Of Empires and Dust Audiobook By Ryan Cahill cover art

Of Empires and Dust

The Bound and the Broken, Book 4

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Of Empires and Dust

By: Ryan Cahill
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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I'ldryr viel asatar. I sanvîr viel baralun.

In fire, we are forged. In blood, we are tempered.

In the Aravell woodland, Calen Bryer grapples with the fallout from the Battle of Aravell. The path forward is littered with choices that will bleed him dry. But he is a Draleid, he is a guardian, and he will always stand when others call. He will be the light they look to.

His sister, Ella, lies fragmented, her mind split between worlds, her fate unknown. But the blood of the wolf is strong.

Hundreds of miles away, in the western villages of Illyanara, Dahlen Virandr leads the defense of Salme and all its inhabitants gathered from across the region. The Uraks are unrelenting, and they know only blood and death. If this is to be his end, he will enter Achyron's Halls as a warrior who would not yield.

Below the mountains of Lodhar, Queen Kira waits in the dark while Hoffnar attempts to seize control of the Freehold and lead the dwarves towards a new dawn of war.

In Valtara, Dayne Ateres hunts those who betrayed his family, while Alina prepares her army to besiege the legendary Achyron's Keep.

At the edges of the Burnt Lands, Rist Havel is offered a new path forward, one that few have ever trodden, one that could forge him into a mage of no equal.

With the news that Ilkya and Jormun have fallen, along with their soulkin, Eltoar finds himself face-to-face with Salara Ithan—a remnant of his past life that he had long thought dead.

As the Blood Moon taints the sky, Kallinvar and the Knights of Achyron battle tirelessly against the Shadow, doing everything within their power to hold back the darkness.

Gods are waking.

The world is burning.

Ashes and dust are all that will remain.

©2025 Ryan Cahill (P)2025 Podium Audio
Epic Fantasy Military
Epic Fantasy • Character Development • Rich Versatile Voice • Emotional Depth • Intricate Worldbuilding • Plot Twists

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I almost decided to stop listening to the series because of the emotional turmoil but the author has his claws, fangs, talons, daggers and every other sharp thing he can think of latched into me!

outstanding writing

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If you're a fan of epic fantasy that grabs you by the soul and doesn't let go, Ryan Cahill's Of Empires and Dust—the fourth installment in The Bound and the Broken series—is an absolute triumph. Clocking in at a massive 52 hours and 45 minutes in audiobook form, this penultimate novel elevates the series to legendary status, blending heart-pounding action, intricate world-building, and deeply emotional character arcs that leave you reeling.

Without spoiling the plot, the story picks up the threads from previous books, thrusting our beloved protagonists into a whirlwind of war, ancient prophecies, and unbreakable bonds. Cahill masterfully expands the lore of Epheria, introducing new layers of magic, politics, and brutal conflicts that feel both grand in scale and intimately personal. The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and rebuilding a shattered world hit hard, with twists that deliver those gut-punch moments fantasy lovers crave. It's a book about fighting for the people you love, and it does so with unflinching intensity—expect battles that rival the best of Brandon Sanderson or Joe Abercrombie, but with Cahill's unique touch of hope amid the darkness.

The audiobook narration by Derek Perkins is a standout, bringing the epic to life with his rich, versatile voice. He nails the accents, emotional depth, and pacing, making even the longest chapters fly by. Whether it's the quiet tension of a heartfelt conversation or the chaos of a massive siege, Perkins immerses you completely—perfect for long commutes or cozy evenings.

Overall, Of Empires and Dust is Cahill at his peak: riveting, well-written, and unmatched in its series. If you haven't started The Bound and the Broken, do it now—this is fantasy done right. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable ride!

This is how you write fantasy!

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This book feels like the culmination of a build up of characters and plots I don’t know what the next books will be like but reading/hearing this book has been an experience filled with laugh out loud moments as well as moments of real heart wrenching sadness.

Thank you Ryan Cahill

It has given me a new appreciation for those in my life who are important and my loyalty, and responsibility to them.

My favorite fantasy book

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Loved it all, the narrator, the story and the world built. I cannot wait for more!

The absolute best

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A phenomenally written book with excellent narration. The whole series is a masterpiece, I can’t wait to listen to the next one.

Masterpiece

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