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)

excellent story lacking distinct voices

a superb story, but the narrator lacks distinct voices for the characters. this did not detract much, but it left something to be desired in the wake of the king killer chronicles and the dark tower.

Anthony Ryan, an incredible storyteller

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

Unique, spellbound, high octane

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

I feel comparing such a book against others would be insulting. This book is a stand alone. It isn't comparable to another story. The author has provided the reader/listener with a unique and wonderful story.

What about Steven Brand’s performance did you like?

Steven Brand was very consistent throughout the reading. During the most intense parts of the story, his voice would rise with emotion as expectations of something glorious would occur within the words being read. What a great performance and stamina by Steven Brand.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book was a few in my life that caused thought and discussion with others after each listen. The story line is within my memory as if it were my life's adventures, trials and tribulations.

Any additional comments?

I've tried several books within this genre. None compared to this story and listening experience. Usually, I'm more of legal and horror. I was so impressed, I purchased book 2. Audible, allows fans to cross over into other genres and explore what normally we would shy away from.

great book

this is one that I will listen to repeatedly. the story is fantastic and the narrator is really good.

Great story and narrator!

Captivating story, and narration is excellent! Can't wait for the next book. Hopefully it will have same narrator.

Great story bad narrator

The tale is rich and well imagined. It leaves you wanting to know more about the world, characters, and religions. The reader, however, is terrible. There are many characters in this tale and they all sound the same or nearly the same. He puts no effort into performing the voices even when the author clearly outlines the accent. I will not do more of his work.

Amazing story!!!

This story was so well written and read that I couldn’t put it down!! Highly recommended to anyone and all!

Incredible

This was such a fun and exciting listen, would listen again. I was interested the whole way through, never got bored, such great writing.

First 2/3 better than the last 1/3

As others have mentioned, as an audio book this was often a confusing book to get through. Easy to get people confused. I had to just sort of not worry about it too much and just go with the main story and figure it would all work out in the end. Not sure I will do future books on audio.

Amazing book.

Wonderful book. Most people rave over Brand's performance, however I found his lack of individualized characters frustrating. Most of his male characters sound exactly the same, making the conversations between two confusing at some points. I had to press the playback button several times simply due to this. Otherwise, amazing book and I highly recommend. I'm about to begin book 2 now.

This book is Epic! They need to make the movie!

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

I read it then listened and I loved it both ways. I really liked the narration as the narrator did a good job and the characters did come alive. When you are reading you do not really make up different voices for characters in your head (at least I don't) so I did enjoy the audio version very much.

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

I do not really think I have read a book like this but I would kind of compare it to epic movies like Gladiator.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved when Vaelin went to go save his brother from seeing his father executed and all his other brothers came to help.

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

The whole booked moved me it was a great story and I am not sure if I am going to last until the 2nd book comes out.

Any additional comments?

I decided to get this book upon a good reads recommendation as I was in the mood for an epic story after reading Patrick Rothfuss's novels. So I decided to give this book a try. I do have to say the 1st chapter is iffy as you are in the present and the main character is grown and a prisoner going to fight for his death but its a bit confusing but wait till the 2nd chapter! Vaelin the main character will tell his life story starting when he was a young boy and given away by his father to the 6th order. You will read about his life and how he becomes the man that he is. If you could fall in love with a main character then this would be the one. The story is truly epic and will not let you go. I will just say I started this at 8am in the morning and read and listened until 10 at night I could not stop! Give this a shot you will not be dissapointed.