me. Awesome review sir.
Here we go again, adding this to my reading list. Thanks for stacking my TBR this past year. 😅
I'm going to be getting to this book in January and I am quite excited to dive in. I have also begun my journey with both The Wheel Of Time and Stormlight Archive this month!
A little sci-fi can help break those up!
@@mikesbookreviews I agree and I will definitely throw some si-fi in the mix.
Thanks Mike! I finished this the other day and can thank you!! I would not have found it if it were not for you. GO BRAVES!
Ruocchio is a great writer and an even better human.
I already purchased all 3 books based off your comments during 25k live chat!!!
I am the Wallet Eater.
@@mikesbookreviews no complaints from me. My wife however.....
I'm going to have to read that book sooooooo soon. Thank you Mike for your video I'm so hyped!!!!
Thanks Mike, I need more space sci-fi books in my life.
I LOVE this series. Empire of Silence is great but Howling Dark and Demon in White are next level. Unfortunately Ruocchio has ruined most other sci-fi/fantasy for me.
Oh damn. That’s even higher praise. I look forward to it!
Well then pick up Red Rising my friend.
@@muthias4582 I've read it
@@fconstraints Awesome
Hi Mike. I was already interested in the book, you got me to speed up the schedule. My TBR January 21😁
Intro was prime AF. Time to press play again.
Prime! Thanks.
YES!!!!!!!! MIKE!!!!!!!
Yeah baby.
Gracious! That was an epic book intro!
Been waiting on this review! 👍
Hope it met the hype.
@@mikesbookreviews Oh yeah! Looking forward to starting it sometime maybe between Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune or sometime after as a break
I'm intrigued putting it on my list.
Good call!
I just finished listening to this two weeks ago and I thought it was a very solid debut novel. It’s more a cross between Dune and Book of the New Sun than it is anything like Name of the Wind. Gene Wolfe does the same trick of casually dropping revelations for stuff that won’t be explained until several books later. And the Chantry reminded me a lot of the Seekers of Truth and Penitence with their blacker than black cloaks. The worldbuilding was really well done, and little stuff like Hadrian learning English as a classical language (sort of like Latin/Greek are to us) do a lot to get across the immensity of 20,000 years of human history. From what I hear book 2 and 3 are even better so I’ll get around to them eventually!
Me: Mikes got a new video out. Oh I’ve never heard of that book. Probably shouldn’t watch it in case I get spoiled. (Watched it anyway)
Now I’m looking through Amazon trying to get myself a copy.
Way to add to my ever growing TBR Mike!!
Planing or reading Dune this month for the first time. Closing out the month with it before the Malazan read along.
Ha ha, I only do non-spoiler reviews now unless it's blatantly labeled a "spoiler talk" video. My goal is to get you guys to decide if it's something you'd be interested in or not. I think you'll enjoy iy.
I started reading this the other day and I am really enjoying it so far, even though Sci-Fi is not my genre. Thanks to you I gave it a chance!
I actually don't agree that people say he tells u the ending. He doesn't, it's basically told like a legend that we'll see unfold we don't know anything.
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!😅)
Just watched this after reading Empire of Silence on yours and Petrik's recommendation. Great book and video, looking forward to the rest of the series!
Enjoy!
Oh man wait till you get to the third one, it just keeps getting better and better!
I really want to check this series out now. I was barely even aware it existed. In fact, I recognized the covers to the sequels when I googled it--otherwise, I would have said that I'd never even heard of it. It sounds like it deserves more buzz than it's getting.
It absolutely deserves more buzz than it has.
@@mikesbookreviews Just finished. I definitely see how this gets Kingkiller comparisons. Fortunately, while Rothfuss fans will probably enjoy it, Rothfuss haters will *not* necessarily hate it. I'd say that Ruocchio is managing to do something rare (that Abercrombie is the master of): no matter how dark things get, you never want to put the book down because it's too depressing. There's this thread of hope running through a narrative that should be just acutely oppressive. It should feel like 1984, but it manages to avoid the anxious tension suffusing that novel (and a good thing, too, because that would be *unbearable* in a book this long). Great stuff.
Lo, Howlers. Just finished Red Rising up to the most recent book and I was eating up all of the content I could find about it to sate my hunger from other fans and their theories and opinions and so on. Ended up hearing off-hand about Sun Eater and came looking for reviews and opinions on that. Imagine my happy surprise when I find this video because Mike is one of the reasons I gave Red Rising a shot in the first place after hearing so many good things about that and it has easily become my favourite book series of all time, appealing to the things that I love the most in storytelling. Not saying too much because I'm not actually that much of a reader, but Red Rising is also the series that has me more interested in reading more.
Some comparisons were also made between this novel and Dune, which is something I have never read, but have always wanted to read. Red Rising and a quick watch of Mike's spoiler-free video of Dune gave me the push I need and so I have picked up the 6 books from Frank Herbert and those will be next for me on my reading list. Probably taking a short break after RR though since my brain has been overloaded as a novice reader. Unfortunately, Mike just keeps dragging me back in. I have been majorly tempted to pick up Enders Game and Speaker for the Dead, as well as the Hyperion Cantos series and now Sun Eater.
Sorry, I have a bad tendency to ramble, but basically I think I have another series to pick up now and try. I never watched the entire video because I want to remain as clueless as possible, but the small parts I did watch make it sound like this series quite literally appeals to the parts that made me most fall in love with Red Rising. Maybe it won't usurp RR's spot for me, but I won't say no to more of the same. Thank you very much for your wonderful insights once again, Mike.
Seems awesome ! Csnt find that cover though
Good writing, intriguing plot, strong characters... I can't wait to get into this 5 book epic! Awesome review. 🙌
Reading this right now and DUUUUDE. I am LOVING it so much!
May have got this on kindle purely over this review. Been wanting to read more sci-fi for a while! This seems a good place to go!😊
Loved this book. Had a few things I was luke warm on but overall I loved it.
I feel like it was a very good debut and I think it will only get better.
I almost cried when a certain character didn't make it. Never happened before for such a small character but they had my heart from the beginning
The sophist got me as well. Which has never happened before
I'm not a big fan of Sci-fi, but I really want to try more books in this genre, so I think this could be a nice start!
If you want more big space opera (although not similar in any other respect I'm aware of) check out Peter F. Hamilton, especially the Commonwealth Saga. It's really good, massive in scope, and the world building feels the most grounded and believable of any sci-fi or fantasy book I've read. It's not as philosophical as Dune or as mind bending as Three Body Problem or as atmospheric and unique as Revelation Space, but it's still great stuff.
I'm sold!
Hope you like it!
I love the writing style of Empire of Silence too, it honestly adds to the atmosphere. And btw I know it might be too far-fetched but earlier this year I did ask you if you'd want to beta-read and I understood that you're pretty tight with the reading schedule. Well I published my book in September thankfully :D so I'd be honored if you'd be willing to read this renaissance gothic/fantasy novel of mine. Thank you in advance!
What’s the name of the book?
@@BuriedUnderBooks It's called Vile Artistry :)
@@junechevalierdid it sell well ?
@@turtleanton6539 No, that’s why my second book is available to read for free on my website. I just want people to read it
@junechevalier I just looked it up, it seems intriguing. I'll purchase it and give it a read but I would like to know if there was an audiobook in the works as well?
Empire of Silence has been on my radar. But since Dune is your all time favorite book, I wanted to let you know that in 2021 I will be reading Dune for the first time. Just added it to my list.
Few series have held my attention. Game of Thrones and The Expanse are the only two I've enjoyed watching within the last year. As soon as you said "don't get attached" to specific characters, I instantly thought of Thrones. I might check out empire of silence
Lool love the intro
Excellent!
Just started the series, so thought it would be a perfect time to watch this video. 20% into the book, slight Dune vibes with the uranium as a valuable resource thing, but other than that, it's more a reverse Red Rising as you say. Really excited to be reading both this and Forgetting Moon this month.
I’m on the second book, and my god, the first was great, but it REALLY opens up in the second book
Just ordered this ! Can’t wait to get into it
Just finished EOS … I absolutely loved it. It was not what I expected at all, such an amazing surprise. Christopher’s prose is incredible. Cannot wait to continue on with this series
Okay. It's on my Kindle. Hopefully I'll get it read prior to starting Malazan lol.
He just announced the title of book four. I love the three U.S. covers. A different artist did the first and if I didn’t know that, I wouldn’t have been able to tell.
It’s the rare occasion where both the UK and US covers are excellent.
@@mikesbookreviews Totally agree. Another series that comes to mind where I live US and UK covers is Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series. The UK covers are more simplistic, but look great.
I just started book #4. You're right, we've known before even turning the first page how the story ends. But I keep reading to find out "how" the story ends.
Great video mike👍... I was wondering if there were any visual illustrations of the book like drawings or the ones you used in the beginning of the video?
Thanks for the review of this book. I'll be picking Empire of Silence up soon.
Throughout Red Rising's initial trilogy I definitely felt at times like Darrow was a bit over the top in being the smartest person in the room as you said, but idk if I'd classify him as a 'Mary Sue' type do-no-wrong character in the first book. He about died to his best friend at the time in a duel Darrow was ill-prepared for, and gal pal about cornered him into a freezing body of water to remain his freedom, about catching hypothermia. Darrow also made a grave error in a scene with the antagonist that catches up with him later in the series. Earlier in the first book Darrow loses to the rigged hierarchy when his tribe is not chosen regardless of their lead in the standing, and ultimately he could not save his loved one from their fate.
Darrow definitely dives head long into things and believes his actions to always be best; but most of the issues I have with that persona come later in the series.
cool I'm planning on reading this one soon
Mike you are my favorite booktuber by far. You really need to do yourself a favor and start the Hyperion cantos.
It is locked into the schedule next year. And thank you!
That comparison to Anakin and becoming Vader being the right choice was an instant hook for me. That could've been the whole video to be honest lol.
Yeah, it's what got me.
I enjoyed this book but at times when describing situations and things it felt very drawn out and I'd forget what kind of situation the main character was in.
I also big fan of Red Rising and Dune so I figured I'd give this a go since there are several books in this series already out
That kinda sounds like Book of the New Sun as well.
Interesting. I have a few of those on my Kindle.
I had a copy of New Sun on my shelf for like...10 years. I only cracked it as I was finishing up work on Empire back in 2015 (this was right before it sold). Since then, Gene's become probably my favorite writer after Tolkien. I tried to get a quote from him for the book (we had some mutual friends), but he was real sick there at the end and it never got through. My biggest professional regret is not writing him sooner.
@@SunEaterBooks Book of the New Sun is one of those series you can read over and over through out the years and still get new understandings from it. Can be a difficult read for sure.. But anyway I love Empire of Silence quickly became one of my top sci-fi series of all time.
@@BigDaddy13515 Thank you, Dominick! Totally agree with you on New Sun. So many layers.
@@SunEaterBooks That's incredibly high praise. Perhaps I'll need to move those up higher than they are now.
Loving your intros
Do I get the next 3 Red Rising books or do I start a new series? Dilemmas I like to have.
Thank you so much for introducing me to this series, Mike. It's funny because people rant and rave about this book being a carbon copy of Dune, which is absolutely not the case. It bears some superficial resemblance, and as Ruocchio said, he did this on purpose to contrast the two. The story itself is much different
My pleasure!
If book 4 doesn’t come out till March 2022 and that’s not even the last one I won’t be starting this for at least another year. But definitely excited to.
I get that. I'm apprehensive to read series that aren't complete. I made the exception for this one because my schedule is so packed I wouldn't be binge reading them anyways and because he seems to be a fast writer. But, as always, do what works for you!
Lol the hook 🐟
It got my attention. You know I love my damaged characters.
Clearly I do as well haha
@@mikesbookreviews He keeps getting MORE damaged, the poor bastard.
You tease.
Well guess I am interested in this now. Maybe I'll give it a go after Wheel of Time. Or maybe I'll use these books an excuse to procrastinate starting on that mountain of words, it's just three books for the time being, that's not too bad of a detour.
I think most will enjoy it.
STRONGLY agree that it feels like if Rothfuss wrote Red Rising...and given that NOTW is my favorite book of all time and that Red Rising is my favorite sci fi series of all time, i fucking LOVED this book. Incredible debut
I will definitely read that. Eventually. Lol.
I love name of the wind
I have a poster off the Star Wars picture on your shirt :)
It’s a classic.
So, after watching several recommendations on book tube, I decided to purchase a copy. I only collect hardbacks which quickly brought me to the realization that there are so few! How in the world am I supposed to find all of them in UK editions!!!! (I like the art style better). Silence of Empire yesterday. Any recommendations on where to get the rest?
It's a big problem since his series has taken off much later than expected. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a better option than overpaying via eBay.
Great review! Any chance of reviewing the chronicles of narnia series?
Just finished book6 of.tbe red rising ( light bringer )
And waiting on red god!! Hurry up pirce!!!!
So I'm looking for a new read amd loved the red rising id like similar or space type sci fi
So its this
Hyperion
3 body problem
So far and I hate options lol
What do you guys suggest😊
I have this on my TBR but I try jot to pick up series that are not finished. Is this done?
Great! Another one to add to the already too long TBR.
I’ve never read a sci-fi book, good place to start?
Sure.
hOLY SHIT THAT "WHAT IS IT ABOUT" makes me want to read it right now
Mike, is your planned reading schedule public? Would be interesting to see what you have in the queue.
It is updated 3 months at a time (it fluctuates) on the Discord.
@@mikesbookreviews Cool, I need to get on the Discord. Thanks!
Another series I just added to my cart, will have to hide the boxes when they arrive then be like, no I had these books for weeks!
This is a great one.
Please review these two fantastic books, "Just Eat the Worm" and "Higher is calling" by Maxwell Adekoje. Thanks!
Incredible read 📖 with massive nuggets for 2021. ❣
I hate Dune and I didn’t finish red rising but I liked this story. I need to go back to the first part of the book and reread it because I don’t know what it had to do with the rest of the story. It’s a good story and I’ll read the next book in the series.
Why am I even watching a review of a book I haven't read? Hmm... :)
So I can make you spend money.
@@mikesbookreviews your good at that!!!
@@mikesbookreviews 2 years after this comment: I bought everything Ruocchio ever wrote so you succeeded!
Is it YA? Judging from reviews it seems very Red Rising esque and I couldn't stand that series...I'm looking for a more mature read.
It's not YA!
Have you read red rising or just hear people compare to it the hunger games and that’s what makes you think it’s YA? Red Rising is no where near YA it’s brutal it’s violent and DARK it’s adult all the way no where near YA
@@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191 I have not read it (or even heard of it prior to my first book's release). I hear it's dark, but is it not in the YA section at Barnes & Noble? The reason I asked was not to put the series down or anything...that just isn't the part of the store I go to, which would maybe explain why I had no idea the books existed.
@@SunEaterBooks it used to be sold as YA and compared to the hunger games because there is hunger games vibes in the first book but the second drops it and becomes this dark brooding series especially dark age that’s the fifth book that should tell you something
@@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191 No no I get it, all I meant to get at was that if it's officially sold as YA I just hadn't physically seen it because I don't check that aisle in the store! I don't mean to come across as dismissing it, I just literally hadn't encountered it because it's in a part of the store I don't go to.
I'm a bit late to the party. Do you think the prose will be difficult to understand for non native people?
Because beautiful prose oftentimes means we have too many complicated words in the book. 😅
I totally disagree with Patrick Rothfuss not being a good storyteller. But hey, loved the detailed review. And now there is another book on my radar...
If you like great space opera, check out the popular Old Man's War series by John Scalzi!
I have a few on my Kindle.
I'm about 30% in and starting to get discouraged. He's at his low point and just seems to stay there. I'm ready for some "thing" to change, to happen. If there's much more of this I'm going to DNF or take a break and come back. I'm assuming it gets better?