Christopher Ruocchio's science fiction book "Empire of Silence" blends the grandeur of epic space opera with the comforts of a character-driven story. It was refreshing to read a character-driven story in the fantasy genre, which is not often found. To be honest, they can be hit or miss because the experience could be spoiled if readers don't connect with the main character. But there was no such problem with this book.
The protagonist, Hadrian Marlowe, is a compelling and multi-dimensional character, and the story describes his journey from a naïve, ambitious young noble to being a central figure in a cosmic conflict, with a healthy mix of planetary adventures, political intrigues, and struggles along the way. The author expertly weaves together Hadrian's personal struggles, moral quandaries, introspections, and his continuous evolution as a character, making him a relatable and likable presence, and I felt really invested in his journey. I liked the fact that he was shown not as a perfect hero, but a person prone to mistakes and taking decisions that are not always morally right. It mirrors the reality of our own world, where not everything is black or white but rather something in between, and every decision has consequences, sometimes fatal.
The world building is exceptional, painting a vivid and immersive picture that captivates the reader’s imagination and his longing for cosmic adventures. Intermittent information titbits are provided to the readers regarding the diverse planets, alien cultures, the cosmic world view, and the different political wheels that turn and influence the universe. The writing style is accessible, eloquent, and thought-provoking, with engaging dialogue and well-thought-out storylines. The pacing of the novel is well-crafted, and I felt the overall story flowed well with only a few minor hiccups in between. It's a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as power, identity, and the implications of one’s decisions.
It's not a trivial read at roughly 750 pages, but the intriguing tale and the temptation of new adventures and story lines helped. Having read some large tomes previously, this one seemed to fly by.
People expecting a lot of action and fight scenes might have to look elsewhere. There are some good action scenes, and I personally felt that they were finely woven into the overall fabric of the plot. Some of the action scenes were quite intense and satisfying.
The only grievance I had was that the prose felt a little bit overly dramatic at times, but it was just an occasional feeling I had and not something that spoiled my overall reading experience.
In conclusion, as you may have guessed, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. After finishing the story, I was surprised to hear that it was the author's debut work, because the way his prose flows and his immersive writing style gave me the impression of a seasoned author who understands his craft well. I'm really looking forward to the second installment, which I've heard is even better than the first.
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