Howling Dark

Sun Eater, Book 2

By: Christopher Ruocchio

Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

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 find a way to contact the elusive alien Cielcin. He has not succeeded and for years has wandered among the barbarian Normans as captain of a band of mercenaries.

Determined to make peace and bring an end to nearly 400 years of war, 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Christopher Ruocchio (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group

An Intense and Gripping Sequel

Howling Dark is an immersive and intense continuation of the series that really deepens the story. The darker and more complex tone had me fully absorbed in Hadrian’s journey. The pacing is spot on, and the emotional depth kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a powerful follow-up that builds on everything great about the first book, delivering more action, intrigue, and character growth. If you’re into epic sci-fi that keeps you engaged, this one is definitely worth your time.

Why oh why did they change the narrator?

First book was amazing. Pulled me into the world, introduced me to all the characters (and there voices!), got me nice and comfortable with who was who over 30+ plus hours without ever leaving me board or confused. I could not wait to start this book and then I see it, my heart skips a beat in fear, they changed the narrator. Okay, I say to myself. This happens some time, be cool. So I take a breath and press play only to be met with the bloody Wise Old Elf from Ben and Hollys little kingdom doing the voice of every bloody character! It’s the GoT audiobooks all over again. An old man trying to do 20 different voices that all come out basically the same. Don’t get me wrong, they guy doing the reading here was (RIP) a good narrator and actor but is completely wrong for the story. Add this to the jarring effect of having to bed in a new narrator after so many hours of listening and I could barely make it through few chapters leaving me with the bluest of blue literary balls.

Good story but a poor narrator

The narrator makes every character seem like an old man. The story is very good.

Absolute rubbish narration

What can I say it is hard to merit a book that has such bad narration. He has a child like rhythm to his voice that sounds more like a kindly old man pouring you a cup of tea beside the fireplace. Even in the heat of threat and battle when the characters are shouting out in alarm the narrator sounds like a gentleman asking you so pass him the sugar bowl. Also nearly every character sounds the same. Because of this i was unable to feel much investment for the characters and wished the book to move on to the end …its very long . In a dark book like this you need heavier tones so I gave the story a 3 because i just dont know how good the book is given the pitiful narration ……..perhaps Steven Vance or Johnathan Keebles …..very disappointing and im in the last hour now and have stuck with it

A neverstarting story

This is the second book in this series that I’ve read and it promises grand epic adventures, but it still delivers less than mediocre. The books describe in detail the struggles of our hero, but it never really starts. It’s like Harry Potter and the deathly hallows part of 1 (the campingtrip) only 10xworse.