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)

fantasic story

broad scope of story but without losing the fine detail of fine story telling which showcases depth of emotion which draws you in

Surprised by this story/author.

I picked this title up on a whim. I have been mostly disappointed in what the fantasy genre has had to offer (as a whole) over the last ten years, but this book caught me off guard.

It was just the right amount of dark, gritty, and compelling.

The narrator captured the characters incredibly well, and made this an easy listen.

I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.

Excellent

Very enjoyable and realistic and good narration. If you like military fantasy novels this one is for you.

A great story, well narrated.

Our hero walks the edge of being a warrior and murderer, caught between his desire to be just and a cunning king with a plan for domination of the empire. The story takes place in another world with magic and kings and gods. Intense without gore. I already got the sequels!

OK I'm Hooked

Any additional comments?

Terrific story. Well written. Great characters. Can't wait to listen to the next book.

Best fantasy novel I've read in a decade.

It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. The author displays a serious command of language, understanding of horses and combat, and handles the magic of his world with a deft touch. Highly recommended.

The story is off to a good start!

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

No idea, don't have the print. I enjoyed the Audiobook quite a bit!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed Master Solus, made me chuckle at the dry one liners.

What about Steven Brand’s performance did you like?

I like the pacing, and pausing between chapters, and paragraphs. He did excellent on following the punctuation as it was intended, to be read.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The brotherhood of the sixth order.

Any additional comments?

Good book, definitely worth a listen! Interesting to see where the story goes, nice to follow a single character for once.

Unexpectedly awesome read

Would you listen to Blood Song again? Why?

I probably will in a few years. It's a really good read.

What did you like best about this story?

It wasn't soppy, sappy, or predictable. It was a good fantasy novel that wasn't fairytale fantasy.

Which character – as performed by Steven Brand – was your favorite?

Valin was definitively one of my favorite characters in any book. Never was there a moment when I was rolling my eyes, or gritting my teeth at how unbelievably stupid he was being. This is something that plagues a lot of fiction, and in my opinion the greats are those who avoid it well, or who make it a believable part of the characters. Mr. Ryan wrote it well, and Mr. Brand made it belivable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

On the path to conquest, justice won't always prevail...

Any additional comments?

What an awsome read. I can't wait to read the next.

Brilliant

This has got to be the Best story ... I loved it, OMG its simply BRILLIANT...

Epic fantasy novell with paladin antagonist

A paladin main character with a multifaceted personality.
You follow him from his novice steps, his career and a full filling finale.