Disquiet Gods

The penultimate chapter of the Sun Eater--- and it delivers.

An undisputed masterpiece of science fiction. Everything is moving towards the ultimate climax of the story, and while the story is fast paced, it also slows enough to breath, to let us in Hadrian's deep inner thoughts, to get to know new characters, and some that are not so new.

Cannot say much without spoilers, but this might be the best book yet--which is saying a lot given how fantastic Howling Dark, and Demon in White were.

Ruocchio is exploring vast themes with the series--from the nature of mankind, its relationship with the universe, and the nature of the cosmos itself.

5 STARS....5 GIGANTIC SUN EATER SUNS!

Full disclosure, I did read an earc of this book, but I purchased it for $14.99 from the publishers website. It was worthy every penny.

I don't think I even have the capacity to explain how incredible this book is. There will never be a series like this one, this story has easily been solidified as my favorite of all time. So many brain breaking, jaw dropping, awe inspiring moments. I didn't want it to end I tried savoring the last 100 pages over a span of 4 days, I've never done that. This series has permanently altered my brain chemistry, 6/5 stars, Sun eater is a classic in the making indeed.

So, I don't love where the macro story in Sun Eater is going, I think, but Ruocchio is such a good writer that it doesn't matter that much. This book is crazy and definitely mind bending and thought provoking, but some of the answers to the questions we are getting are in directions that I have little to no interest in. There is also a major character introduced in this one that I think didn't really land. They are more of a concept of a character, than a character themselves. Ruocchio's side characters have always been a relative weakness of the series.

However, the last third or so of this book was absolutely wild, top tier entertainment and mind-blowing reveals, creepy imagery and some of the best characters in the series. As always, the character writing for Hadrian is just incredible, Hadrian is very very old and he feels his age. And as always, Ruocchio's prose is fantastic.

Not my favorite of the series like it is for some people, but not my least favorite either.

8/10

I really love this story and universe. But I continue to find the books bloated and long winded. I think these novels could be trimmed 100 pages typically. I understand the need to build up characters and set up the set pieces that these novels deliver on but sometimes the spaces in between cause the story to lose momentum for me.

I have loved each installment of this series so far. The religious themes were always apparent, but in an open and vague sort of way that didn't isolate a non-Christian reader. I also very much enjoy angel versus demons themes pulled from Christian mythology. The author being Catholic is very apparent, and that was also perfectly okay by me. Of course he's going to explore his existential musings in his books with that religious lens. I quite enjoy that as long as I'm not being preached at.

But then, boom! Egg Jesus. The Quiet being a monotheistic entity was always known, but vague and nuanced. Now, there's no wiggle room. This is the Christian god. Our “good” angel explains this by describing that, actually, Hadrian isn't saving the existence of this god. Silly Hadrian, god wants to save you! The egg is just an incarnation of himself that will still inevitably come, and that their Oracle incarnation has been killed once before (Jesus). You can't stop egg Jesus, Hadrian. Judgement Day is coming no matter what you do.

We the readers get to experience a whole sermon directed at egg Jesus's wayward sheep (Hadrian). In a church, no less. By an angel. And don't forget God is like, so sad by human suffering. He'd really like to save you from this galactic genocide with scary predator aliens but that would make him a tyrant to interfere. Don't worry, he totally loves you. Now follow His plan already!

If this was clearly labeled as Christian Fic, I would have been able to make an informed choice. Christian Sci-Fi as a genre should absolutely exist. But I shouldn't have had to experience a bait and switch 6 books in for that sub-genre to make itself clear.

Absolute masterclass. If you enjoyed book 2-3 then you'll 100% love this. It's basically a book baby between the 2. You get a character coming back from book which was awesome and you get the political machinations of book 3. What's not to love?

I enjoyed the addition of Hadrian's daughter, Cassandra. Since becoming a Dad I always get a better relationship from parent/child stories than I would have otherwise since I truly can understand the love that Hadrian feels. I do wish Cassandra would have had more of a part other than Hadrian telling her she can't come with him and Cassandra pleading her way into coming, but I'm sure she'll have an important part in book 7 that I am so ready for!

I enjoyed Ruocchio's chapter about the God in his book and kind of opening your eyes about real life and our relationship with God. Nice bit of Christian psychology for ya.

Favorite books this year so far:
1. Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
2. Disquiet Gods by Christopher Ruocchio
3. The Dragons of Deepwood Fen by Bradley Beaulieu
4. The King Killing Queen by Shawn Speakman
5. Son of the Blacksword by Larry Correia

Book 6 of The Suneater series. What a trip.

Elements of Hadrian's travels that were scattered through his overall story are coming together and he's beginning to understand what he's really been fighting for, and fighting against. Ruocchio puts his skill as a story teller on display here as he continues to drop Hadrian into ever increasing levels of danger. Each chapter reveals another undercurrent, another clandestine agreement between his enemies, another reason to continue into further danger. As the book closes we have a new understanding of the horrific nature of his task.

This series starts out strong and Ruoccio increases his muscle with each volume. It's as if he's re-writing the landscape of his genre and setting a new baseline against which others will be judged.