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Shadows Upon Time

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Shadows Upon Time

By: Christopher Ruocchio
Narrated by: Samuel Roukin
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$8.99/month after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends on 29 July 2026 at 11:59 AEST.

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Bloomsbury presents Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio read by Samuel Roukin

The seventh and final novel of the galaxy-spanning series merges the best of space opera and epic fantasy, as Hadrian Marlowe at last lights the greatest fire humanity has ever seen.

The trumpet sounds.

The end has come at last. After his victory at Vorgossos, Hadrian Marlowe finds himself a fugitive, on the run not only from the Extrasolarians, but from his own people, the Sollan Empire he betrayed—and who betrayed him. Hidden safely beyond the borders of human space, Hadrian awaits the arrival of the one ally he has left: the Jaddian Prince Kaim-Olorin du Otranto.

What's more, the inhuman Cielcin have vanished, unseen for more than one hundred years. The armies of men have grown complacent, but Hadrian knows the truth: the Cielcin are gathering their strength, preparing for their final assault against the heart of all mankind.

Only Hadrian possesses the power to stem the tide: an ancient war machine, forged by the daimon machines at the dawn of time. The mighty Demiurge. With it, Hadrian must face not just the Cielcin horde, but their Prophet-King, and the dark gods it serves—the very gods who shaped the universe itself.

This must be.©2025 Christopher Ruocchio (P)2025 Recorded Books LLC Military Science Fiction Space Opera Royalty
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Critic Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE SUN EATER SERIES:

'Space opera fans will savor the rich details... Readers who like a slow-building story with a strong character focus will find everything they're looking for' —Publishers Weekly

'With the scope of Dune and a confessional, first-person voice that puts us into the mind of a possible madman, this is space opera at its most riveting and grandiose' —B&N Book Review

'A craftsman of rare ability, Christopher Ruocchio lures you into a future filled with danger, action, irony, vaulting prose, and a few precious dollops of hope.' —David Brin

'Science fiction at its most genuinely epic. Ruocchio has made something fascinating here, and I can't wait to see what he does next.' —James S. A. Corey, New York Times-bestselling author of The Expanse novels

'Epic-scale space opera in the tradition of Iain M. Banks and Frank Herbert's Dune, without being a clone of either of them. His is a welcome new voice in science fiction.' —Eric Flint

'A rich tapestry of future history and worldbuilding, a galactic-sized story of a hero, a tyrant, but portrayed as a man.' —Kevin J. Anderson

'Packs in action and erudition in equal measure. This is a gripping first installment in a space opera that delivers both high-adrenaline thrills and hard-earned wisdom about the human spirit.' —D.J. Butler

'A richly imagined epic, briskly and vividly told.' —R.M. Meluch

'This wow book is a must for fans of Pierce Brown and Patrick Rothfuss."
All stars
Most relevant
The story is good but there are too many big chunks in made-up alien languages which are then translated. These bits really distract and take away from the story.
Also, narrator needs to pronounce lichen, chitin, chitinous and machinations* properly. Not "ch" as in "cheese" but as in "school".
* I know machinations could be either depending where you come from but the other words are just wrong when said the way he does. Similarly with "buoyed". I think it should be said like "Boyd" not "boo-eed" but also aware that for many he is saying it right.

Good story but alien language unnecessary

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This series was perfection, from start to finish. Everything written had a purpose and was so deep and dramatic. Loved every second of it, so sad it's over :(

Amazing series!

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Too often do I read a series that finishes poorly. Not this series though as I believe it may be one of the finest finishes to a series I’ve had the pleasure of reading.

About perfect finish

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Mediocre ending to a pretty decent series, was hoping for a more satisfying conclusion. Was also quite a drag through the Centre of the book. Probably my least favourite of the series

Disappointing ending

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Left the series wondering if it had ended or really begun, didn’t get that “finished” feeling, maybe that was partly the goal, either way.. least favourite in the series

Didn’t love the ending

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