Tower Lord

Raven's Shadow, Book 2

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Length: 24 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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' 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' 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.

©2014 Anthony Ryan (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[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)

Frakken Awesome!

The story and the narration are perfect. Steven Brand....I could listen to him read the bible. I'm on to the last book in the series. I'm getting sad knowing that the end is nigh.

A great book!

This is a fabulous trilogy so far! I couldn't stop listening! Great story and great performance!

What an epic!

This is one of the best books I have listened to ever. Blood song was great and this was even better. Listened to it twice now and I expect I will listen to it again. Steven Brand makes the story come alive and my imagination can fill in the visualization well.

Fantastic in all aspects.

The narrator and Anthony Ryan spin a beautiful tale of medevil fantasy. Well written and with more purpose than some a perfect sequel to Blood Song.

Amazing read

Great book and a great read and listen. Worth picking up the entire series. Only problem I had was between some sentences. Transitions from different characters dialog would be blended. If you listen to this audio over a long period characters easily blend in with each other. Otherwise if you listen to this audio religiously the characters are easily distinguishable. Either way this series is a definite pick up!!!!

Love this book and series!

Start with Blood Song! This is my second reading and it's as exciting as the first. I'm only sad that there's just one more book to the series.

The second in a gripping tale!

If you liked Blood Song, then I cannot imagine anyone not liking this “second chapter” of the story. Great audio performance once again by Stephen Brand, and the writing of Anthony Ryan is truly exciting and moves the story along in a way that keeps you waiting for the next twist and turn all the while. Excellent character development as well. The story is so rich that this is actually my second tour through the “Raven’s Shadow” series, as I’ve found it quite worthy of a second listen, and I imagine it won’t be the last!

Amazing story

Amazing story and the voice actor did an amazing job with telling the story! I can’t wait to listen again!

It’s a damn fine follow up from book 1

I really enjoyed this book and that’s saying a lot because typically I despise multi view point books. This however is done well as all are view points heading toward the same story/objective. They are also appropriately spaced so that it’s not every 3 minutes someone else’s turn. The reason I decided to drop this review is because I had been reading some other reviews on here and I needed to add this and warn you off of them. I know audible has a ton of paid reviews and because I can’t trust 5 stars much of my decisions are based on the negative reviews. But that does not apply here. One of the reviewers for some reason is baffled by the characters in this one as all the characters present in this book undergo major character develop from the last book and throughout this one. It’s well done, I mean really well done and will continue this series because of it. I recommend you give this a listen and you might do the same.

Very good follow up

The story moved in different directions that lost me for a second. However it came together in the end and left me wanting more. Very good story with a narrator that fits perfectly.