Venture into the spellbinding world of the Empire of Salt, a fantasy trilogy by C.F. Iggulden that whisks readers to a crumbling empire teeming with political intrigue, ancient magic, and heart-pounding battles. Perfect for fans of epic tales like Game of Thrones, this series follows a cast of unforgettable characters as they navigate a world where power hangs by a thread. Ready to lose yourself in the cities of Darien and Shiang? Let’s dive in!
How Empire of Salt Began
C.F. Iggulden, better known as Conn Iggulden, is a titan of historical fiction, with bestselling series like Emperor and Conqueror. In 2017, he stepped into fantasy under the pen name C.F. Iggulden to craft the Empire of Salt trilogy, a passion project inspired by his love for authors like David Gemmell. Iggulden wanted to blend his knack for vivid storytelling with a fresh, magic-infused world, creating a saga that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
The Heart of Empire of Salt
The trilogy kicks off with Darien (2017), set in the decaying city of Darien, where twelve families vie for control under a puppet king. A plot to assassinate the monarch draws in six strangers—a hunter, a swordsman, a mute boy, a gambler, a guiltless killer, and a girl with untamed magical powers—whose fates collide in explosive ways. Shiang (2018) shifts to the eastern city of Shiang, where a young king faces rebellion and four swordsmen hunt a traitor, weaving new threads into the empire’s tapestry. The Sword Saint (2019) concludes the saga, uniting characters from both cities as a false king threatens Darien with desolation.
Iggulden’s world is a masterclass in balance: gritty yet magical, with a mercantile-era vibe (think 16th–18th century) that sets it apart from typical medieval fantasy. Themes of power, betrayal, and destiny pulse through the narrative, anchored by a well-crafted magic system and richly drawn characters. The story’s multi-perspective structure, split into three character pairs, keeps the plot tight while hinting at a broader, untapped world readers crave to explore further.
Why Empire of Salt Resonates
Empire of Salt has carved a niche among fantasy fans for its character-driven storytelling and Iggulden’s seamless transition from historical to fantastical realms. Readers praise its fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and the way it condenses epic stakes into a single city’s walls, making it accessible yet profound. While not as sprawling as some modern fantasies, its old-school charm and vivid battle scenes echo Gemmell’s legacy, earning it a loyal following eager for more.
- Publication Years: 2017–2019
- Books: Darien, Shiang, The Sword Saint
- Genre: Epic Fantasy
Grab Darien and plunge into the Empire of Salt’s thrilling world of swords, sorcery, and secrets!