Tower of Dawn Reading Guide

While most of the Throne of Glass series takes place in Erilea, Tower of Dawn takes place in the Southern Continent, which lies past the Narrow Sea. The Southern Continent is a hot and arid landmass covered mostly in deserts. It was first governed by an ancient Queen of Antica, however, numerous kingdoms have risen and fallen since her time, and 300 years ago the first Khagan and his nomadic tribe of horse-riders, the Darghan, arrived and conquered the continent. He is remembered as a clever tactician who avoided direct conflict when he could, reserving acts of cruelty for calculated moments. By targeting key leaders, he struck fear into neighboring cities and often secured their surrender with minimal fighting—after which he would generously reward the local population. Their military power is nearly unmatched with their massive cavalry, the Darghan, and their aerial force, the Rukhin, archers that ride on giant eagle-like creatures called Ruks. Over time, the Khagan bolstered the region’s infrastructure by establishing an extensive network of roads and bridges that linked the continent’s diverse regions and supported economic growth. The Khaganate is unusually progressive, as noted through its tolerance for religious diversity, allowing its people to worship freely and honoring the many faiths practiced across the empire. Gender equality is also more prominent than in Erilea, with both men and women sharing household authority and both daughters and sons being equally eligible to inherit the Khagan title. Slavery is discouraged, and instead, paid servants are employed with opportunities for growth. It is unsurprising that the Khaganate has heralded in an age of peace and prosperity to the Southern Continent.