For almost a hundred years, Hadrian Marlowe has served the Empire in its war against the Cielcin, a vicious alien race bent on humanity’s destruction. Rumors of a new king amongst the Cielcin have reached the Imperial throne. This one is not like the others. It does not raid borderworld territories, preferring precise, strategic attacks on the humans’ Empire.
To make matters worse, a cult of personality has formed around Hadrian, spurred on by legends of his having defied death itself. Men call him Halfmortal. Hadrian’s rise to prominence proves dangerous to himself and his team, as pressures within the Imperial government distrust or resent his new influence.
Caught in the middle, Hadrian must contend with enemies before him—and behind.
And above it all, there is the mystery of the Quiet. Hadrian did defy death. He did return. But the keys to the only place in the universe where Hadrian might find the answers he seeks lie in the hands of the Emperor himself….
Author
Christopher Ruocchio
Christopher Ruocchio is the internationally best-selling author of more than 7 books, including the Sun Eater science fantasy series and the upcoming Doomsong Saga, as well as more than 25 works of short fiction. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Christopher received his Bachelor’s Degree in English Rhetoric from North Carolina State University in 2015, with a minor in Classics. He sold his first novel—Empire of Silence—at 22, and his work has appeared in more than 14 languages. In his time at Baen Books, he edited 8 anthologies, including Sword & Planet. His work has also appeared in Marvel Comics.Christopher lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
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