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An Anthem of Suns
"All men break the same. If not from love, then from fear."
The heir to a burning empire and a banished historian are destined for a bloodthirsty intrigue known as the Assassin Games, where they must learn to kill in the name of a cruel power or become prey.
Before the trials of the Bruscha-Jeki began bleeding the humanity from his body, Sorinn Pjuiia served in his father's Imperial Navy over the course of eight centuries, patiently awaiting the day he's destined to inherit the throne. It isn't until being grounded in the desert that he learns of the emperor's atrocities on land. But he holds his own secrets close to his heart-the fact that he was born with a peculiar magic suppressed so deeply that he can no longer get a handle on it.
With his life in shambles, Sorinn will break one of their most sacred laws by enduring the ten humanity ruptures required by members of the Bruscha-Jeki, though they have always been prohibited to members of royalty. They are his father's third and most powerful army. Blessed with peculiar magic, they may be the only source of strength capable of standing against Aenoch's tyrannical reign.
To secure passage through the dangerous waters of the Hazard Ring, Sorinn sells his hand in marriage to the daughter of Queen Faelynn. In return, she will entrust the captain of her Goshawk Five, Xathrian Eckhaldis, with ensuring Sorinn's survival through the ten deadly ruptures, thus beginning their game of secrets and deceptions as they stand face-to-face against deadly adversaries who would see Sorinn slaughtered for his namesake.
Meanwhile, Arizbeth Kravetryn was a historian's apprentice in Layacinth before being dismissed over inappropriate research--especially that which involves the mysteries of the Bruscha-Jeki after a harrowing encounter long ago. In order to win enough riches to restore her home, she too will secure passage to the Assassin Circle for the promise of wealth and for the ability to do what no one has done before: to record the history of the mysterious Bruscha-Jeki and earn her place as a true historian.
The heir to a burning empire and a banished historian are destined for a bloodthirsty intrigue known as the Assassin Games, where they must learn to kill in the name of a cruel power or become prey.
Before the trials of the Bruscha-Jeki began bleeding the humanity from his body, Sorinn Pjuiia served in his father's Imperial Navy over the course of eight centuries, patiently awaiting the day he's destined to inherit the throne. It isn't until being grounded in the desert that he learns of the emperor's atrocities on land. But he holds his own secrets close to his heart-the fact that he was born with a peculiar magic suppressed so deeply that he can no longer get a handle on it.
With his life in shambles, Sorinn will break one of their most sacred laws by enduring the ten humanity ruptures required by members of the Bruscha-Jeki, though they have always been prohibited to members of royalty. They are his father's third and most powerful army. Blessed with peculiar magic, they may be the only source of strength capable of standing against Aenoch's tyrannical reign.
To secure passage through the dangerous waters of the Hazard Ring, Sorinn sells his hand in marriage to the daughter of Queen Faelynn. In return, she will entrust the captain of her Goshawk Five, Xathrian Eckhaldis, with ensuring Sorinn's survival through the ten deadly ruptures, thus beginning their game of secrets and deceptions as they stand face-to-face against deadly adversaries who would see Sorinn slaughtered for his namesake.
Meanwhile, Arizbeth Kravetryn was a historian's apprentice in Layacinth before being dismissed over inappropriate research--especially that which involves the mysteries of the Bruscha-Jeki after a harrowing encounter long ago. In order to win enough riches to restore her home, she too will secure passage to the Assassin Circle for the promise of wealth and for the ability to do what no one has done before: to record the history of the mysterious Bruscha-Jeki and earn her place as a true historian.
- GenresFantasy
Hardcover
First published June 1, 2025
About the author
Holly R. Valakresch
6 books35 followersHolly R. Valakresch is an American author with a penchant for art and pastries. When she isn't tending to her novels or screenplays, she can be found with a drawing pencil in hand, experimenting with tasty new recipes, gardening, or starting up the occasional business venture.
She has written under several pen names since 2015, most often with the support of her Bernedoodle, Q.
THE ASSASSIN GAME ARCHIVES is one series in her universe of epic fantasy tales. The third installment, THE WINDED THRONE, is coming soon.
Bonus: A TREMOR OF STARS sneak peek is available for followers until 9/12/25.
She has written under several pen names since 2015, most often with the support of her Bernedoodle, Q.
THE ASSASSIN GAME ARCHIVES is one series in her universe of epic fantasy tales. The third installment, THE WINDED THRONE, is coming soon.
Bonus: A TREMOR OF STARS sneak peek is available for followers until 9/12/25.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 2, 2025
For those passing by, you would be a grade-A idiot not to crack open these pages and give An Anthem Of Suns a chance.
This has left me beyond speechless. Like, actually, what is anyone supposed to say after reading this? Do you all expect me to put together a coherent review and explain all the ways this book knocked it out of the park and was FUCKING INCREDIBLE????? DON'T BLAME ME IF IT RIPS YOUR HEART OUT.
Without spoilers, here are some things you won't understand unless you already got around to reading it: WINDCHIMES. Fucking devastating. TOAD PLANT??? Don't make me sob. SHE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A BIRD. I'm deceased. That was the first chapter to make me cry. There were five tear-jerkers in all.
Fine, let me start from the beginning.
I love the way the story unfolds so naturally. Nothing is forced or rushed, yet we're never bored. Every point is somehow executed with quick precision, despite its length. There is so much plot packed into this story that it almost could have been split in two, but I see why it wasn't. A four to five part story is perfectly acceptable for epic fantasy.
This was such a carefully curated, enlivening world to step into. It's obvious the magnificence of this book won't be a secret for long. How it hasn't already blown up, I don't know, but I'll shout it from the rooftops. THIS WILL BE A CLASSIC ONE DAY!!! I found it on par with authors like James Islington, Robin Hobb, Leigh Bardugo, and George R.R. Martin. Seriously, it was a breath of fresh air from what new releases have been recently pushed my way.
You can tell when an author takes their time. Valakresch did in this beautiful tale following the heir of an empire ruled by a tyrant. We begin with the emperor's son, Sorinn Pjuiia. His character was compelling and impressive. One of my favorite arcs was seeing him slowly turn morally grey, but still noticing how his *golden* intentions would shine through.
Arizbeth is equally as compelling. I love how her questionable past is incorporated into the story with slow reveals along the way. Her talk with Aeshir in the granges was so powerful and I wasn't expecting a confession like that. It seemed like every reveal kept me on my toes.
If you're someone who enjoys books with representation like me, there is so much to look forward to. I would assume more than 60-70% of characters are POC. Zeriph Viatrix, despite being a little person, is neither held back or defined by her size. She is one of the most powerful Bruscha-Jeki there is and I like that magic was not used to "fix" her. I feel the same way with Zeriph Nascha and her cane. It's intriguing how their race can be so powerful, but still limited in some ways. We had a mention of a mute character, but we have yet to learn more about him.
The glossary and maps only helped to flesh out the world that much more. I'm very impressed with the amount of work that must have gone into this because it's been years since I've delved into a world this intricate. Truly, one of the three maps alone is basically the entire planet with every major settlement. It's probably the most detailed one I've ever seen.
I'll definitely follow along to see what happens because the epilogue hit me where it hurt.
This has left me beyond speechless. Like, actually, what is anyone supposed to say after reading this? Do you all expect me to put together a coherent review and explain all the ways this book knocked it out of the park and was FUCKING INCREDIBLE????? DON'T BLAME ME IF IT RIPS YOUR HEART OUT.
Without spoilers, here are some things you won't understand unless you already got around to reading it: WINDCHIMES. Fucking devastating. TOAD PLANT??? Don't make me sob. SHE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A BIRD. I'm deceased. That was the first chapter to make me cry. There were five tear-jerkers in all.
Fine, let me start from the beginning.
I love the way the story unfolds so naturally. Nothing is forced or rushed, yet we're never bored. Every point is somehow executed with quick precision, despite its length. There is so much plot packed into this story that it almost could have been split in two, but I see why it wasn't. A four to five part story is perfectly acceptable for epic fantasy.
This was such a carefully curated, enlivening world to step into. It's obvious the magnificence of this book won't be a secret for long. How it hasn't already blown up, I don't know, but I'll shout it from the rooftops. THIS WILL BE A CLASSIC ONE DAY!!! I found it on par with authors like James Islington, Robin Hobb, Leigh Bardugo, and George R.R. Martin. Seriously, it was a breath of fresh air from what new releases have been recently pushed my way.
You can tell when an author takes their time. Valakresch did in this beautiful tale following the heir of an empire ruled by a tyrant. We begin with the emperor's son, Sorinn Pjuiia. His character was compelling and impressive. One of my favorite arcs was seeing him slowly turn morally grey, but still noticing how his *golden* intentions would shine through.
Arizbeth is equally as compelling. I love how her questionable past is incorporated into the story with slow reveals along the way. Her talk with Aeshir in the granges was so powerful and I wasn't expecting a confession like that. It seemed like every reveal kept me on my toes.
If you're someone who enjoys books with representation like me, there is so much to look forward to. I would assume more than 60-70% of characters are POC. Zeriph Viatrix, despite being a little person, is neither held back or defined by her size. She is one of the most powerful Bruscha-Jeki there is and I like that magic was not used to "fix" her. I feel the same way with Zeriph Nascha and her cane. It's intriguing how their race can be so powerful, but still limited in some ways. We had a mention of a mute character, but we have yet to learn more about him.
The glossary and maps only helped to flesh out the world that much more. I'm very impressed with the amount of work that must have gone into this because it's been years since I've delved into a world this intricate. Truly, one of the three maps alone is basically the entire planet with every major settlement. It's probably the most detailed one I've ever seen.
I'll definitely follow along to see what happens because the epilogue hit me where it hurt.
July 6, 2025
Yeah, I was influenced into buying this and don't regret it at all.
The writing is lyrical and captivating. The world is dazzling from start to finish and I picked up on some popular fantasy vibes.
I haven't been this invested in an FMC since The Poppy War, but Arizbeth Kravetryn is right up there with her. Her entanglement with the other characters is a motivating force for me to keep reading, even thought its a long book and i usually pick up mid-size stand-alones or duos.
I found Sorinn's chapters most interesting in the first half of the book and then it switched to Arizbeth. I wish there was more for Evadne because her storyline is so heart-rending. She is adorable anyway and I loved her and Donoghue.
I find Loredana has a good story and her being robbed of Pravin is so so sad. Even Khione, Ennore and Isleen had my heart in this one.
Eiran was a shocker, particularly because I was expecting her to get closer to Aeshir or Zadkiel, but I guess it is a series and would be boring if they got together in book one. I haven't found anywhere that says how many books there will be, but there are ten ruptures so I'll guess ten books. If they're all this good, I'll make an effort to keep up with them because I'm not ready to leave the world or the characters behind.
Nuallan only had a few chapters, but I don't remember how many. Anyway, it made his POV so much more interesting because there was no information overload. I would say the same with Xathrian and Ambry.
Xathrian and Ambry chapters were a treat, as well as Barclay in the end, but I have so many opinions on that ending. One, oh my God! Two, just when I thought it was a semi-happy moving onto the next book ending, I get slammed with the cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. When I tell you I wasn't able to move on for the next few days, I'm telling the truth, but even now, I'm still thinking about it constantly.
Will we know how he was exiled in the second book? Is he going to die or be martyred? Will Nuallan be the one to find Arizbeth dead and set out to avenge her?
This was such a good story. I 100% recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or slow-burn romances.
The writing is lyrical and captivating. The world is dazzling from start to finish and I picked up on some popular fantasy vibes.
I haven't been this invested in an FMC since The Poppy War, but Arizbeth Kravetryn is right up there with her. Her entanglement with the other characters is a motivating force for me to keep reading, even thought its a long book and i usually pick up mid-size stand-alones or duos.
I found Sorinn's chapters most interesting in the first half of the book and then it switched to Arizbeth. I wish there was more for Evadne because her storyline is so heart-rending. She is adorable anyway and I loved her and Donoghue.
I find Loredana has a good story and her being robbed of Pravin is so so sad. Even Khione, Ennore and Isleen had my heart in this one.
Eiran was a shocker, particularly because I was expecting her to get closer to Aeshir or Zadkiel, but I guess it is a series and would be boring if they got together in book one. I haven't found anywhere that says how many books there will be, but there are ten ruptures so I'll guess ten books. If they're all this good, I'll make an effort to keep up with them because I'm not ready to leave the world or the characters behind.
Nuallan only had a few chapters, but I don't remember how many. Anyway, it made his POV so much more interesting because there was no information overload. I would say the same with Xathrian and Ambry.
Xathrian and Ambry chapters were a treat, as well as Barclay in the end, but I have so many opinions on that ending. One, oh my God! Two, just when I thought it was a semi-happy moving onto the next book ending, I get slammed with the cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. When I tell you I wasn't able to move on for the next few days, I'm telling the truth, but even now, I'm still thinking about it constantly.
Will we know how he was exiled in the second book? Is he going to die or be martyred? Will Nuallan be the one to find Arizbeth dead and set out to avenge her?
This was such a good story. I 100% recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or slow-burn romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
Oh, to be lost in this book and read it again for the first time. An Anthem of Suns is a gobsmacking tapestry weaved with threads of intense emotion and desperation, yet, while enduring the ruptures that strip the characters of all hope, the pure enjoyment of what the regimes have to offer and the allyship forming between rivals. The novel touched my heart in ways I never expected. I feel torn to merciless shreds over it now.
July 6, 2026
DNF, this book I just think wasn’t for me. It was dense and verbose and a lot of world referencing but not a lot of world building for me. I think if you’re really in to fantasy books this might be right up your alley. Thank you to Holly R Valakresch and Goodreads for the giveaway, all thoughts and feelings are my own.
May 8, 2026
This was a long read with a lot of characters and world building. I enjoyed the characters and discovering this universe. Some parts dragged a little but I do anticipate reading the next book in the series.
September 27, 2025
(4.5) Loved the plot. Some chapters kinda long tho.
January 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It was a ton of lore stuffed in one novel.
July 1, 2025
Ho, ho, ho... I'm about to be INSUFFERABLE!!!
February 12, 2026
To presage anything, I want to thank the publisher and author for sending a free complimentary copy in exchange for my opinion. 🙏 It can be nerve wrecking when you don't know what to expect, but I'm so glad I picked up this book. It was a masterclass in world building and character depth. YOU ARE MADE OF STARDUST. THIS IS SMALLER THAN YOU. If I had any tattoos, I would put this on me forever. When I read it in the description, I knew this would be right up my alley. 🥰 I took notes and I'm going to fully dissect everything and there will be spoilers, so stop reading if you haven't read it yet! Ok, ok. The maps and the first two chapters left me in awe. I haven't seen this level of writing and storytelling in a looong time. The truth about Arizbeth unfolding was really beautiful and shocking at times. This was the perfect way to explore an adult main character with a detailed past. I can't believe the book ended the way it did. I still haven't recovered and I NEED answers now! What is Nuallan going to find after that? And Barclay? I absolutely wasn't expecting that! And what about Zadkiel when he finds out??? The depth of each character is what grabs my attention. In a lot of books with multiple points of view, you like one character better and dread another, but I would say I was equally as excited for each new introduction. It isn't too much, I never felt yanked out of the story, and I was never bored! Nuallan is a favorite of mine. Ambry's plotline, though brief, was astounding. Seeing him take over those royal duties would be either very concerning or hilarious. And Xathrian. Xathrian. Xathrian. That man just made it to the top of my book boyfriend roster. I want to know more about him and Zoella. (Aleksander, when I catch youuu! 👊) I also want to see more of his relationship with Zadkiel unfold. For Evadne's story, that was a robbery plain and simple. I still haven't forgiven the author for this turn events. Sorinn's reaction was heartbreaking and you can tell something broke inside of him after that. I definitely think it will change his motives moving forward. ❤️🩹 I was SCREAMING at the paralell of Arizbeth being in the torture chamber watching Aleksander lick the blood from her sai and then at the end, seeing her mimic that. Since they were together for a hundred plus years, I think there's more between them that we don't know yet. To conclude, I do plan to stick around for the next release. I especially want to see if some of my theories are right. I've already got my sister in on it. I'll be deviously waiting for her to finish the epilogue because just when I thought things were okay, I realized I would be suffering until the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
I’ve finished my ARC copy and have a lot to say. First, thank you to StarLit Story Co. and Holly Valakresch for the book in exchange for an honest review.
WOW.
The plot twists are insane and I didn’t see any of it coming. Zadkiel Aedicca is zaddy and it’s refreshing to see a MMC fight his passion for the FMC while having a thoughtful storyline of his own.
Evadne OMW, I love her and that Sorinn paints her corsets to wear “as living art.” This was so sweet and their entire sibling bond leaves me warm inside.
Arizbeth is one of the most likeable characters I’ve gotten to follow. She’s witty, capable, understanding, and determined. I love her relationship with Astaroth. For me, that really was the peak of the story where my excitement kept growing and I knew I already wanted the sequel.
Barclay was a shock. I’ve never seen the mean male character with true depth and purpose behind antagonizing, unless he turns out to be a love interest. This was an interesting surprise.
Khrysaor Bronomir swooping in on his dragon? I see you. Xarhrian is a tragic god in my eyes, or a ghod as it is here.
Other than that heartwracking cliffhanger, I’ll leave it at this: please read it so I have someone to discuss it with. This got me out of a reading slump and I’m dying for the next one.
WOW.
The plot twists are insane and I didn’t see any of it coming. Zadkiel Aedicca is zaddy and it’s refreshing to see a MMC fight his passion for the FMC while having a thoughtful storyline of his own.
Evadne OMW, I love her and that Sorinn paints her corsets to wear “as living art.” This was so sweet and their entire sibling bond leaves me warm inside.
Arizbeth is one of the most likeable characters I’ve gotten to follow. She’s witty, capable, understanding, and determined. I love her relationship with Astaroth. For me, that really was the peak of the story where my excitement kept growing and I knew I already wanted the sequel.
Barclay was a shock. I’ve never seen the mean male character with true depth and purpose behind antagonizing, unless he turns out to be a love interest. This was an interesting surprise.
Khrysaor Bronomir swooping in on his dragon? I see you. Xarhrian is a tragic god in my eyes, or a ghod as it is here.
Other than that heartwracking cliffhanger, I’ll leave it at this: please read it so I have someone to discuss it with. This got me out of a reading slump and I’m dying for the next one.
August 20, 2025
Masterfully executed and undoubtedly enchanting. I was given a free copy for an honest review, and this is my favorite read of the year so far. It was compelling and creative from beginning to end. The mmc is complex, and I really enjoyed his arc.
I would say it's also refreshing how unique the premise was while managing to align with themes that we know and love. The prose was Sanderson-esque enough to note, not too stuffy or simple.
It isn't often I have the pleasure of reviewing an indie project, but I'm glad I did. I will definitely be following along for the next book.
I would say it's also refreshing how unique the premise was while managing to align with themes that we know and love. The prose was Sanderson-esque enough to note, not too stuffy or simple.
It isn't often I have the pleasure of reviewing an indie project, but I'm glad I did. I will definitely be following along for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews