Winner of the 2015 David Gemmell Award for Best Fantasy Debut. An explosive fantasy debut, The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley is a fast-paced, thrilling epic. If you like Joe Abercrombie and George R. R. Martin, you'll love this. 'Will keep you turning the pages late at night' - Pierce Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of Red Rising The circle is closing. The stakes are high. And old truths will live again . . . The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must prepare to ...
Read More
Winner of the 2015 David Gemmell Award for Best Fantasy Debut. An explosive fantasy debut, The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley is a fast-paced, thrilling epic. If you like Joe Abercrombie and George R. R. Martin, you'll love this. 'Will keep you turning the pages late at night' - Pierce Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of Red Rising The circle is closing. The stakes are high. And old truths will live again . . . The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must prepare to unmask a conspiracy. His son Valyn, training for the empire's deadliest fighting force, hears the news an ocean away. And after several 'accidents' and a dying soldier's warning, he realizes his life is also in danger. Yet before Valyn can act, he must survive the mercenaries' brutal final initiation. The Emperor's daughter, Minister Adare, hunts her father's murderer in the capital. Court politics can be fatal, but she needs justice. Lastly Kaden, heir to the empire, studies in a remote monastery. Here, the Blank God's disciples teach their harsh ways, which Kaden must master to unlock ancient powers. But when an imperial delegation arrives, has he learnt enough to keep him alive, as long-hidden powers make their move? 'A vividly imagined story of conspiracy and empire' - Col Buchanan 'A fantastic and compelling fantasy world' - Io9 The Emperor's Blades is the first novel in Brain Staveley's epic Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series. Continue the story with The Providence of Fire.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Used book in good and clean conditions. Pages and cover are intact. Limited notes marks and highlighting may be present. May show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges. Item may be missing CDs or access codes. May include library marks. Fast Shipping.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. This hardback book shows normal wear and tear. The edges of the pages have markings, spots, or stains. Shipped to you from Goodwill of the Valleys, Roanoke VA. Thank you for your support!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Very entertaining yet predictable fantasy, although I have to admit, I didn't see Adare's twist coming. Anyway, I came here from Skullsworn, and I have to say, the strongest asset with the Unhewn Throne is the very interesting world-building. The Emperor's Blades, however was great, but imo not as solid as Skullsworn. The novel is still adventurous, sad at times, and soooooo quotably eloquent. It kept me at attention for the majority of it, despite the predictability of some of the plot. The characters were very solid, albeit dumb at times. I knew that Skullsworn was a prequel diving into Pyrre's story more, but I do absolutely love how involved Pyrre Lakatur is towards the end of this book. She is one of my favorite fantasy characters at this point, and getting to read about her during the events of this book made me so happy. It was especially fun, having known the events of the prequel before taking a crack at this book.
I had mostly two big objections beside the predictability. Adare felt mostly absent throughout the book in comparison to the role her brothers played, her part mostly being a smidge of political intrigue and a good twist added into the plot. Secondly, Valyn is perhaps the dumbest character ever for being one of the supposedly best trained soldiers/assassins of the empire, but whatever, his story is still quite entertaining and hopefully he redeems himself throughout the series. Overall though, really good fantasy epic and a definite favorite.
