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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
4 stars
Here I thought I wrote a review for this
Here I thought I wrote a review for this
I admit, it took me quite a while to get into Empire of Silence. But that is okay. I heard it several times, that you should at least read two Sun Eater Books to see if you like it.
In the last third or so I was already on board and knew that I would read on. I started on the first novella right after this.
My first impression was: "This has A LOT of Dune influences, huh." The personal shields. The Empire itself. The Houses. Atomics. The Scholiasts and the restrictions on machinery and computers reminded me of why Mentats exist in Dune. There even is a saying about Fear quoted several times.
I also thought that the world relies too much on todays Earth cultures and what we call antiquity today. This is about 20 Millennia in the future. That Earth still is in the peoples minds makes sense. But much of this feels too contemporary to me. The things they quote and the heritage of factions, I mean.
The third thing I had to get used to has to do with the narrative itself. Specifically how there are many characters along the way who usually would probably stay around and play a role beyond a few chapters. But due to the nature of how this is narrated, we often leave them behind. Hadrian says: I never saw this person again. But by the end of the book we have a few people who will likely stick around for a while. How do I know? Because Hadrian, who writes this far in the future, says so.
My sample size is too small so far but judging from the first novella these seem to be a way to keep in touch with some of the people left behind.
tl;dr: Took me a while to get into but ultimately I liked it well enough to continue to what I hear is only getting better and better.
In the last third or so I was already on board and knew that I would read on. I started on the first novella right after this.
My first impression was: "This has A LOT of Dune influences, huh." The personal shields. The Empire itself. The Houses. Atomics. The Scholiasts and the restrictions on machinery and computers reminded me of why Mentats exist in Dune. There even is a saying about Fear quoted several times.
I also thought that the world relies too much on todays Earth cultures and what we call antiquity today. This is about 20 Millennia in the future. That Earth still is in the peoples minds makes sense. But much of this feels too contemporary to me. The things they quote and the heritage of factions, I mean.
The third thing I had to get used to has to do with the narrative itself. Specifically how there are many characters along the way who usually would probably stay around and play a role beyond a few chapters. But due to the nature of how this is narrated, we often leave them behind. Hadrian says: I never saw this person again. But by the end of the book we have a few people who will likely stick around for a while. How do I know? Because Hadrian, who writes this far in the future, says so.
My sample size is too small so far but judging from the first novella these seem to be a way to keep in touch with some of the people left behind.
tl;dr: Took me a while to get into but ultimately I liked it well enough to continue to what I hear is only getting better and better.
I just don't think this book is for me... I would enjoy it for a little bit, then something would change and I was just not interested. I love myself too much to force myself to finish the last half.
4/5
I can't give it any higher then a 4.
Why? Well because I feel like it's was more of a introduction then anything but after this I think its going to be good! I liked had hes a Interesting character.
I can't say much besides bravo
I can't give it any higher then a 4.
Why? Well because I feel like it's was more of a introduction then anything but after this I think its going to be good! I liked had hes a Interesting character.
I can't say much besides bravo
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Had me in the first chapter but was apprehensive about the size. Pacing post the halfway mark really helps this out because just as I’m getting a little antsy something insane happened. I gasped multiple times and even had to let out a squeal of joy as the final few sentences were read. Hate to give men their dues but Christopher you got me. Mystery plays really well in this especially with the narrative being told with this straight of foresight that focuses the arc of narrative beyond the first book. Was I annoyed at Hadrians decisions - of course, did I understand them - unfortunately. The fact that he thought he could be a scholiast is jokes. You’ve been obsessed since with the Cielcin since birth bro 🤣 learning the language like one heretic, you weren’t going to let that shit go at all. The audio book is very well done (would recommend) especially considering the role language plays. Excited for the next one :))
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Took me forever to finish this book, with lots of breaks. I loved the beginning and end, but the middle third was a slog for me. I will for sure continue the series, as I have heard this is the weakest book. And then end left me wanting to learn more!
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes