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Ashes of Orialis
The empire died in fire. Its ghosts are waking.
Cael Draven is a scavenger living on the fringe, content to pick through the ruins of a war long buried. But when he unearths a dormant AI core—once part of the Orialis Pact’s most dangerous weapon—his past catches up with him in fractured memories, violent hunters, and voices that don’t belong to him.
The Erebus Protocol was meant to end rebellion before it began. Now it’s reactivating sleeper agents across the galaxy. Some obey. Some go rogue. And one of them might be Cael.
Hunted by syndicates, zealots, and the ghosts of a technocratic empire, Cael must decide whether to run, fight, or become the very thing he was programmed to destroy.
Ashes of Orialis is a gritty, cinematic space opera about identity, memory, and the high cost of control—perfect for fans of The Expanse, Blade Runner, and Andor.
Cael Draven is a scavenger living on the fringe, content to pick through the ruins of a war long buried. But when he unearths a dormant AI core—once part of the Orialis Pact’s most dangerous weapon—his past catches up with him in fractured memories, violent hunters, and voices that don’t belong to him.
The Erebus Protocol was meant to end rebellion before it began. Now it’s reactivating sleeper agents across the galaxy. Some obey. Some go rogue. And one of them might be Cael.
Hunted by syndicates, zealots, and the ghosts of a technocratic empire, Cael must decide whether to run, fight, or become the very thing he was programmed to destroy.
Ashes of Orialis is a gritty, cinematic space opera about identity, memory, and the high cost of control—perfect for fans of The Expanse, Blade Runner, and Andor.
267 pages, Hardcover
Published June 14, 2025
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 7, 2025
Great book although not my typical taste. I didn’t feel like it was a good starter for a newbie to the genre but you may. His world building was impeccable and the characters were very likable. Cael was amazing and Tex was just the best. I feel like it’s definitely a read my Star Wars fan husband will enjoy.
I loved the authors lyrical style descriptions. I felt as if I could touch the scenes they were written so well. I’m a fantasy girl and I think that if this was a genre I enjoyed more it likely would’ve been 5 stars simply for the writing style.
A few notes - in the new kobo release there are some editing errors in font and bold lettering but this did not cause and issue with reading.
Thanks for the index- much appreciated
I loved the authors lyrical style descriptions. I felt as if I could touch the scenes they were written so well. I’m a fantasy girl and I think that if this was a genre I enjoyed more it likely would’ve been 5 stars simply for the writing style.
A few notes - in the new kobo release there are some editing errors in font and bold lettering but this did not cause and issue with reading.
Thanks for the index- much appreciated
July 13, 2025
I loved this book! Franks ability to create a very vivid world and make you feel, see, smell, etc what you’re reading is amazing. This has been such a great story! You get very interested on how Cael is going to figure out how to make things right. Loved it! Recommend all day long!
July 3, 2025
I don’t usually read much sci-fi, but Ashes of Orialis really surprised me. It was super easy to follow, even for someone like me who’s not very familiar with the genre. The story moves at such a fast pace, and it kept my attention in the best way possible. I never felt bored or lost and it pulled me in and kept me turning the pages.
The characters, especially CAEL, were incredibly likable and easy to connect with. I found myself rooting for them from the start.
If you’ve never read sci-fi before, this would be a great book to start with.
The characters, especially CAEL, were incredibly likable and easy to connect with. I found myself rooting for them from the start.
If you’ve never read sci-fi before, this would be a great book to start with.
September 13, 2025
3.5/5 for me. I feel like I need more of the back story and so at places I felt lost in the plot. Crawford definitely has a way with words and certain lines were very poetic. My favorite part is TEX. definitely gave me Bob/Dresden vibes if you like Jim Butcher. looking forward to reading his horror book!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews