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

great book wasn't a slow start or drawn out just a good book thank you.

Well written book hurt by a tired narrator

Would you be willing to try another one of Steven Brand’s performances?

I have to say, though he started well, Steven Brand sounded either over tired or like he was a little tipsy as the book progressed- awkward pauses as he found his place on the page, strange and disjointed - it really hurt an otherwise interesting book.

pleasantly surprised!

I was surprised at how quickly and thoroughly I was sucked into this story, I cannot wait to read the next one! it's got great writing excellent characters and easily held my interest.

Excellent!

Loved every minute! Am looking forward to the next installment Tower Guard. Certainly worth listening to

An epic drama unlike any other!

This book was very different to any I've listened to before. First of all, I will buy anything Steven Brand narrates. His voice and tone quality absolutely wonderful. He's a master of the spoken word. But this story was so engaging, I couldn't stop listening. So different, so engaging, I could not Waite to hear the next turn. And it was unlike any other books I've read before. so unusual, I loved it and highly recommend this book!

Great story

The reader, Stephan Brand, puts his feeling into all the books he has read, for many authors. This book and saga is no different. 5 stars all around !

Fantastic

Well thought out and executed. Love this book. I even shared with my teenage children. Great series

Great opening

This has the best opening chapters, but the tone of the story changes halfway through to book.

outstanding

been looking for something since red rising to capture my interest. couldn't stop listening to this book. highly recommend.

Excellent

Great story, one of the better I’ve read in a long while. I strongly recommend.