Series: Burningblade & Silvereye #1
Published by Orbit on July 21, 2020
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy
Pages: 592
Format: eBook, ARC
Source: Publisher
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Long ago, a magical war destroyed an empire, and a new one was built in its ashes.
Ashes of the Sun alternates between the perspectives of two siblings, Gyre and Maya, who are separated at a young age when the Empire seizes Maya. Fast forward twelve years to the present. Gyre holds a grudge against the Empire and lives to destroy the Twilight Order that enforces its rule. Maya trains to become a centarch of the Order. When Gyre chases rumors of a fabled city in search of an artifact powerful enough to bring down the Empire, the siblings’ paths cross.
Through Gyre, Maya, and their respective companions, Wexler explores the complexities of family and duty, justice and freedom. Gyre and Maya’s beliefs in their respective causes are tested through the characters they encounter and the situations they face, resulting in compelling character arcs as they rise and fall and climb back up. On Maya’s end, a f/f relationship develops gradually from friendship to something more.
I enjoyed many elements of the worldbuilding. The world has unique hair colors (blue, green—colors I’d only before seen in anime hair!), the use of hakens and deiat (think lightsabers, but with magic), and goblin technology. The people have found unique ways to adapt to post-fantasy apocalyptic life. And the magic and technology result in epic fight scenes. As this is a Star Wars inspired novel, Star Wars fans may enjoy seeing its influences on the world that Wexler has created.
Ashes of the Sun is an enjoyable read that drew me deeper into its thrall as the story progressed. Once I hit the 50% mark, I couldn’t put this book down. I look forward to seeing what Wexler brings us in the next installment of the Burningblade & Silvereye trilogy.
Rating R
Sexual content occurs frequently enough, multiple times across chapters, that it’d be difficult to skim over if you’re uncomfortable reading it.
- One of the characters has recurring sexual thoughts about another character. Another character repeatedly expresses sexual frustrations and the desire for sex.
- More details: View Spoiler »
Bias Notes
As half of a brother-sister duo, I love when books feature sibling relationships, especially when the siblings are brother and sister.
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