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Burningblade & Silvereye #3
Emperor of Ruin
Two siblings divided by magic and revolution must finally join forces and rally the people to take down the Twilight Order once and for all in the final book of this brilliantly imagined epic fantasy trilogy.
The last surviving Chosen, Ashok has finally risen up and taken control of The Twilight Order. He promises equality and prosperity, but Gyre and Maya know the truth. Only death follows in Ashok's wake. To take him down, Gyre will have to unite old allies from all across The Splinter Kingdoms and the depths of Deepfire. And Maya will have to seek out a legendary weapon hidden in the mountains that could turn the tide in their battle for freedom.
The last surviving Chosen, Ashok has finally risen up and taken control of The Twilight Order. He promises equality and prosperity, but Gyre and Maya know the truth. Only death follows in Ashok's wake. To take him down, Gyre will have to unite old allies from all across The Splinter Kingdoms and the depths of Deepfire. And Maya will have to seek out a legendary weapon hidden in the mountains that could turn the tide in their battle for freedom.
460 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2023
112 people are currently reading
2811 people want to read
About the author
Django Wexler
52 books3,738 followersDjango Wexler graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with degrees in creative writing and computer science, and worked for the university in artificial intelligence research. Eventually he migrated to Microsoft in Seattle, where he now lives with two cats and a teetering mountain of books. When not planning Shadow Campaigns, he wrangles computers, paints tiny soldiers, and plays games of all sorts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
November 27, 2023
My thanks to Orbit books, Django Wexler and Netgalley.
I have absolutely enjoyed the crap out of this trilogy!
Gyre and Maya are characters that I really don't want to see end. But, as they say.....All good things..
This third book in the trilogy ended up being a wee bit difficult for me. At times it really felt like I was reading a YA book, but then things would get bloody and complicated. I never felt that I was reading YA in the first 2 books.
Heck! I had a thought somewhere along the way that I'd score this final book at 3 stars. But, that freaking ending was everything that I had hoped for!
I loved Maya, but Gyre and Kit? I just loved them and the humor!
A most excellent story, Mr. Wexler!
4 stars for this final book, but 5 stars for the whole trilogy.
I have absolutely enjoyed the crap out of this trilogy!
Gyre and Maya are characters that I really don't want to see end. But, as they say.....All good things..
This third book in the trilogy ended up being a wee bit difficult for me. At times it really felt like I was reading a YA book, but then things would get bloody and complicated. I never felt that I was reading YA in the first 2 books.
Heck! I had a thought somewhere along the way that I'd score this final book at 3 stars. But, that freaking ending was everything that I had hoped for!
I loved Maya, but Gyre and Kit? I just loved them and the humor!
A most excellent story, Mr. Wexler!
4 stars for this final book, but 5 stars for the whole trilogy.
October 2, 2025
“Once he’d been ready to burn the world. Now he was ready to build a new one, and he knew nothing could be built from ashes.”
it’s bittersweet to finish this series because at this point I’m attached to these characters. i love how the author wrote Maya and Gyre’s sibling relationship.. they started off on opposing sides and even now, still don’t see completely eye to eye but they’d do anything for the each other. the action scenes were some of the best of the series in this conclusion. Ashok might’ve been completely insane, but the depth given to his character was unexpected. those flashback sequences were so intriguing too, along with his strange mind speak with Maya. the romances were another strong element and i’m so happy to see Kit get the ending she deserved.
”I’d rather live free in a messy world than be a slave in a neat one, Maya said.”
it’s bittersweet to finish this series because at this point I’m attached to these characters. i love how the author wrote Maya and Gyre’s sibling relationship.. they started off on opposing sides and even now, still don’t see completely eye to eye but they’d do anything for the each other. the action scenes were some of the best of the series in this conclusion. Ashok might’ve been completely insane, but the depth given to his character was unexpected. those flashback sequences were so intriguing too, along with his strange mind speak with Maya. the romances were another strong element and i’m so happy to see Kit get the ending she deserved.
”I’d rather live free in a messy world than be a slave in a neat one, Maya said.”
November 12, 2023
An excellent finale to an imaginative, tightly plotted, LGBT+, contemporary fantasy trilogy with strong reader appeal.
Love, love, LOVE the cover art for the whole series, in both US and UK editions.
Now I get to ramble . . .
This is the first time in a long time that I feel awkward about my star rating. I don't subscribe to the 5-star standard that means trouble for your Lyft driver or Instacart provider if you give them anything below that. The Goodreads hover-over defaults for star meanings are perfect; a nice bell-shaped curve over a 3-star average lets me rank my reading enjoyment for each book appropriately, reserving 5 stars for those truly special-to-me titles. 4 stars is great: a terrific book that I enjoyed a lot! And even 3 stars is good, meaning "I liked it!" Doesn't an author want to hear "I liked it"? (Same for 2 stars: "It's OK." Don't writers want readers to think their book is OK?) And what I want to rate this book and series is 3 stars. But for whatever reason, I'm afraid of hurting Django in either the feelings or the bank account with a 3-star rating. I mean, he's an adult, he's got a traditional publishing career, he can take it. But he's also a mid-list author, that vanishing breed, and I don't want his next opportunity to make a sale to take a hit. I support him by buying his books, which I did here: I bought all three books in this series, new, at full price, from my local independent book shop. And really, his next book deal will depend on sales figures and not star ratings, right? I can best support him with my wallet over stars? But maybe a potential reader will see my rating and interpret that to mean it's not a great book and pass on a purchase. So, for now anyway, I'm keeping this rating at 4 stars until I change my mind, or enough time has passed that I don't feel like it matters any more. Because it is a great book, and plenty of people will love it more than I did. (UPDATE: Django seems to be doing okay with 2 new books slated for publication in the foreseeable future. I set my stars to 3 as originally intended.)
If it's so great, why didn't I like it more? I asked myself that a lot while reading. It's very smoothly plotted . . . perhaps too smoothly for my taste. Maybe I like the messier edges. I never felt fully invested in the characters, as spritely as they are. The worldbuilding is unique and fulfilling . . . except I never fully bought into the setting as a living, breathing world beyond the confines of the story's events. We are told there are other places, other events taking place, but I never truly felt that life went on outside the story's spotlight. It seems the standard approach to epic fantasy these days is "make it to break it": world lore and magic systems and social orders are created solely to be upended, asking the reader to feel awe when the "truth" is revealed, but the artifice is plain. Every piece in this series is skillfully done, but I couldn't get past its highly structured nature.
On top of that I encountered minor irritants: character tics that appeared too often (Kit capering, or exclaiming about wanting to watch people fuck; Beq adjusting her lenses; Maya touching her Thing and yes that can be as dirty as you want it to be), whole side sequences (mostly in the middle book) that felt too much like filler even though they advance some significant element (e.g. a single character development beat, or a piece of lore-breaking), that kind of thing. As a plus, the occasional YA feeling that impinged on my experience of the first book went away for the next two.
Other nitpicky things here and there that aren't worth elaborating on and won't be an issue for most readers. I'm just some kind of broken goods at the moment.
In summary, I hope more people pick up this series. It's quality through and through. It deserves more eyeballs, more praise, more sales, and Wexler deserves more book deals. It just wasn't the right thing for me, right now.
Love, love, LOVE the cover art for the whole series, in both US and UK editions.
Now I get to ramble . . .
This is the first time in a long time that I feel awkward about my star rating. I don't subscribe to the 5-star standard that means trouble for your Lyft driver or Instacart provider if you give them anything below that. The Goodreads hover-over defaults for star meanings are perfect; a nice bell-shaped curve over a 3-star average lets me rank my reading enjoyment for each book appropriately, reserving 5 stars for those truly special-to-me titles. 4 stars is great: a terrific book that I enjoyed a lot! And even 3 stars is good, meaning "I liked it!" Doesn't an author want to hear "I liked it"? (Same for 2 stars: "It's OK." Don't writers want readers to think their book is OK?) And what I want to rate this book and series is 3 stars. But for whatever reason, I'm afraid of hurting Django in either the feelings or the bank account with a 3-star rating. I mean, he's an adult, he's got a traditional publishing career, he can take it. But he's also a mid-list author, that vanishing breed, and I don't want his next opportunity to make a sale to take a hit. I support him by buying his books, which I did here: I bought all three books in this series, new, at full price, from my local independent book shop. And really, his next book deal will depend on sales figures and not star ratings, right? I can best support him with my wallet over stars? But maybe a potential reader will see my rating and interpret that to mean it's not a great book and pass on a purchase. So, for now anyway, I'm keeping this rating at 4 stars until I change my mind, or enough time has passed that I don't feel like it matters any more. Because it is a great book, and plenty of people will love it more than I did. (UPDATE: Django seems to be doing okay with 2 new books slated for publication in the foreseeable future. I set my stars to 3 as originally intended.)
If it's so great, why didn't I like it more? I asked myself that a lot while reading. It's very smoothly plotted . . . perhaps too smoothly for my taste. Maybe I like the messier edges. I never felt fully invested in the characters, as spritely as they are. The worldbuilding is unique and fulfilling . . . except I never fully bought into the setting as a living, breathing world beyond the confines of the story's events. We are told there are other places, other events taking place, but I never truly felt that life went on outside the story's spotlight. It seems the standard approach to epic fantasy these days is "make it to break it": world lore and magic systems and social orders are created solely to be upended, asking the reader to feel awe when the "truth" is revealed, but the artifice is plain. Every piece in this series is skillfully done, but I couldn't get past its highly structured nature.
On top of that I encountered minor irritants: character tics that appeared too often (Kit capering, or exclaiming about wanting to watch people fuck; Beq adjusting her lenses; Maya touching her Thing and yes that can be as dirty as you want it to be), whole side sequences (mostly in the middle book) that felt too much like filler even though they advance some significant element (e.g. a single character development beat, or a piece of lore-breaking), that kind of thing. As a plus, the occasional YA feeling that impinged on my experience of the first book went away for the next two.
Other nitpicky things here and there that aren't worth elaborating on and won't be an issue for most readers. I'm just some kind of broken goods at the moment.
In summary, I hope more people pick up this series. It's quality through and through. It deserves more eyeballs, more praise, more sales, and Wexler deserves more book deals. It just wasn't the right thing for me, right now.
January 25, 2023
Review to come when I can process my emotions on such a beautiful end to an incredibly unique and memorable series.
Wexler may just become a new fav author of mine. 🥰
Pick up Asjes of the sun now so you can read this conclusion when it's out!
----------
Updated review :
if you have yet to pick up this series drop everything and indulge!
Throughout all three novels Wexler has treated an immersive world filled with action and characters that continuously pull on your heart strings.
There is one of the most unique magic systems (& yes it's based on Star Wars but that doesn't stop it from being unique in its own way)
As always there are things that stopped this from being a five for me
- it's just a LIL to action packed and moves a LIL too fast
- and we use some plot devices that aren't my preferred style
But reasons to read this are plenty
- it's action packed and fast paced (yes this is both a positive and a negative)
- there's a wonderful sapphic relationship
- there is found family
- there are cool magic systems at play and the history is woven into to the world, magic and characters.
All in all this is a beautiful trilogy. I highly recommend for all fantasy readers including beginners!
And if you liked the first book I'm pretty sure you'll love the rest of them too!
Wexler may just become a new fav author of mine. 🥰
Pick up Asjes of the sun now so you can read this conclusion when it's out!
----------
Updated review :
if you have yet to pick up this series drop everything and indulge!
Throughout all three novels Wexler has treated an immersive world filled with action and characters that continuously pull on your heart strings.
There is one of the most unique magic systems (& yes it's based on Star Wars but that doesn't stop it from being unique in its own way)
As always there are things that stopped this from being a five for me
- it's just a LIL to action packed and moves a LIL too fast
- and we use some plot devices that aren't my preferred style
But reasons to read this are plenty
- it's action packed and fast paced (yes this is both a positive and a negative)
- there's a wonderful sapphic relationship
- there is found family
- there are cool magic systems at play and the history is woven into to the world, magic and characters.
All in all this is a beautiful trilogy. I highly recommend for all fantasy readers including beginners!
And if you liked the first book I'm pretty sure you'll love the rest of them too!
July 15, 2024
Ashes of the Sun ★★★ 1/2
Blood of the Chosen ★★★★
Emperor of Ruin ★★★ 1/2
I am stupid for not reviewing this series as I finished each book as the details are already hazy in my mind and I do remember parts of the plots, but not sure which book is which so I will review the whole series here with no spoilers.
This is my second time reading a Wexler story, the first being his novella Hard Reboot which I think was okay. This series was certainly better. The writing is good, and it shifts between two main POVs which were distinctive.
Maya and Gyre are well written and fleshed out. I think the secondary characters and the romance was also good. The book takes inspiration from Star Wars and although I am not a big expert on that, I still could see the influence. The plot is interesting although not very original. I think that that is okay as long as the author can add their own twist and Wexler did that. For me the story peaked by book two and although book three was good, it was a bit rushed.
Overall, it was an enjoyable series, I think I heard great things about Wexler that I went with insane expectations that were hard to meet. The story is not very unique, but it was still fun to read. Maybe Star Wars will even find more to enjoy here.
Blood of the Chosen ★★★★
Emperor of Ruin ★★★ 1/2
I am stupid for not reviewing this series as I finished each book as the details are already hazy in my mind and I do remember parts of the plots, but not sure which book is which so I will review the whole series here with no spoilers.
This is my second time reading a Wexler story, the first being his novella Hard Reboot which I think was okay. This series was certainly better. The writing is good, and it shifts between two main POVs which were distinctive.
Maya and Gyre are well written and fleshed out. I think the secondary characters and the romance was also good. The book takes inspiration from Star Wars and although I am not a big expert on that, I still could see the influence. The plot is interesting although not very original. I think that that is okay as long as the author can add their own twist and Wexler did that. For me the story peaked by book two and although book three was good, it was a bit rushed.
Overall, it was an enjoyable series, I think I heard great things about Wexler that I went with insane expectations that were hard to meet. The story is not very unique, but it was still fun to read. Maybe Star Wars will even find more to enjoy here.
January 11, 2024
The Council and Senate have conferred responsibility to the Corruptor to rule the new Chosen Empire.
Declared traitor, Maya can only seek someone called Xalen in the Forge and hope a solution presents herself.
”He knows what his role is supposed to be in the story we tell ourselves, and he just steps into it.”
We also learn more about the history of the downfall of the Chosen through flashbacks of The Corruptor through Zephkiel, a dhakim researcher in Stoneroot.
We finally get some backstory to Ashok and the Plague, and the demise of the Empire - ans the lies spun.
Maya felt like she was reading a horror story, and the protagonist was about to go into the basement with the monster.
I loved seeing the development of all the characters from book one to here. Enemies, to allies, to enemies, to… Allies to lovers, to attempted murder, to…
It was just a whirlwind of fun!
Also, shout out to Kit because she is probably the most entertaining character I have read recently.
I think book two was my favourite of the series, but book three was probably my second favourite. Probably because this was more battle heavy and certain things seemed to fall into place too easily.
I think I wanted longer books which is a pretty high-handed complimentary weakness!
If you enjoyed the TV show Arcane, I would definitely recommend this!
Bookstagram
Declared traitor, Maya can only seek someone called Xalen in the Forge and hope a solution presents herself.
”He knows what his role is supposed to be in the story we tell ourselves, and he just steps into it.”
We also learn more about the history of the downfall of the Chosen through flashbacks of The Corruptor through Zephkiel, a dhakim researcher in Stoneroot.
We finally get some backstory to Ashok and the Plague, and the demise of the Empire - ans the lies spun.
Maya felt like she was reading a horror story, and the protagonist was about to go into the basement with the monster.
I loved seeing the development of all the characters from book one to here. Enemies, to allies, to enemies, to… Allies to lovers, to attempted murder, to…
It was just a whirlwind of fun!
Also, shout out to Kit because she is probably the most entertaining character I have read recently.
I think book two was my favourite of the series, but book three was probably my second favourite. Probably because this was more battle heavy and certain things seemed to fall into place too easily.
I think I wanted longer books which is a pretty high-handed complimentary weakness!
If you enjoyed the TV show Arcane, I would definitely recommend this!
Bookstagram
January 13, 2023
Yet another solid read from Django Wexler. This is the type of series that is so consistent from start to finish. If you enjoyed book one, you are likely to enjoy the rest of the series equally. For me, the world really shines here. I love the subtle insert of sci-fi mixed with a really cool fantastical world. Gyre and Maya are great main characters, and the supporting characters are equally as strong. Kit deserves the world and I absolutely adored her one liners.
The reason this doesn't get a 5 from me is similarly to the reason book 2 didn't as well. The ending was a bit rushed and the big battle over a lot faster than I wold have expected. Especially considering the beginning did drag a bit for me. I preferred our characters be together working to defeat the big bad for the ending of the series.
Overall, I love this world and really enjoy the characters. I think this is a great bridge book between YA fantasy and adult epic fantasy. I highly recommend!
The reason this doesn't get a 5 from me is similarly to the reason book 2 didn't as well. The ending was a bit rushed and the big battle over a lot faster than I wold have expected. Especially considering the beginning did drag a bit for me. I preferred our characters be together working to defeat the big bad for the ending of the series.
Overall, I love this world and really enjoy the characters. I think this is a great bridge book between YA fantasy and adult epic fantasy. I highly recommend!
August 11, 2024
A satisfying conclusion to a trilogy that keeps getting better with each book.
March 22, 2023
I have now completed four series by Django Wexler, and I can safely say that I will forever read anything he puts out. Emperor of Ruin closed out the Burningblade and Silvereye series perfectly.
Emperor of Ruin picks up immediately where Blood of the Chosen ends. Maya, Gyre, and the gang are left to pick up the pieces after they mistakenly release the Chosen. We really get a lot of insight into the Chosen and how they came about and ruled. The mechanic used to flesh them out was really well plotted out. I thought maybe being so late into the series, the last book, it would be too rushed, but it actually worked. With the fleshing out of the Chosen we really got a more in depth look into the magic system and how it might not appear to be what we, as readers, initially thought. I also really appreciate the arc everyone goes on in Emperor of Ruin. Every character is still struggling with their personal views. The action in Emperor of Ruin is also top notch, truly Wexler at his finest
Burningblade and Silvereye was a fun, adventurous, action-packed story that showcases Django Wexler's continued growth in writing. Maya and Gyre have solidified a place in my heart as characters I will forever cherish. Django Wexler, whenever you are ready to release your next book, I will be waiting.
Emperor of Ruin picks up immediately where Blood of the Chosen ends. Maya, Gyre, and the gang are left to pick up the pieces after they mistakenly release the Chosen. We really get a lot of insight into the Chosen and how they came about and ruled. The mechanic used to flesh them out was really well plotted out. I thought maybe being so late into the series, the last book, it would be too rushed, but it actually worked. With the fleshing out of the Chosen we really got a more in depth look into the magic system and how it might not appear to be what we, as readers, initially thought. I also really appreciate the arc everyone goes on in Emperor of Ruin. Every character is still struggling with their personal views. The action in Emperor of Ruin is also top notch, truly Wexler at his finest
Burningblade and Silvereye was a fun, adventurous, action-packed story that showcases Django Wexler's continued growth in writing. Maya and Gyre have solidified a place in my heart as characters I will forever cherish. Django Wexler, whenever you are ready to release your next book, I will be waiting.
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November 16, 2023Another Django Wexler, always entertaining.
#KitForPresident
#KitForPresident
September 11, 2023
4.5 stars
This might be my favourite book in the series and that says a lot for me, as I tend to be a big 'beginnings' person. It was still a bit too action-packed for me in some places, but overall I think this is truly the most well-balanced book of the trilogy and the ending was just PERFECTION!!
Also, where do I sign up to join the found family that is the highlight of this story? I love these messy characters so much and I am going to miss them now that this series is over!
Highly recommend this series if you want a fun and fast-paced fantasy that bridges the gap between YA and Adult and also includes some very cool magic and unique sci-fi world building elements. What a wild ride!
This might be my favourite book in the series and that says a lot for me, as I tend to be a big 'beginnings' person. It was still a bit too action-packed for me in some places, but overall I think this is truly the most well-balanced book of the trilogy and the ending was just PERFECTION!!
Also, where do I sign up to join the found family that is the highlight of this story? I love these messy characters so much and I am going to miss them now that this series is over!
Highly recommend this series if you want a fun and fast-paced fantasy that bridges the gap between YA and Adult and also includes some very cool magic and unique sci-fi world building elements. What a wild ride!
November 19, 2024
It has been a while since I’ve read a book in a few days, but Emperor of Ruin as the concluding novel in the Burningblade & Silvereye trilogy made it very easy. I loved the characters despite their tics, which have been overused like Beq adjusting her spectacles. Yet, I still chuckled at the misadventures of Varo’s friends or at Kit’s audacity. I guess, I have a few very spoilery critiques: I did enjoy Maya and Gyres development, both of them being more open to the world and finding common ground by working together. I was also happy to finally learn about the past of this world and how humanity was in this mess to begin with.
Overall, I’m very happy with this trilogy and can recommend it to people who like epic fantasy.
Overall, I’m very happy with this trilogy and can recommend it to people who like epic fantasy.
February 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was an enjoyable conclusion to this epic fantasy series. I have previously compared these books to Star Wars and, while that still is true, this story has really grown into it's own.
I appreciate how far this series has grown. The plot became more complex and the characters matured and developed along the way.
I would recommend this series to readers who want a fun fantasy series in the vein of Star Wars, but you will need to start back at the beginning with Ashes of the Sun.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was an enjoyable conclusion to this epic fantasy series. I have previously compared these books to Star Wars and, while that still is true, this story has really grown into it's own.
I appreciate how far this series has grown. The plot became more complex and the characters matured and developed along the way.
I would recommend this series to readers who want a fun fantasy series in the vein of Star Wars, but you will need to start back at the beginning with Ashes of the Sun.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 3, 2023
A great conclusion to the series. I wish we could have gotten a little more resolution in the epilogue but otherwise this was great. Idk what the plot could really be but I would like to see what Wexler does with the setting after this book. Could be interesting see the new society with humans, ghouls, and Chosen mixed together
October 2, 2023
Rep: lesbian mc, bi, lesbian & gay side characters
CWs: gore
just a couple of notes. if i'd read this immediately after book #2 i'd probably have enjoyed it more. if that side remark by kit about the only people gyre could have hooked up with being tanax and varo was meant as evidence of him being bi... okay... could have been clearer. also hard to say if zeph was meant to be trans since the whole comment about her not having to worry about periods/protection against pregnancy could have, you know, been a whole host of other things too!
kit tho <3
CWs: gore
just a couple of notes. if i'd read this immediately after book #2 i'd probably have enjoyed it more. if that side remark by kit about the only people gyre could have hooked up with being tanax and varo was meant as evidence of him being bi... okay... could have been clearer. also hard to say if zeph was meant to be trans since the whole comment about her not having to worry about periods/protection against pregnancy could have, you know, been a whole host of other things too!
kit tho <3
September 23, 2023
4.5 stars!
I'm so glad the final book didn't disappoint, I enjoyed this trilogy immensely!! It felt very unique with its cool mix of fantasy & sci-fi elements and 2 siblings at the heart of the story. Maya and Gyre are great main characters and I'm so glad we finally got to see them spend more time together in this book. Having watched their stories unfold since book 1 and then have them come together in the final installment made for a great finale & conclusion.
I also loved the fun and memorable side characters they picked up along the way - the found family trope in this one is certainly strong, and I enjoyed every moment of it! We got to see great character development, the growth of a beautiful & tender relationship, and very entertaining interactions that brought some much welcomed joy & relief. I wouldn't have minded a bit more of a resolution at the end, but maybe that's just me wanting to know what happens next, haha.
Overall, a fantastic series with a wonderful cast of characters, interesting plot and twists, and imaginative world-building that strikes a great balance between YA and adult.
I'm so glad the final book didn't disappoint, I enjoyed this trilogy immensely!! It felt very unique with its cool mix of fantasy & sci-fi elements and 2 siblings at the heart of the story. Maya and Gyre are great main characters and I'm so glad we finally got to see them spend more time together in this book. Having watched their stories unfold since book 1 and then have them come together in the final installment made for a great finale & conclusion.
I also loved the fun and memorable side characters they picked up along the way - the found family trope in this one is certainly strong, and I enjoyed every moment of it! We got to see great character development, the growth of a beautiful & tender relationship, and very entertaining interactions that brought some much welcomed joy & relief. I wouldn't have minded a bit more of a resolution at the end, but maybe that's just me wanting to know what happens next, haha.
Overall, a fantastic series with a wonderful cast of characters, interesting plot and twists, and imaginative world-building that strikes a great balance between YA and adult.
May 3, 2024
This is a super fun trilogy. It probably moves towards scifi a bit too much for me to be totally in love, but it's certainly an exciting trilogy and a bit bonkers
The character work is fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing the growth and the different characteristics shine through. Kit is obviously the star! Just hilarious
A good trilogy
The character work is fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing the growth and the different characteristics shine through. Kit is obviously the star! Just hilarious
A good trilogy
June 6, 2023
This book - and the Burningblade & Silvereye trilogy as a whole - is pure, awesome, unapologetic fantasy fun.
To give a brief intro to the trilogy: Maya and Gyre are roughly 5 and 8, respectively, when Maya is taken away to become a centarch. The centarchs are guardians of the Republic, the government that formed after the empire of the Chosen (who ruled humanity) was destroyed in the Plague War some centuries before the book begins. Centarchs are humans who can wield some portion of the power the Chosen had, and protect the world from the Plaguespawn that have been roaming the world ever since the end of the war. Or they’re the enforcers of a despotic government that keeps humanity bound to the will of their long-dead enslavers, depending on your point of view.
Maya grows up to believe in all the Republic stands for - or, at least, what the Republic *says* it stands for, which is not necessarily the same thing. Gyre grows up as a dissident. They do eventually encounter one another again (of course) with the expected drama.
The trilogy as a whole is fun and inventive. The worldbuilding is great, the plot is well-executed, the twists and turns deftly handled. The action sequences are very well done, and the characters are a delight. (Varo Plagueluck is a particular favorite, for any of my fellow fans of Dolorous Edd.) Overall the trilogy is a story one reads purely for entertainment, and it does a damn good job of it.
For those who have read the first two books, I’m happy to report that Wexler sticks the landing. The plot ending was satisfying, and the character endings warmed my cynical little heart. There’s certainly room within the world for a sequel, if the author wanted to write one, but there are no loose ends that will leave me wanting either.
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To give a brief intro to the trilogy: Maya and Gyre are roughly 5 and 8, respectively, when Maya is taken away to become a centarch. The centarchs are guardians of the Republic, the government that formed after the empire of the Chosen (who ruled humanity) was destroyed in the Plague War some centuries before the book begins. Centarchs are humans who can wield some portion of the power the Chosen had, and protect the world from the Plaguespawn that have been roaming the world ever since the end of the war. Or they’re the enforcers of a despotic government that keeps humanity bound to the will of their long-dead enslavers, depending on your point of view.
Maya grows up to believe in all the Republic stands for - or, at least, what the Republic *says* it stands for, which is not necessarily the same thing. Gyre grows up as a dissident. They do eventually encounter one another again (of course) with the expected drama.
The trilogy as a whole is fun and inventive. The worldbuilding is great, the plot is well-executed, the twists and turns deftly handled. The action sequences are very well done, and the characters are a delight. (Varo Plagueluck is a particular favorite, for any of my fellow fans of Dolorous Edd.) Overall the trilogy is a story one reads purely for entertainment, and it does a damn good job of it.
For those who have read the first two books, I’m happy to report that Wexler sticks the landing. The plot ending was satisfying, and the character endings warmed my cynical little heart. There’s certainly room within the world for a sequel, if the author wanted to write one, but there are no loose ends that will leave me wanting either.
My blog
January 18, 2023
THANK YOU TO ORBIT FOR AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR A FAIR REVIEW
This was an excellent ending to a trilogy!
One of my favorite things about this series is even though it was a plot driven novel there are small moments with the characters that made me feel the connections I also love the mix of science fiction and fantasy and how that affects the world creating interesting world building.
There are a few small things that I did not enjoy that much including a plot device that was not my favorite (personal preference). I wish it was longer to slow down the action at some points.
However, overall I loved the series and had a fun time reading it.
Would recommend to newer fantasy readers or readers looking for a unique take on fantasy.
This was an excellent ending to a trilogy!
One of my favorite things about this series is even though it was a plot driven novel there are small moments with the characters that made me feel the connections I also love the mix of science fiction and fantasy and how that affects the world creating interesting world building.
There are a few small things that I did not enjoy that much including a plot device that was not my favorite (personal preference). I wish it was longer to slow down the action at some points.
However, overall I loved the series and had a fun time reading it.
Would recommend to newer fantasy readers or readers looking for a unique take on fantasy.
June 15, 2025
This is still 5 stars, but it's definitely my least favourite of the trilogy.
As with the others, I've loved how queer this is. I also love how many of the characters are women. There were many parts where Gyre was the sole man on page.
I really liked the world building, and the slow deconstruction of what the characters were taught happened 400 years ago during the 'plague war'. I won't spoil anything, but I enjoyed learning about the truth.
One thing that dampened my enjoyment of this final book was a relative lack of Maya. Thanks to events at the end of book 2, Maya gets access to a dead person's memories when she dreams, so half of her chapters became Zephkiel's. Zeph wasn't a bad character, but Maya is my favourite and I felt we got less time with her as a result. Also, it was a bit shit to miss out on Maya's, a lesbian, POV for Zeph's, a straight woman having a hetero romance 😒
I also had a hard time believing the world and Order would suddenly be fine with dhakim and plaguespawn, considering 400 years of propaganda.
Overall, I've loved this trilogy! I definitely recommend it!
As with the others, I've loved how queer this is. I also love how many of the characters are women. There were many parts where Gyre was the sole man on page.
I really liked the world building, and the slow deconstruction of what the characters were taught happened 400 years ago during the 'plague war'. I won't spoil anything, but I enjoyed learning about the truth.
One thing that dampened my enjoyment of this final book was a relative lack of Maya. Thanks to events at the end of book 2, Maya gets access to a dead person's memories when she dreams, so half of her chapters became Zephkiel's. Zeph wasn't a bad character, but Maya is my favourite and I felt we got less time with her as a result. Also, it was a bit shit to miss out on Maya's, a lesbian, POV for Zeph's, a straight woman having a hetero romance 😒
I also had a hard time believing the world and Order would suddenly be fine with dhakim and plaguespawn, considering 400 years of propaganda.
Overall, I've loved this trilogy! I definitely recommend it!
February 3, 2024
Character: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Plot: ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆ ☆
Prose: ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆ ☆
World: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
OVERALL: ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆ ☆
This is my review for the trilogy, which I’ve been slowly reading over the last couple of months.
Ashes of the Sun came to my attention sometime during its release in the pandemic for two reasons. Firstly, the gorgeous cover designs, specifically the UK’s choice to have it be in black and white with those striking splashes of red. But most honestly — it was the hand. I can’t get over how much I love it?? It and the whole illustration look so otherworldly and interesting, and when I look at it I grow happy and end up wishing I could draw hands like that; Scott M. Fischer killed it. Secondly, it was marketed on one of my bedrock favourite dynamics — childhood friends-to-enemies, more specifically in the form of estranged siblings. For this the series has been on the back of my brain for a couple of years, and I finally took the plunge once I decided I was sick of starting series and not finishing them; I needed to train myself to go do that again, dammit!
And so here we are. That’s two trilogies done this year, now I need to go back and mop up some of the others scattered through my list.
Not going to lie, I thought there would be more interpersonal drama than ended up happening, and that’s deflated some of my opinions. I can’t say which of the siblings I “liked” more, as I found both to be a little … slippery. I’ve been trying to figure out what wasn’t meshing with me for a while now, and I’ve settled on that I was wanting more hard questions and dilemnas thrown at them. In the first book for example, Gyre doesn’t really have a character arc, and aside from the prologue, all but comes fully-formed into the story as the rebel who hates the government and the Twilight Order. I wanted him to be confronted. I wanted him to face hard questions such as, what if he’s (sometimes) wrong about his position? Maya has these kinds of questions posed to her which did make her more interesting to me. As such, I just found Gyre to be a little flat :(
With Maya, I’m not as sure; I think I just wanted more exploration of what it means to her to be a centarch, as in, inner reflection from her of how she came to the Twilight Order? The story she was told by the Order vs. what Gyre tells her kinda gets brushed over and man, that has so much potential to dig up other aspects to her situation I can’t help but feel there was … I hate saying this, but wasted opportunity here. I thought she had interesting flaws in that she had difficulty accepting the complications of the world/not easily seeing things from other perspectives, something that ends up costing her dearly, but I don’t think she had enough opportunities to interact with outsiders and show this characterisation to its fullest potential, as the people she mostly interacts with are either those within the Twilight Order, or enemies she’s out to slay.
As for other characters, Kit annoyed me very much in the first book due to her Manic-Pixie-Dream-Girl characterisation, but it did get better in the next two books once she had more people to dilute her page time. Varo was also fun with his stories about all his friends that either die or are awfully mutilated on the job. I also found the main antagonist of the series to be … okay. I don’t mind how he’s just some bad guy that needs to be dealt with, as the meat of the story should be about the dynamics between Maya and Gyre and those surrounding them, but I wish we got to see more of how his presence impacts the characters than ended up happening; one of my complaints with Emperor of Ruin are the flashbacks, the information of which I would have liked to have been delivered in a different manner.
Now, I’m pretty relaxed on worldbuilding in fantasy books. I’m equally happy with the five-minute crafts Abercrombie “the northern country is called the North and they speak Northern” approach as I am with the more elaborate Sanderson “here are fifty pages of characters musing on Alethi gender roles” style (actually I kid; please do not make me read fifty pages on made-up gender roles). So, imagine my surprise when my favourite thing in this trilogy ended up being the world Wexler built.
Four hundred years before the start of the story, a war between two factions called the Chosen and the Ghouls broke out. The Chosen wielded genetically disposed divine magic, and the Ghouls everyman biomagic. The sides wiped each other out, leaving behind a plague-ridden, gross-biomagic fallout post-apocalyptic fantasy world. But before the Chosen died out, they entrusted a group of humans capable of wielding divine magic to shepherd humankind as they did before; this group then became a Jedi-like order called the Twilight Order. What a playground to delve into! I loved the way the post-war politics shaped this story in the form of the Twilight Order, the government, and the rogue, fiercely independent Splinter Kingdoms. It was an amazing, interesting setup that other fantasy books only wished they could have the depths of, and I will be eagerly looking for more books with this much world potential in the future.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with these books and am glad I read them, and will carry fond memories of the worldbuilding in particular.
Plot: ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆ ☆
Prose: ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆ ☆
World: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
OVERALL: ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆ ☆
This is my review for the trilogy, which I’ve been slowly reading over the last couple of months.
Ashes of the Sun came to my attention sometime during its release in the pandemic for two reasons. Firstly, the gorgeous cover designs, specifically the UK’s choice to have it be in black and white with those striking splashes of red. But most honestly — it was the hand. I can’t get over how much I love it?? It and the whole illustration look so otherworldly and interesting, and when I look at it I grow happy and end up wishing I could draw hands like that; Scott M. Fischer killed it. Secondly, it was marketed on one of my bedrock favourite dynamics — childhood friends-to-enemies, more specifically in the form of estranged siblings. For this the series has been on the back of my brain for a couple of years, and I finally took the plunge once I decided I was sick of starting series and not finishing them; I needed to train myself to go do that again, dammit!
And so here we are. That’s two trilogies done this year, now I need to go back and mop up some of the others scattered through my list.
Not going to lie, I thought there would be more interpersonal drama than ended up happening, and that’s deflated some of my opinions. I can’t say which of the siblings I “liked” more, as I found both to be a little … slippery. I’ve been trying to figure out what wasn’t meshing with me for a while now, and I’ve settled on that I was wanting more hard questions and dilemnas thrown at them. In the first book for example, Gyre doesn’t really have a character arc, and aside from the prologue, all but comes fully-formed into the story as the rebel who hates the government and the Twilight Order. I wanted him to be confronted. I wanted him to face hard questions such as, what if he’s (sometimes) wrong about his position? Maya has these kinds of questions posed to her which did make her more interesting to me. As such, I just found Gyre to be a little flat :(
With Maya, I’m not as sure; I think I just wanted more exploration of what it means to her to be a centarch, as in, inner reflection from her of how she came to the Twilight Order? The story she was told by the Order vs. what Gyre tells her kinda gets brushed over and man, that has so much potential to dig up other aspects to her situation I can’t help but feel there was … I hate saying this, but wasted opportunity here. I thought she had interesting flaws in that she had difficulty accepting the complications of the world/not easily seeing things from other perspectives, something that ends up costing her dearly, but I don’t think she had enough opportunities to interact with outsiders and show this characterisation to its fullest potential, as the people she mostly interacts with are either those within the Twilight Order, or enemies she’s out to slay.
As for other characters, Kit annoyed me very much in the first book due to her Manic-Pixie-Dream-Girl characterisation, but it did get better in the next two books once she had more people to dilute her page time. Varo was also fun with his stories about all his friends that either die or are awfully mutilated on the job. I also found the main antagonist of the series to be … okay. I don’t mind how he’s just some bad guy that needs to be dealt with, as the meat of the story should be about the dynamics between Maya and Gyre and those surrounding them, but I wish we got to see more of how his presence impacts the characters than ended up happening; one of my complaints with Emperor of Ruin are the flashbacks, the information of which I would have liked to have been delivered in a different manner.
Now, I’m pretty relaxed on worldbuilding in fantasy books. I’m equally happy with the five-minute crafts Abercrombie “the northern country is called the North and they speak Northern” approach as I am with the more elaborate Sanderson “here are fifty pages of characters musing on Alethi gender roles” style (actually I kid; please do not make me read fifty pages on made-up gender roles). So, imagine my surprise when my favourite thing in this trilogy ended up being the world Wexler built.
Four hundred years before the start of the story, a war between two factions called the Chosen and the Ghouls broke out. The Chosen wielded genetically disposed divine magic, and the Ghouls everyman biomagic. The sides wiped each other out, leaving behind a plague-ridden, gross-biomagic fallout post-apocalyptic fantasy world. But before the Chosen died out, they entrusted a group of humans capable of wielding divine magic to shepherd humankind as they did before; this group then became a Jedi-like order called the Twilight Order. What a playground to delve into! I loved the way the post-war politics shaped this story in the form of the Twilight Order, the government, and the rogue, fiercely independent Splinter Kingdoms. It was an amazing, interesting setup that other fantasy books only wished they could have the depths of, and I will be eagerly looking for more books with this much world potential in the future.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with these books and am glad I read them, and will carry fond memories of the worldbuilding in particular.
October 9, 2023
This was a great conclusion. Whilst it was a bit predictable at times, it did not take away from my enjoyment. I still find Maya a bit annoying but really loved Gyre and Kit. This is a satisfying conclusion yes, but the door has been left open for more stories and I would not be opposed to more stories in this world.
May 12, 2025
3.5 such an underrated fantasy series
December 4, 2023
I LOVED this trilogy. So much fun all the way through. This was a perfect final chapter.
I hope Wexler decides to write more in this world, even if it's with a different set of characters. (But such great characters in this series 🥲)
I hope Wexler decides to write more in this world, even if it's with a different set of characters. (But such great characters in this series 🥲)
March 12, 2025
Action packed read
December 2, 2023
3.25/5 - Enjoyed the listen. To me it wasn’t quite as good as the first two, but still good.
October 28, 2023
I fell in love with this series since book one and I am happy to report that this was a great conclusion! I loved being back with this cast of characters, especially as everything converges! Once again, I'm very grateful to the author for the series recap at the beginning, I was right back in the story.
Bullet review:
- Action-packed
- Awesome magic
- Epic battles
- Excellent cast
- Great conclusion
I love this series: the magic is interesting and full of surprises, the plot is fast-paced, and the character arcs are fantastic. I can't say much without spoilers for the previous books but if you like high epic fantasy that is not grimdark, this is one to pick up!
Bullet review:
- Action-packed
- Awesome magic
- Epic battles
- Excellent cast
- Great conclusion
I love this series: the magic is interesting and full of surprises, the plot is fast-paced, and the character arcs are fantastic. I can't say much without spoilers for the previous books but if you like high epic fantasy that is not grimdark, this is one to pick up!
November 24, 2024
This was an impressive series and the finale delivered.
After the events of the second book, things really take off and are face paced and filled with lots of action and even include some fun new characters!
It feels weird the series is over. I can definitely see another trilogy set in the same world.
After the events of the second book, things really take off and are face paced and filled with lots of action and even include some fun new characters!
It feels weird the series is over. I can definitely see another trilogy set in the same world.
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