Blood Song

Raven's Shadow, Book 1

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Length: 23 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

From "a new master storyteller" comes the beginning of an epic fantasy saga of blood, honor, and destiny....

The Sixth Order wields the sword of justice and smites the enemies of the Faith and the Realm. Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of 10 when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order. The Brothers of the Sixth Order are devoted to battle, and Vaelin will be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate, and dangerous life of a Warrior of the Faith. He has no family now save the Order.

Vaelin’s father was Battle Lord to King Janus, ruler of the unified realm. Vaelin’s rage at being deprived of his birthright and dropped at the doorstep of the Sixth Order like a foundling knows no bounds. He cherishes the memory of his mother, and what he will come to learn of her at the Order will confound him. His father, too, has motives that Vaelin will come to understand. But one truth overpowers all the rest: Vaelin Al Sorna is destined for a future he has yet to comprehend. A future that will alter not only the realm, but the world.

©2013 Anthony Ryan (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Ryan is a new fantasy author destined to make his mark on the genre. His debut novel, Blood Song, certainly has it all: great coming-of-age tale, compelling character and a fast-paced plot. If his first book is any indication of things to come, then all fantasy readers should rejoice.” (Michael J. Sullivan, author of the Riyria Revelations series)

“Fans of broadscale epic fantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire novels should find this debut much to their liking.” (Library Journal)

“Ryan hits all the high notes of epic fantasy - a gritty setting, ancient magics, ruthless intrigue, divided loyalties and bloody action.... [A] promising debut." (Publishers Weekly)

BEST NEW AUTHOR

If you could sum up Blood Song in three words, what would they be?

This is a great story. If you love Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss you will love this author as well.

Just What I Needed After Wheel of Time

Nearly 25 years ago I began the Wheel of Time, and after many restarts and retreads each time a new novel was released, I finally finished it this summer. I was relieved and heartbroken to finish it. I have read hundreds of novels over the years and none came close to eliciting the feelings that Wheel of Time did in me. After despairing that I would not find an enjoyable series, I stumbled upon this, and am hooked. I cannot wait to begin the next in the series. Anthony Ryan is a master author and Steven Brand does a marvelous job narrating. Do you not pass this one up!

Rereading this in advance of the 3rd book coming!

Great story. Well read. Makes you care and respect the characters and story. I'm re-listening to this one and the 2nd before reading the third. Good stuff!

Truly Masterful

I typically don’t write reviews, as I’m rarely moved to do so… In this case I was not only moved I was pushed to share my view of this book. The character development was in-depth, leading the reader to want more. Incidentally, I am writing this review following the purchase of the sequel… If I could only recommend only one book out of my library it would be this one. I can think of no higher praise a person can give… My most humble thanks to Mr. Ryan for having written this novel and for drawing me into the world he has created. One can only hope the next step will be as well crafted!

As a side note, I loved the way Steven Brand brought the characters to life in the Audio version, not too over the top acting as I hear in many audio books, allowing the essence of the characters play out in the reading… Well done indeed!

Bloodsong

If you could sum up Blood Song in three words, what would they be?

Battles fighting killing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Blood Song?

Towards the end when his friend was killed and he finally got some.

What does Steven Brand bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Details you wouldn't notice in a movie

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Solid. Worth a Listen.

It was on a top 10 list of author's favorite books. Apparently, Raven's Shadow inspired some of MY favorite authors. It feels a little... not predictable, maybe a little clichéd, probably just older. Either way, I still enjoyed it, and that would be among my top 3 criticisms. I bought the next two books (not the novellas... yet) when I was 80% through the book. The performance is good, and I hope the end is... bittersweet. The book felt too..."low fantasy", which I prefer, for a magically happy ending to make sense. Either way, I don't think I'll have long to wait. I'm pretty hooked.

One of the better written fantasy series out

Definitely worth a audible credit, well written, voiced, and a new series that promises much.

Long, detailed and enjoyable!

Where does Blood Song rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is near the top. I've listened to other long books, The Passage, and have found myself seeking length as part of my criteria when purchasing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Blood Song?

Clocking in at over 23 hours there's a lot of detailed information and character development. The Bloodsong is a neat addition to a formidable fighter which I found myself eager to see how this "power" grew. The narrator did an amazing job. Too many times I find myself unable to distinguish characters based on the voice/performance used, but with this book that was rarely the case.
Truly enjoyed this book.

What about Steven Brand’s performance did you like?

Fantastic. Will look for other books narrated by him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it is over 23 hours. But I felt myself always anxious and eager to get back to the story.

captivating and sultry.

Anthony Ryan has gifted us with this modern classic, brought to life by Steven Brand.

Exceeded Expectations

I didn't come in with any prior knowledge, and I'm glad I didn't. it's always sweeter to be surprised. I expected a typical fantasy, and while it has similar elements, he built an entirely new setting and told it incredibly well. The characters developed surprisingly well