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Nicole Pardus

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Grave Empire (The Great Silence, #1)

by Richard Swan (Goodreads Author)

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Reading for the 2nd time

read in February 2025

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Nicole Pardus said: " Richard Swan has officially entered my auto-buy author list. After devouring the Empire of the Wolf trilogy, I went into Grave Empire expecting great writing and a compelling story—but Swan still managed to surprise me. This book is an incredible ble Richard Swan has officially entered my auto-buy author list. After devouring the Empire of the Wolf trilogy, I went into Grave Empire expecting great writing and a compelling story—but Swan still managed to surprise me. This book is an incredible blend of dark fantasy and horror, with an even richer, more immersive version of Sova than before.

“There was nothing sweeter than life itself. Everything else was a problem that could be solved, or endured. Death did nothing except remove all options.”

Set 200 years after the conclusion of Empire of the Wolf, Grave Empire stands entirely on its own. You do not need to read the original trilogy to dive into this one—but for longtime fans, the connections and callbacks woven throughout are an absolute treat.

Before getting into the story itself, I have to highlight Swan’s writing style. His worldbuilding is precise and immersive, effortlessly creating a setting that feels both expansive and lived-in. The prose is sharp yet fluid, and the dialogue is some of the best in the genre. Each point-of-view character feels distinct and fully realized, drawing me deeper into the unfolding mystery. And as always, Swan’s use of epigraphs and chapter titles is a standout feature.

The novel follows three main characters:
Renata, an ambassador to the merpeople, navigating the delicate politics of interspecies diplomacy.
Peter, a lieutenant stationed in a desolate, ominous outpost.
Von Oldenburg, a wealthy politician orchestrating some of the most chilling evil in the book.

All three must face an encroaching, world-ending horror that threatens everything they know. The character work is phenomenal—Swan’s ability to balance deeply personal struggles with high-stakes, cosmic terror is what sets him apart. I won’t go into too much detail on the plot, but I will say this: Swan’s creativity is absolutely top-tier. And yes—sharks > horses, forever.

One of Grave Empire’s biggest strengths is its atmosphere. The haunting, dread-filled tone lingers throughout, making this one of the most unique fantasy novels I’ve read in a long time. The horror elements are seamlessly woven into the world, creating something both unsettling and exhilarating. If this is just the beginning, I cannot wait to see how Swan expands on these themes in the rest of the trilogy.

It may only be February, but I already know this will be one of my favorite dark fantasy books of the year.
Huge thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for the physical and e-ARC! ...more "

Feb 02, 2025 03:43PM · see review