Empire of Silence

The writing is top-notch and I'm amazed by the scope of the story. A lot happened with Hadrian considering it's the first book and some big moments made me root for him as the main character. It didn't give me enough punch emotionally especially at the end to give it a 5 stars. Once I know the background story of the Cielcins maybe it will make more sense.

I'm sure on rereading it I will like it more once I connect the dots and I'm more invested in the background characters and their agendas.