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)

Great Story but Narration was a bit lacking.

What did you love best about Blood Song?

The story

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

It's basically an Epic Sword And Magic type story so anything along those lines

Would you listen to another book narrated by Steven Brand?

Most Likely. His narration was very quick and, more likely a production issue, there were almost no pauses between chapter or perspective changes. I repeatedly got confused as to which story line or era I was listening to.

Any additional comments?

Narrator's delivery was fine but all the characters sounded pretty much the same.

Immerse your inner vision

I listen to a lot of these types of stories and this one was very rich in character development and visually descriptive. I love getting lost in another world for some time each day. This won't disappoint!! I was somewhat confused about what was happening in the final chapters, but trust it will become more clear in the next book.

Intrigued until the end!

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

This rates up there with the Wheel of Time series. Good characters, great story line....twist and turns.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vailin carries the other characters with him. He is the one who "gathers" others around him.

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

The narrator has a rich voice that makes you see the serious nature of Vailin yet gives the other characters there own personalities.

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

The start when Vailin's father takes him to the gates.

Any additional comments?

I hope we get a third book fast! I am starting the second book. I have already recommended these two to other audio book addicts!

A great, gripping story

This book grabbed me and didn't let go. It is surprising to get a story this good from an author's debut novel.

A note about the narration -- although I found Steven Brand's voice pleasing to listen to, he doesn't do the greatest job of differentiating between speakers. Because of that, I had to rewind quite a bit and pay more attention in order to comprehend. I usually listen while working, so that proved to be more of a distraction than I am accustomed to.

Obviously, that isn't optimal, but if you can overcome that hurdle, the story is worth the effort.

epic

this was an engrossing book, v but it seemed long and I had some trouble keeping up with the details especially during the warring parts. not sure if I want to continue with the series. which days more about my non love for the genre than this book.....

Very good.

This was comparable to "In the Name of the Wind" By Patrick Rothfuss, in both structure and quality. It was worth the credit and I am getting sequel right away.

Unusual voice leant atmosphere

I enjoyed the story, the pacing was good and the occasional situation where the reader doesn't quite know who is being described in a new chapter, or apparent incongruities between different accounts, and tantalising clues kept me guessing and engaged.

I liked it.

I feel that this book is pretty good. There is a ton of boring scenes in the first 14 hours of the book with mild to pleasant breaks in the boringness. But then the last half happened and I can say that it was pleasant. Though I detest the narrators monotone voice. There is absolutely no difference in voices for the characters. I cannot tell if someone is speaking or if inner dialogue is happening. There is no difference in male and female characters. The final 60 minutes was pretty darn good, though. I will begin #2 tomorrow. I read some reviews and hope that book is atleast as good as this one. Any more fast pace emotionless story telling and I may get bored. So I am crossing my fingers for book #2!

Weak performance by the narrator

Unfortunately, the narrator was the weak spot in an otherwise exceptional story. I still highly recommend this book.

A great book

I thought this was a great book with one exception. Vaelin can be so insufferable sometimes. I think sometimes he's to "perfect" and needs to commit a little debauchery. That being said there is enough "bad assness" from him for me to look past my slight annoyance and still really enjoy the character. The story is very good and has left me wanting more, so onto the next book I go.