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)

Good book

Would you consider the audio edition of Blood Song to be better than the print version?

I think the characters would be easier to keep track of in a print version

What other book might you compare Blood Song to and why?

The queen's poisoner series. The main character had a similar magic profile. Both books are appealing to me

What about Steven Brand’s performance did you like?

He was one of the better narratorsoon I've listened to.

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

Yes

yes. yes. yes. this is well done.

I have to write at least twenty words in order to submit a review ? how ridiculous... just to say very good book!

excellent!

superb narration, excellent story. love this author and narrarator. the series is well developed and interesting. kept me engrossed the whole time.

Top 5 of All Time

Absolutely one of my favourite fantasy books of all times. A great coming of age story with more to come!

Fantastic, epic, mesmerizing

This sat in my cloud for a while. What a mistake. After the first chapter I looked for any chance or activity I could to pop in the ear buds.

Worth the time. Keep me coming back !

A good start! I wanted to know how it ended. Nice world building. Already have book two and look forward to seeing if her keep it going.

Awesome book and narrator!!

Really like this series and the writer, can't wait for the 3rd one to come out. Waiting not very patiently :)

Excellent story!

Loved the characters and the intrigue. Can't wait until the next journey. I am grateful to Audibles for introducing me to this author. Not one of my Fantasy reading friends had heard of this author or this story. I have already recommended this book to any who will listen to me....and the ones who have read it have also enjoyed it. Yay!

brilliant. gritty. top five dark fantasy series.

The narrator had a bit of a monotone, but once you get used to it this will be one of the best dark fantasy books you will read. It's brilliant. As good as GRRM and Abercrombie.

You will not be disappointed

Would you listen to Blood Song again? Why?

I will listen to this again, the characters and the storyline demand it! This book is so good I can't even describe it adequately, the only words I can find to tell my friends is, you have to read it and those are the words I will tell you.

What did you like best about this story?

Storyline keeps you invested and guessing.

Any additional comments?

I stumbled upon this book by reading other people's excellent reviews, thank you so very much. I would only wish to a my voice to the many that have spoken well of this book. The narrator is excellent as well as you can hear for your self in the sample reading.