The Black Song

A Raven's Blade Novel, Book 2

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

A matchless warrior is pitted against a near-God in the second epic installment of the Raven's Blade series.

It has long been our lot in life, brother, to do what others can’t.

Vaelin Al Sorna was known across the realm as the greatest of warriors, but he thought battles were behind him. He was wrong. Prophecy and rumor led him across the sea to find a woman he once loved and drew him into a war waged by the Darkblade, a man who believes himself a god - and one who has gathered a fanatical army that threatens all of the known world.

After a costly defeat by the Darkblade, Vaelin's forces are shattered, while the self-proclaimed immortal and his army continue their terrible march. But during the clash, Vaelin regained some of the dark magic that once gave him unrivaled skill in battle. And though the fight he has been drawn into seems near unwinnable, the song that drives him now desires the blood of his enemy above all else....

©2020 Anthony Ryan (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Both returning readers and those new to the series will be drawn in by the expert worldbuilding, crackling dialogue, gripping action, and subtle shifts of the political chessboard.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Gripping and exciting.” (The Quill to Live)

The legend of Vaelin Al Sorna continues!

Another excellent chapter in the Raven's series. I am looking forward to what comes next.

perfect resolution to one of my favorite series

The queen of Fire was a great book to bring the ravens shadow trilogy to a close but the ravens blade and Black song closed all the loops that I was left thinking about after blood song.

it's no blood song but it's a good listen

iv loved all of these books and look forward for more to come maybe he should have a kid next something like that

You feel like you lived the adventure.

AR does a great job placing you inside the story and character growth and transformation is seamless. it is easy to relate, grow to love hate and desite to know more about all the different people.

In short AR made it enjoyable to identify with the characters and their individual stories. There is a character for everyone.

It is darker than previous books but not by much.

Much better than the first book in this series.

To me, this was the best book since Blood Song. Creative battles, compelling storyline. I wish it had more books in the series.

A must read for any fantasy reader

Raven's Shadow series has been, by far, the best currenent find in my extensive library. Valen's journey from the young child in Blood Song to his current near invincible legend has been a ride not only filled with fear of the unknown but a stoicism to face the evil of the world and show no quarter.
Anthony Ryan has created a magnificent saga that I really enjoy.
Steven Brand has voiced not only this series but many other fantasy worlds, he has a way of drawing me in regardless of if the book has high society or the commonest of lowborns. His portral of the military men in this series will always be some of my favorite parts.

Fast paced and Exciting, Very entertaining.

This one was highly anticipated by me, and overall it delivered. I had difficult capturing all the nuances at times, there are quite a few locations this story moves through, and it can get confusing at times. Having the map from the text copy helps. Also, I enjoy the sound of Brands warm husky voice, there's not a lot of differentiation between characters. I'm curious to see where this story goes with the next book as it does come to somewhat of an (apparent) conclusion at the end of this one. I'm sure Ryan has plenty up his sleeve.

Great story, good finish

I read many reviews before listening to the end of the Valen series.
I loved them all, I don’t know what the criticism was for, in many reviews.
Either you love Anthony Ryan’s writing and stories or you don’t.
I think his writing style and story telling is fascinating . World building was amazing. Light magic, great battles. Great hardships and friendships.
I could do with less of the unnecessary swearing, but , alas, humans have potty mouths and less class.

A great "working book"

so, I listen to books while driving, or working around the house (auto maintenance, cutting wood, etc.) and this book is perfect for that. very entertaining. one enjoyable action sequence after another.

now, versus previous Ryan books, I had no trouble putting this down and taking a break. But, good adventure with characters I enjoyed.

A bit disappointed

Was really looking forward to the continuation of this series. I can’t really put my finger on it, but it bored me where none of the other book did. Still, a good listen, but the previous books put this one to shame.