Ashes of the Sun is a very enjoyable book which brings aspects of science fiction into epic fantasy. The Star Wars influences are clear but this isn't a rewrite, there are some quite original concepts and worldbuilding. The book drew me in very quickly with an excellent and gripping prologue. 

The story revolves around two siblings, which is a dynamic I always enjoy, and it's really interesting seeing them on opposite sides of the conflict, although I wish that they spent more time interacting with each other. Unfortunately, I found the events concerning Gyre and his point of view significantly less interesting than those of his sister, and it did harm my enjoyment of the book as I spent a few too many of his chapters just waiting for the perspective change. 

Overall this was a decent book, although not a new favourite. I do intend to read the sequel and I hope that the issues I had with book one won't be repeated.