The Definitive Sun Eater Series Ranking & Reading Order Guide
This ranking was based on the overall emotional impact and enjoyment of each book. This is my ranking of the books, and hopefully the explanations for each help you understand why I have them ranked in this order. Regardless of where they fall on the list, this series has joined the ranks of genre-defining space opera like Foundation and Hyperion, blending philosophical depth with jaw-dropping action in a way that makes it a must-read for anyone who loves deep character work, expansive world-building, and a story that is both epic and intimate.
Looking for individual book reviews and series overview? Check out our complete Sun Eater series page.
BroMantasy's Ranking of the Sun Eater Series
In this ranking, we will touch on exactly what we liked—or didn't—about each book and why it's ranked where it is.
Empire of Silence
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: A galaxy-spanning Romanesque empire of empire-sized spaceships and countless planet-cracking technologies, the Feudal Space Federation exists as an engaging, engrossing, fantasy world
- ★ Characters: The growth from proud young prince to reluctant, lonely, last hope for an empire against all odds is an exciting journey, but a couple of his companions are built to type
- ★ Plot & Pacing: A longer build-up, but one that more reads as an extended prologue to a series than an adventure of its own, with some intense moments in between
- ★ Magic/Tech: The integration of advanced technologies surpassing simple magical effects creates deeper combat scenarios while preserving the essence of space opera.
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A good start to a space opera with a well-defined world and characters that still hasn't got to the exciting part yet
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Kingdoms of Death
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Expands the universe with the totalitarian Commonwealth and haunting Cielcin homeworld
- ★ Characters: Hadrian's ultimate breaking point showcased with devastating psychological depth and a truly complext and demonic antagonist
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Drags during imprisonment but becomes un-put-downable in the final 40%
- ★ Magic/Tech: The Quiet's vision powers get clearer rules and compelling limitations
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: An absolute Grimdark Sci-Fantasy masterpiece that will leave you simultaneously emotionally destroyed and begging for more
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Ashes of Man
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Expands the Sun Eater universe with Extrasolarians, Jaddians, and deeper imperial politics while maintaining perfect scope.
- ★ Characters: Masterful portrayal of grief and PTSD recovery with the most realistic romantic partnership in sci-fi.
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Two perfectly balanced acts: intense politicking followed by edge of your seat siege warfare.
- ★ Magic/Tech: The Quiet and advanced technology seamlessly blend with cosmic horror elements during battle sequences.
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: An almost perfect blend of character work, politics, and action that serves as an amazing addition to the Sun Eater series.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Howling Dark
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Galaxy spanning universe that moves beyond the Empire to the horrors of deep space where unimaginable things and technologies lie
- ★ Characters: Amazing development of Hadrian from his hopeful and innocent beginnings to the hard and sometimes morally ambiguous soldier, as well as incredible side characters
- ★ Plot & Pacing: A non-stop drive forward as the story goes from a mystery to horror to action, with every moment of the book propelling the larger story
- ★ Magic/Tech: Technology that is on the edge of magic, such as ancient AIs and devices that literally change reality
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: This stunning space opera transcends its genre to become essential reading for epic story enthusiasts.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Demon in White
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Vastly expanded universe showing the true scale of the Sollan Empire with incredible depth
- ★ Characters: Hadrian's evolution into the Halfmortal legend with complex relationships and growth
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Perfect pacing mastery, 700+ pages with not a single wasted moment
- ★ Magic/Tech: The Quiet's cosmic mysteries deepened with mind-bending revelations
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A breathtaking space opera masterpiece that sets the standard for the genre, that serves as a master class in pacing and world building.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Disquiet Gods
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Masterful blend of familiar and new worlds across time with incredible political structure and cosmic scope
- ★ Characters: 600-year-old Hadrian's evolution as a father brings profound emotional depth and moral complexity
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Perfect pacing through 5 distinct acts building to epic revelations and series finale setup
- ★ Magic/Tech: Technology and god-like abilities create fascinating dynamics, though less focus than other elements
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: Everything you've loved about Sun Eater combined perfectly for an epic lead-up to the final book
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Shadows Upon Time
by Christopher Ruocchio
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Expansive lore revelations and political maneuvering that answers long awaited questions about the Chantry, Watchers, and Quiet
- ★ Characters: Hadrian's transformation from naive idealist to Sun Eater reaches its painful, inevitable conclusion alongside standout supporting cast
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Intricate plot weaving with jaw-dropping twists, though occasional exposition and stylistic choices can slow momentum
- ★ Magic/Tech: Deeper exploration of Hadrian's powers and the Demiurge without turning him into a Gary Stu
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: Christoper Ruoccio's magnum opus, a genre defining conclusion that delivers on every promise, weaving plot lines across the series into a cohesive whole, leaving enough room for the possbility of more Sun Eater in the future. Never betraying what was foretold by the narrator Hadrian, while creating just enough room for debate and discussion for years to come
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Reading Order: Emotional Impact or Linear Progression?
Christopher Ruocchio has provided an official reading order that includes all novellas and short stories. Since I haven’t read those yet, I’m also including the publication order and a community-suggested reading order based on emotional impact. The community-suggested reading order is based on the consensus of emotional impact, while the official reading order is a more linear path through the series. Choose the path that fits your reading style.
1. Christopher Ruocchio's Official Reading Order (Complete)
This is the official reading order from Christopher Ruocchio, and it's the one that he recommends if you want to read all releases and not just the main series.
The Lesser Devil
Queen Amid Ashes
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 1
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 2
The Dregs of Empire
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 3
2. The Publication Order
This is the publication order of the books, and it's the one that you should read if you want to read the books in the order that they were released.
The Lesser Devil
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 1
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 2
Queen Amid Ashes
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 3
The Dregs of Empire
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 4
3. The Community Sourced Reading Order
This is the reading order that the community has suggested based on the emotional impact of the order.
The Lesser Devil
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 1
Queen Amid Ashes
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 2
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 3
The Dregs of Empire
Tales of the Sun Eater
Vol. 4
Empire of Silence Character Guide
Some of the most influential characters from book one, to help you wrap your head around things as you start the series.
Hadrian Marlowe
Key Traits
Bio:
Our morally complex narrator whose journey from noble heir to galactic legend forms the spine of the series. Hadrian is torn between his father's ambitions for him and his own dreams of becoming a scholiast. He's a man caught between duty and desire, nobility and compassion.
Crispin Marlowe
Key Traits
Bio:
Hadrian's younger brother who embodies everything their father wants in an heir. Where Hadrian is contemplative and bookish, Crispin is aggressive and martial. He represents the path Hadrian is expected to follow but desperately wants to avoid.
Valka Onderra
Key Traits
Bio:
A Tavrosi scientist studying alien ruins on Emesh when she crosses paths with Hadrian. Valka is fiercely intelligent with a razor wit and no patience for imperial prejudice. Her outsider perspective challenges Hadrian's worldview throughout the series.
Tor Gibson
Key Traits
Bio:
The scholiast assigned to House Marlowe who becomes the father figure Hadrian desperately needs. Gibson nurtures Hadrian's intellectual curiosity and love of learning, providing wisdom and encouragement in a cold aristocratic household. His influence shapes Hadrian's entire worldview.
Liliana Kephalos-Marlowe
Key Traits
Bio:
Hadrian's mother and a daughter of the powerful House Kephalos. Liliana is the epitome of imperial nobility—reserved, proper, and emotionally removed. She represents the cold aristocratic world that values duty and bloodlines over individual dreams.
Cat
Key Traits
Bio:
A young woman Hadrian meets during his desperate years on Emesh. Cat's street-smart survival instincts and fierce loyalty become a lifeline for Hadrian in his darkest moments, reminding him of his humanity when he has nothing else.
Anaïs Mataro
Key Traits
Bio:
The sophisticated daughter of House Mataro who wields political power with grace and precision. Anaïs is intelligent and perceptive, seeing through Hadrian's deceptions while playing her own careful games in the dangerous political landscape of Emesh.
Lord Balian Mataro
Key Traits
Bio:
The aging lord who rules Emesh from the edge of civilized space. Balian must balance the demands of the Empire, the threat of Cielcin raids, and the politics of his own house. His decisions shape the opportunities and dangers Hadrian faces on Emesh.