Ashes of Man by Christopher Ruocchio – Review

Published: December 13, 2022

Publisher: DAW Books

Series: Sun Eater #5

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 544 (Hardcover)

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Synopsis:
The fifth novel of the galaxy-spanning Sun Eater series merges the best of space opera and epic fantasy, as Hadrian Marlowe continues down a path that can only end in fire.

The galaxy is burning.

With the Cielcin united under one banner, the Sollan Empire stands alone after the betrayal of the Commonwealth. The Prophet-King of the Cielcin has sent its armies to burn the worlds of men, and worse, there are rumors…whispers that Hadrian Marlowe is dead, killed in the fighting.

But it is not so. Hadrian survived with the help of the witch, Valka, and together they escaped the net of the enemy having learned a terrible truth: the gods that the Cielcin worship are real and will not rest until the universe is dark and cold.

What is more, the Emperor himself is in danger. The Prophet-King has learned to track his movements as he travels along the borders of Imperial space. Now the Cielcin legions are closing in, their swords poised to strike off the head of all mankind.

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I am once again crushed by the emotions Christopher Ruocchio crammed in this book. Despite knowing this series ends in Hadrian’s exile, I still find myself hoping for the best outcomes for these characters I’ve grown so attached to and each time the emotional blows hit me just as strongly as before.

This picks up after Hadrian and Valka escape Akturumu and the massacre of the Red Company. Both are traumatized beyond measure, particularly Hadrian, as he suffered for years at the hands of Syriani Doraiyaca, Prophet-King of the Cielcin. Hadrian and Valka eventually return to the embrace of the Empire, and though they have nothing left but one another and Lorian Aristedes, the Emperor continues to send Hadrian out to complete impossible tasks. 

This story really focuses on Hadrian’s trauma and his growing disillusionment with the Emperor. What’s interesting is that despite his negative feelings and desire to leave it all behind, Hadrian understands why the Emperor continues to use him until he has nothing left to give and, ultimately, Hadrian wants humanity to survive so he continues to serve. Seven years of torture at the hands of the enemy and then witnessing the deaths of your dearest companions and your thousands of soldiers does preclude someone to wanting to hide away and live in peace though. This installment felt like the segue to the final portions of the series – plot threads are wrapping up, but this book was about setting up for the big events that are clearly still ahead of us.

While there are some happy moments in this book, do remember that ultimately this is a tragedy and you will find nothing but heartbreak by the end. I can honestly say that I’m not sure where the next book in the series will go based on the ending of this one, but I am eagerly awaiting news of a release date. The series appears to have been extended to seven books, so Hadrian’s tale won’t be wrapped up quite as soon as I thought it would be, which I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, this is one of my favorite book series of all time but on the other hand… I’m not sure how much more sadness I can take, though surely it cannot get worse for Hadrian from here. Right? This review feels somewhat bland in comparison to my review of Kingdoms of Death, but I had such strong emotions about it right after reading it that I would have just written a spoiler filled babble. Thus, I waited a bit and it turned into a month and I still can’t say half of what I’d like to without spoiling *major* plot points. Rest assured, this book was still amazing, I’m just somewhat at a loss for words.