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Howling Dark (Sun Eater)

4.1(22)
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About the book

Now in paperback, the second novel of the galaxy-spanning Sun Eater series merges the best of space opera and epic fantasy, as Hadrian Marlowe continues down a path that can only end in fire.

Hadrian Marlowe is lost.

For half a century, he has searched the farther suns for the lost planet of Vorgossos, hoping to discover a way to contact the elusive alien Cielcin. He has pursued false leads for years among the barbarian Normans as captain of a band of mercenaries, but Hadrian remains determined to make peace and bring an end to nearly four hundred years of war.

Desperate to find answers, Hadrian must venture beyond the security of the Sollan Empire and among the Extrasolarians who dwell between the stars. There, he will face not only the aliens he has come to offer peace, but contend with creatures that once were human, with traitors in his midst, and with a meeting that will bring him face to face with no less than the oldest enemy of mankind.

If he succeeds, he will usher in a peace unlike any in recorded history. If he fails, the galaxy will burn.

Editions (4)

ISBN9780756413040
PublisherDAW
Publication Date06/30/20
Pages800

Reviews & Ratings

22 ratings

2 reviews

4.1

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  • finsfantasybooks
    finsfantasybooks

    15 Followers

    3.0

    Hadrian likes the Voice of his own words too much. If he’d stop monologing for a bit, it would be such a struggle to read.

    Jul 3, 2025

  • mort
    mort

    3 Followers

    4.0

    4,5/5 Sun Eater continues to impress. There’s not much critique I can give this book except that the first third of it felt like it could have been shorter. I get that Ruocchio needed to give the reader an introduction and an overview of what’s been going on with everything in the last few decades. It just felt like the first time in Sun Eater where a section of the story was a means to an end, which honestly is a praise on its own. This first third aside, Howling Dark is phenomenal. The worldbuilding escalates and Ruocchio dives into themes (and settings) that are dark, hopeless and sometimes as old as the universe itself. Of course, Hadrian’s character development is top-notch and sometimes all over the place in the best way possible. While Empire of Silence showed much of Hadrian’s idealism, wishful thinking and naivete, it feels like Howling Dark, is war’s answer to it all and the first step on Hadrian’s path that leads to a galaxy drenched in blood.

    Aug 13, 2025

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