Tower Lord

Raven's Shadow, Book 2

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

In Blood Song, Anthony Ryan introduced readers to “a fascinating world of conflicting religions and the wars fought in the name of those faiths” (Library Journal). Now Ryan’s epic tale continues as Vaelin Al Sorna discovers that there is no escape from the call of destiny…

“The blood-song rose with an unexpected tune, a warm hum mingling recognition with an impression of safety. He had a sense it was welcoming him home.”

Vaelin Al Sorna, warrior of the Sixth Order, called Darkblade, called Hope Killer. The greatest warrior of his day, and witness to the greatest defeat of his nation: King Janus’s vision of a Greater Unified Realm drowned in the blood of brave men fighting for a cause Vaelin alone knows was forged from a lie. Sick at heart, he comes home, determined to kill no more. Named Tower Lord of the Northern Reaches by King Janus’s grateful heir, he can perhaps find peace in a colder, more remote land far from the intrigues of a troubled Realm.

But those gifted with the blood-song are never destined to live a quiet life. Many died in King Janus’s wars, but many survived, and Vaelin is a target, not just for those seeking revenge but for those who know what he can do. The Faith has been sundered, and many have no doubt who their leader should be. The new King is weak, but his sister is strong. The blood-song is powerful, rich in warning and guidance in times of trouble, but is only a fraction of the power available to others who understand more of its mysteries. Something moves against the Realm, something that commands mighty forces, and Vaelin will find to his great regret that when faced with annihilation, even the most reluctant hand must eventually draw a sword.

Critic reviews

“Ryan shines brighter in his sophomore effort by giving us many brilliant characters…Easily the best heroic epic fantasy of 2014…Anthony Ryan is David Gemmell’s natural successor and epic fantasy’s best British talent.”—Fantasy Book Critic

“[Tower Lord] begins to realize the imagination and coherency of Tolkien, while remaining true to the heart and soul of the author. The Raven’s Shadow series is one of the best new series out there, challenging all the existing big-names to sit up and take notice, or be left behind.”—Fantasy Book Review

“[Ryan has] proven himself as an author who can write a very diverse and convincing cast of characters…A wonderful follow-up.”—The Bibliosanctum

“[L]eaves you both satisfied and on the edge of your seat for what happens next. Loved it.”—Tenacious Reader

“The series shaping up to become something established for the fantasy genre that will be recommended for years to come. Anthony Ryan has shown he’s able to repeat with Tower Lord what he started with Blood Song.”—Indie-Fantasy

Different, but still awesome.

I have been waiting for this book for a while now, but I believe it was worth the wait. I have read some reviews that do not like the multiple point of views, but I could not see another way to tell his story. In this book you will receive some answers that you might of asked in the first book about things like the 7th order, and who some of the assassins were. As in all good writing though you will have a few more after you read the book.

Some of the best parts of this story are how the characters developed since the last book. In this book many of the characters go through some really bad things. Some become the better for it, others much worse. In the first book most things worked out in a way. In this one expect a little more grime and hardships throughout the story. Truly a great read.

Great story bland narrator

Awesome. Story is great but the narrator has the same voice for everything! Good voice and all but he does little to make the performance memorable

Another killer book by Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan does it again, in a book which kept me "turning" the pages. A thrilling ride that won't disappoint fans of the series, and this book explores our favorite characters from their points of view while meeting new friends and a couple old ones along the way.

Excellent read you will be chomping for morr<br />

This author can stand beside Brandon Sanderson and Brent Weeks with head held high. I enjoy the character builds and the progression of the story is continuous and timely yet temps you to want to jump ahead. Also Heroines hold court effortlessly while vilaness bring you close to siding with them.

Excellent Part 2

An excellent continuation of the series, expanding both the characters and the world of the story. The reader had a few stumbles, but overall was understandable and fairly engaging.