I love the premise--how these young boys are trained and have to complete tests to become a part of the Sixth Order, the warriors of the Realm. The descriptions of the Order House, the masters, the aspects, and Vaelin's fellow "brothers" are so interesting. Some of the characters are multi-layered. The King--Janus is dimensional. I loved seeing how his crafty mind worked.
About 60% in to the book is when it started to become chaotic. The editing seemed to take a back seat, the time periods were untidy, narration was hit and miss, and the war and battle sequences were often confusing with so many new names of characters, cities, faiths, it was hard to read. It was like a Game of Thrones ambition that fell far short.
Some parts of the story were given lots of detail and other parts--important parts--were skimmed over. For example, the five years Vaelin spent in prison. Then when he has his battle with the Shield, it's over almost before it begins. It really feels like there are two books here, and the second one is still in the draft stage.
When I was reading the first half of this book, I was excited to have discovered a new series that was well written and fun to read. Now that I've finished the book, I know I won't be reading any more of these.
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Vicky
3.0 out of 5 stars
The first half is great
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2019Verified Purchase
IHS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adding my praise, but also a warning
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2018Verified Purchase
Like most other people in here I also loved this book. When it was published it was really a delightful and unexpected surprise. Blood song really just have so much going for it. Interesting plot, intriguing characters, a fresh magic system... I mean, this was the full package! There is no reason in the world not to pick up this book, I promise you that it will pull you in and never let go! Years down the line I still think about it some times, but here comes the warning. The later books in the series is a HUUUUUUGE letdown. This book was self published, and it kind of feels like Blood song had the plot of three books in one, if the book had been expanded and divided into three books it might have delivered more on the promise given. It seems to me that when the book was published as one book the author had to make up two new books with new plot twists and it completely belly floppet. Read the first book, imagine what it could have been, mourn it and move on. Even though the later books in the series do not deliver, you owe it to yourself not to loose out on the magic of the first.
Jessica@RabidReads
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stellar. Totally lived up to the hype.
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2015Verified Purchase
The story begins as a historian of an empire is taking custody of an enemy nation's war champion . . . A war champion who had been imprisoned for years . . . A war champion who was being paroled to fight to the death for the release of a woman from the enemy nation . . . A woman who the war champion had widowed himself by killing the heir of the emperor . . . a man who was the historian's best friend . . .
Awkward.
But as much as Historian despises this man, this Hope Killer, he cannot help but be intrigued by him.
He watches as the governor of the very city War Champion seized during the war comes the dock, bringing War Champion his sword that had been given into Governor's care. He watches as Governor tries to encourage War Champion about his upcoming (doomed to fail) duel: maybe he'll win, maybe this is the first step in his journey home . . .
Who is this War Champion that he should win the respect and friendship of a man whose city he took by force?
Vaelin Al Sorna, that's who.
And Historian, being a chronicler of history, finds that he cannot resist the urge to record a firsthand account of the war and the events leading up to the invasion from one who would know the enemy's---King Janus of the Unified Realm---mind, when War Champion offers to tell his story during their voyage (to the PIRATE NATION where the duel is to take place).
From there we go backward.
We learn of Vaelin's childhood, how his father left him at the gates of the Sixth Order, the only Order of warriors, and thus the only trained fighters who are not subject to the King's commands:
"You fight," Vaelin told the Aspect, the violence and the blood making his heart hammer in his chest.
"Yes." The Aspect halted and looked down at him. "We fight. We kill. We storm castle walls braving arrows and fire. We stand against the charge of horse and lance. We cut our way through the hedge of pike and spear to claim the standard of our enemy. The Sixth Order fights, but what does it fight for?"
"For the realm."
For the realm, and for the Faith. The Sixth Order is a highly trained, highly efficient, and highly deadly group of paladins (<------warrior priests).
We learn of the bonds of brotherhood forged during their rigorous, often deadly training. Of the eleven boys who share quarters, only five live to become Brothers, Vaelin their acknowledged leader.
We learn of the Dark, a nebulous force that manifests itself in unnatural abilities and talents, and we learn of the king of a nation hellbent on legislating morality with an iron fist.
BLOOD SONG is a tale filled with suffering and injustice, but it's also a tale of friendship and loyalty and perseverance, and woven throughout are hints of a Darkness gathering, while flaws in the Realm's belief system are slowly but steadily revealed.
In short, it's compelling. Sometimes bleak, sometimes hopeful, always determined, BLOOD SONG grabbed me by the horns and didn't let go until this chapter of the story was complete, and even then it was only for as long as it took me to one-click the next book. Highly recommended.
Awkward.
But as much as Historian despises this man, this Hope Killer, he cannot help but be intrigued by him.
He watches as the governor of the very city War Champion seized during the war comes the dock, bringing War Champion his sword that had been given into Governor's care. He watches as Governor tries to encourage War Champion about his upcoming (doomed to fail) duel: maybe he'll win, maybe this is the first step in his journey home . . .
Who is this War Champion that he should win the respect and friendship of a man whose city he took by force?
Vaelin Al Sorna, that's who.
And Historian, being a chronicler of history, finds that he cannot resist the urge to record a firsthand account of the war and the events leading up to the invasion from one who would know the enemy's---King Janus of the Unified Realm---mind, when War Champion offers to tell his story during their voyage (to the PIRATE NATION where the duel is to take place).
From there we go backward.
We learn of Vaelin's childhood, how his father left him at the gates of the Sixth Order, the only Order of warriors, and thus the only trained fighters who are not subject to the King's commands:
"You fight," Vaelin told the Aspect, the violence and the blood making his heart hammer in his chest.
"Yes." The Aspect halted and looked down at him. "We fight. We kill. We storm castle walls braving arrows and fire. We stand against the charge of horse and lance. We cut our way through the hedge of pike and spear to claim the standard of our enemy. The Sixth Order fights, but what does it fight for?"
"For the realm."
For the realm, and for the Faith. The Sixth Order is a highly trained, highly efficient, and highly deadly group of paladins (<------warrior priests).
We learn of the bonds of brotherhood forged during their rigorous, often deadly training. Of the eleven boys who share quarters, only five live to become Brothers, Vaelin their acknowledged leader.
We learn of the Dark, a nebulous force that manifests itself in unnatural abilities and talents, and we learn of the king of a nation hellbent on legislating morality with an iron fist.
BLOOD SONG is a tale filled with suffering and injustice, but it's also a tale of friendship and loyalty and perseverance, and woven throughout are hints of a Darkness gathering, while flaws in the Realm's belief system are slowly but steadily revealed.
In short, it's compelling. Sometimes bleak, sometimes hopeful, always determined, BLOOD SONG grabbed me by the horns and didn't let go until this chapter of the story was complete, and even then it was only for as long as it took me to one-click the next book. Highly recommended.
Claire Banschbach
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tremendous Epic Fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016Verified Purchase
Recently re-read this so I could read book 2.
This is definitely within my top favorite books. I love everything about it. The concept of the blood song, the characters - especially Vaelin - the sweeping plot lines...I could go on and on. The world Anthony Ryan has built is epic. What I find most interesting is all the different religions and how they are all handled. It was just really interesting to watch how a belief system basically based on dead ancestors so influenced the characters and their way of life.
Vaelin is actually one of my favorite protagonists, and one of the best I've come across in a while. He's not a "golden child" hero, but he's not an anti-hero either. He's not good at everything, but he kicks butt anyway. His "blood song" is fascinating and I need way more answers than you get in this book. I love the way the book is structured as him telling his story to a master historian.
I really love this book. Recommended if you like gritty epic fantasy.
Content warning:
Language. There's a lot of it scattered throughout. A couple uses of the F bomb.
Sex. No graphic or explicit scenes. It's mentioned that a couple has sex but it's more of a "fade to black" type thing. There's a few other mentions throughout.
Violence. Vaelin grows up in a battle-school. The whole book revolves around his learning to fight and then his multiple campaigns, but the descriptions aren't graphic.
This is definitely within my top favorite books. I love everything about it. The concept of the blood song, the characters - especially Vaelin - the sweeping plot lines...I could go on and on. The world Anthony Ryan has built is epic. What I find most interesting is all the different religions and how they are all handled. It was just really interesting to watch how a belief system basically based on dead ancestors so influenced the characters and their way of life.
Vaelin is actually one of my favorite protagonists, and one of the best I've come across in a while. He's not a "golden child" hero, but he's not an anti-hero either. He's not good at everything, but he kicks butt anyway. His "blood song" is fascinating and I need way more answers than you get in this book. I love the way the book is structured as him telling his story to a master historian.
I really love this book. Recommended if you like gritty epic fantasy.
Content warning:
Language. There's a lot of it scattered throughout. A couple uses of the F bomb.
Sex. No graphic or explicit scenes. It's mentioned that a couple has sex but it's more of a "fade to black" type thing. There's a few other mentions throughout.
Violence. Vaelin grows up in a battle-school. The whole book revolves around his learning to fight and then his multiple campaigns, but the descriptions aren't graphic.
Top reviews from other countries
Mr. T. Stacey
5.0 out of 5 stars
We Have No Banners
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2014Verified Purchase
I won't bore anyone with another summary. I'm just here to point out a few of the reasons why I enjoyed this novel so much and to add my own 5 star rating to the masses.
> The Characters - No black and white heroes/villains or run down cliche's here. Just characters that are all too real, with their own unique personalities, world views and faults. And as they go through deep life experiences, they actually develop! For example, when we first met Nortah, I envisioned him being your typical spoilt, petty brat. Very quickly I was disspelled of that impression - by the end of the book, he was one of my favourite characters. People shouldn't be judged solely based on first impressions, and they can change.
> The Pace - Considering the first 300 or so pages are dedicated to the 'training' section, there are a surprising amount of significant moments, many of which foreshadow later events. It nevers gets boring. Mr Ryan finds a fine balance when building his carefully crafted world, never cramming too much information in, yet not leaving his readers hanging either. It kept my interest, left me wanting more.
> The Intrigue - So many mysteries, large and small, are scattered throughout this novel: from the reason Vaelin was given to the Sixth Order; The Witch's bastard, the One Who Waits, and many questions surroundings the plot and various characters goals and motivations. What I especially enjoy is the fact that many of the answers are within the text before the reveals! Mr Ryan has created a consistent world, where every action makes sense within the context of his world. Learn the rules, then pay close attention.
All in all, a fantastic debut and an excellent start to the Raven's Shadow Trilogy. I will certainly be purchasing the next book, 'Tower Lord'.
(Additional Note: part of my motivation for writing this review in the first place was to counter a couple of the ridiculous negative reviews for this book. I can respect opinions that differ from my own. That's not the issue. But to give a book a low rating simply because the reviewer was stupid enough to buy the same book twice is sacrilege in my opinion. Reviews are intended to measure the quality of the product, not the IQ of the reviewer.)
> The Characters - No black and white heroes/villains or run down cliche's here. Just characters that are all too real, with their own unique personalities, world views and faults. And as they go through deep life experiences, they actually develop! For example, when we first met Nortah, I envisioned him being your typical spoilt, petty brat. Very quickly I was disspelled of that impression - by the end of the book, he was one of my favourite characters. People shouldn't be judged solely based on first impressions, and they can change.
> The Pace - Considering the first 300 or so pages are dedicated to the 'training' section, there are a surprising amount of significant moments, many of which foreshadow later events. It nevers gets boring. Mr Ryan finds a fine balance when building his carefully crafted world, never cramming too much information in, yet not leaving his readers hanging either. It kept my interest, left me wanting more.
> The Intrigue - So many mysteries, large and small, are scattered throughout this novel: from the reason Vaelin was given to the Sixth Order; The Witch's bastard, the One Who Waits, and many questions surroundings the plot and various characters goals and motivations. What I especially enjoy is the fact that many of the answers are within the text before the reveals! Mr Ryan has created a consistent world, where every action makes sense within the context of his world. Learn the rules, then pay close attention.
All in all, a fantastic debut and an excellent start to the Raven's Shadow Trilogy. I will certainly be purchasing the next book, 'Tower Lord'.
(Additional Note: part of my motivation for writing this review in the first place was to counter a couple of the ridiculous negative reviews for this book. I can respect opinions that differ from my own. That's not the issue. But to give a book a low rating simply because the reviewer was stupid enough to buy the same book twice is sacrilege in my opinion. Reviews are intended to measure the quality of the product, not the IQ of the reviewer.)
JPS
5.0 out of 5 stars
The honourable and reluctant killer and general
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2014Verified Purchase
This is a rather superb piece of “heroic fantasy”, especially for a first novel, and it is indeed well worth the five stars that so many other reviewers have given it. It is not perfect, but then no book really is, and it all depends upon what is meant by “perfect” anyway! However, it has just about all the ingredients that make a piece of “heroic fantasy” outstanding: world-building, plot, characterisation, action, and talent in keeping the reader engaged.
The first quality of this book is the world-building, and the way it is done almost incidentally, in a seamless way as you read through the book.
You do not get “treated” with pages and pages of glossaries, because the author has accumulated so many characters and names of places that you would be simply lost and confused in the absence of such glossaries. You do however get a few maps: a general one at the beginning, and one blown up section of this general map that corresponds to each of the main parts of the story.
The story of Vaelin Al Sorna is told by one Lord Vernier, a historian and a noble of the Alpirian Empire and each part of the book begins with his account and comments on the events as told by Vaelin. However, each part is followed by a much longer piece that tells what really happened, as opposed to the rather “sanitised” version served by Vaelin to Lord Vernier. This is one of the tricks that keeps the reader engaged and interested all along, at least that is how it worked out for me as I looked out for (the many) discrepancies in the two tales.
The world in which the story is set is that of the Unified Realm, a northern continent made up of what were formally four kingdoms which one of the Kings forcefully unified a few decades before. Here is where there might be some inspiration drawn from Martin’s Westeros, although the form of the Unified Realm made me thing of an enlarged Ireland rather than Britain. To the South-West of the Unified Realm lie the Meldenian Islands inhabited by pirates/traders. Far to the West is another mysterious continent that seems to be an equivalent of China and which is controlled by various merchant princes. To the South, across the Erinian Sea, lays the Alpirian Empire, which reminded me of a version of the Byzantine Empire that could somehow be set in Africa, which its northern part including a trio of ports and deserts.
Then there is the story itself, on which I will be brief because many other reviewers have already commented. The lonely boy left by his cold and apparently ruthless father to the “tender mercies” of harsh learners at the age of eleven - here the “Sixth Order” (inspired by Medieval Orders of warrior-monks) – and who goes through a gruelling training to become one of the most accomplished warriors of the Realm is not exactly original, although it is well told. Neither is the bonding with his fellow apprentices into a “band of brother-warriors”, with each of them having their own “speciality” (the sword for Vaelin) very original, although it works mostly well. Having – predictably – graduated, Vaelin, who has very much become the leader of his little band, serves the King of the Unified Realm as the commander of one of his infantry regiments where his duty takes him across the whole Realm and then across the sea against the Alipirian Empire.
One interesting streak in the story is the theme of religious intolerance, with a faction of fanatic defenders of the Faith busy persecuting the “Deniers”, meaning every sect and belief within the Realm that does not conform to the true Faith. As hinted at in this book, and as will be no doubt made more explicit in the following volumes, the truth is much more complicated than the “official version” and the various legends and accepted stories of the past hide a number of less than palatable events.
Another interesting feature is the careful mix of elements that this story includes. You get a hint at a couple of non-human races which pre-existed the arrival of the now dominant inhabitants of the Unified Realm. You will also have some supernatural powers and magical bits, including the “blood song” in itself and what looks like a daemon from the otherworld. You also get plenty of adventure, fights, plotting and intrigue, battles and assassination attempts, so that the story is fast-paced, but not excessively so.
What I particularly appreciated with all this was the measured way in which all these elements were introduced and carefully balanced and blended together. Some twists of the story are somewhat hard to believe however. One of these is the decision of the huge Alpirian army to attack the two strongest ports held by “the Northerners” instead of the weakest one defended by Vaelin, and this after Vaelin having given them plenty of reasons to go after him.
Then you have what I believe to be the third strongpoint of the book: the characterisation of the hero. The most prominent example is that of Vaelin Al Sorna himself who is indeed an honourable and reluctant killer but who will do whatever needs to be done because of his very high sense of duty to Crown and Faith, even when he knows perfectly well that he is being played with and used. However, and as other reviewers have also noticed, although a reluctant at killing and waging war, the hero is also very efficient at it, quite ruthlesss and does not indulge in any self-pitying that some authors feel obliged to introduce in their characters. He does not like it. He would prefer to do otherwise, but since he does not have a choice, he does it as efficiently as he can, even if others are going to see him as a monster as a result of his deeds.
Some of the other characters are also well-designed, such as the arrogant and prejudiced Lord Vernier, the ageing, cynical, unscrupulous and utterly ruthless King Janus who spent his life unifying the Realm and is ready to do just about anything to ensure that it survives him, his devious but vulnerable daughter and his noble but allegedly naïve son and heir. Other secondary characters are perhaps not so well drawn. In particular, I found that Vaelin’s brothers somewhat lacked depth.
Even the end of the story is rather good, with the author tying up all lose ends as his hero, after a long captivity and a near-suicidal mission that he was not expected to survive, heads for home where a new King has come to power. Five stars for this superb first novel, despite the few glitches noted above, and largely because you get (or at least I got) totally immersed in this book once you pick it up. Needless to say, I am rather impatiently waiting for volume 2 and hoping it will be at least as good.
The first quality of this book is the world-building, and the way it is done almost incidentally, in a seamless way as you read through the book.
You do not get “treated” with pages and pages of glossaries, because the author has accumulated so many characters and names of places that you would be simply lost and confused in the absence of such glossaries. You do however get a few maps: a general one at the beginning, and one blown up section of this general map that corresponds to each of the main parts of the story.
The story of Vaelin Al Sorna is told by one Lord Vernier, a historian and a noble of the Alpirian Empire and each part of the book begins with his account and comments on the events as told by Vaelin. However, each part is followed by a much longer piece that tells what really happened, as opposed to the rather “sanitised” version served by Vaelin to Lord Vernier. This is one of the tricks that keeps the reader engaged and interested all along, at least that is how it worked out for me as I looked out for (the many) discrepancies in the two tales.
The world in which the story is set is that of the Unified Realm, a northern continent made up of what were formally four kingdoms which one of the Kings forcefully unified a few decades before. Here is where there might be some inspiration drawn from Martin’s Westeros, although the form of the Unified Realm made me thing of an enlarged Ireland rather than Britain. To the South-West of the Unified Realm lie the Meldenian Islands inhabited by pirates/traders. Far to the West is another mysterious continent that seems to be an equivalent of China and which is controlled by various merchant princes. To the South, across the Erinian Sea, lays the Alpirian Empire, which reminded me of a version of the Byzantine Empire that could somehow be set in Africa, which its northern part including a trio of ports and deserts.
Then there is the story itself, on which I will be brief because many other reviewers have already commented. The lonely boy left by his cold and apparently ruthless father to the “tender mercies” of harsh learners at the age of eleven - here the “Sixth Order” (inspired by Medieval Orders of warrior-monks) – and who goes through a gruelling training to become one of the most accomplished warriors of the Realm is not exactly original, although it is well told. Neither is the bonding with his fellow apprentices into a “band of brother-warriors”, with each of them having their own “speciality” (the sword for Vaelin) very original, although it works mostly well. Having – predictably – graduated, Vaelin, who has very much become the leader of his little band, serves the King of the Unified Realm as the commander of one of his infantry regiments where his duty takes him across the whole Realm and then across the sea against the Alipirian Empire.
One interesting streak in the story is the theme of religious intolerance, with a faction of fanatic defenders of the Faith busy persecuting the “Deniers”, meaning every sect and belief within the Realm that does not conform to the true Faith. As hinted at in this book, and as will be no doubt made more explicit in the following volumes, the truth is much more complicated than the “official version” and the various legends and accepted stories of the past hide a number of less than palatable events.
Another interesting feature is the careful mix of elements that this story includes. You get a hint at a couple of non-human races which pre-existed the arrival of the now dominant inhabitants of the Unified Realm. You will also have some supernatural powers and magical bits, including the “blood song” in itself and what looks like a daemon from the otherworld. You also get plenty of adventure, fights, plotting and intrigue, battles and assassination attempts, so that the story is fast-paced, but not excessively so.
What I particularly appreciated with all this was the measured way in which all these elements were introduced and carefully balanced and blended together. Some twists of the story are somewhat hard to believe however. One of these is the decision of the huge Alpirian army to attack the two strongest ports held by “the Northerners” instead of the weakest one defended by Vaelin, and this after Vaelin having given them plenty of reasons to go after him.
Then you have what I believe to be the third strongpoint of the book: the characterisation of the hero. The most prominent example is that of Vaelin Al Sorna himself who is indeed an honourable and reluctant killer but who will do whatever needs to be done because of his very high sense of duty to Crown and Faith, even when he knows perfectly well that he is being played with and used. However, and as other reviewers have also noticed, although a reluctant at killing and waging war, the hero is also very efficient at it, quite ruthlesss and does not indulge in any self-pitying that some authors feel obliged to introduce in their characters. He does not like it. He would prefer to do otherwise, but since he does not have a choice, he does it as efficiently as he can, even if others are going to see him as a monster as a result of his deeds.
Some of the other characters are also well-designed, such as the arrogant and prejudiced Lord Vernier, the ageing, cynical, unscrupulous and utterly ruthless King Janus who spent his life unifying the Realm and is ready to do just about anything to ensure that it survives him, his devious but vulnerable daughter and his noble but allegedly naïve son and heir. Other secondary characters are perhaps not so well drawn. In particular, I found that Vaelin’s brothers somewhat lacked depth.
Even the end of the story is rather good, with the author tying up all lose ends as his hero, after a long captivity and a near-suicidal mission that he was not expected to survive, heads for home where a new King has come to power. Five stars for this superb first novel, despite the few glitches noted above, and largely because you get (or at least I got) totally immersed in this book once you pick it up. Needless to say, I am rather impatiently waiting for volume 2 and hoping it will be at least as good.
Sam | The Book in Hand_
5.0 out of 5 stars
I would highly recommend this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2020Verified Purchase
A late review as I read this last year, but I am starting a blog so thought to review this masterpiece! All reviews can be found at thebookinhand.com (when it goes live, which will be soon!!).
And now to the review...
I am such a stickler for the start of a novel, I have read books that have hooked me in a page, the first ten per cent or books that have gotten to thirty per cent and I'm still not excited. So to see Anthony Ryan begin this novel in such a brilliant way, it was safe to say I was in for an enjoyable read. The book begins with a scribe and an imperial prisoner who is being transported to a trial by combat. The whole encounter between these two men made me wonder so much, who was this man? So calm in the face of death, so well spoken and polite and oddly enough respected by those who would seemingly hate him, enough to be gifted not only something that was once his but another precious gift. If that doesn't grip you then I don't know what will, but I instantly wanted to read on and know all there was to know about this man.
First we begin with the scribe's POV, who is with Vaelin, then the rest of the book is written in a flashback, exquisitely done I might add, from Vaelin's POV where he is explaining to the scribe the events of his life up to the present day.
This is an incredible book, and one I struggle to find fault with and totally worth the five stars given in this rating/review. Anthony Ryan writes in a way that is wholly immersive and easy flowing.
Vaelin's tale is one in which we experience bonds of friendship/brotherhood, war, politics, religion, conspiracy and so much more. I am all about bonds of brotherhood in books, they are my weakness, so when I say I loved Vaelin and his brothers of the order it is no small thing. Frentis, Dentos, Brakus, Caenis and Nortah were all sublime, they were utterly believable and so well developed. I am a firm believer that a main character is only as good as the characters that surround them, and with Vaelin surrounded by these boys and many more amazing character this book has to offer, this had the makings of a five star read. It is safe to say this is a character-driven book, and one which is filled with emotion and character development, so if that is your thing read this book. Simple.
This book, I would say, is a relatively slow-paced book being one of training and coming of age but make no mistake this book does not allow you to stop reading. It is a seriously addictive page turner and does not falter under the dreaded middle phase slump that is often seen in books.
I would highly recommend this book to those who love the epic/high fantasy genre, its world building is light and wonderful, its character outstanding and its plot intriguing.
And now to the review...
I am such a stickler for the start of a novel, I have read books that have hooked me in a page, the first ten per cent or books that have gotten to thirty per cent and I'm still not excited. So to see Anthony Ryan begin this novel in such a brilliant way, it was safe to say I was in for an enjoyable read. The book begins with a scribe and an imperial prisoner who is being transported to a trial by combat. The whole encounter between these two men made me wonder so much, who was this man? So calm in the face of death, so well spoken and polite and oddly enough respected by those who would seemingly hate him, enough to be gifted not only something that was once his but another precious gift. If that doesn't grip you then I don't know what will, but I instantly wanted to read on and know all there was to know about this man.
First we begin with the scribe's POV, who is with Vaelin, then the rest of the book is written in a flashback, exquisitely done I might add, from Vaelin's POV where he is explaining to the scribe the events of his life up to the present day.
This is an incredible book, and one I struggle to find fault with and totally worth the five stars given in this rating/review. Anthony Ryan writes in a way that is wholly immersive and easy flowing.
Vaelin's tale is one in which we experience bonds of friendship/brotherhood, war, politics, religion, conspiracy and so much more. I am all about bonds of brotherhood in books, they are my weakness, so when I say I loved Vaelin and his brothers of the order it is no small thing. Frentis, Dentos, Brakus, Caenis and Nortah were all sublime, they were utterly believable and so well developed. I am a firm believer that a main character is only as good as the characters that surround them, and with Vaelin surrounded by these boys and many more amazing character this book has to offer, this had the makings of a five star read. It is safe to say this is a character-driven book, and one which is filled with emotion and character development, so if that is your thing read this book. Simple.
This book, I would say, is a relatively slow-paced book being one of training and coming of age but make no mistake this book does not allow you to stop reading. It is a seriously addictive page turner and does not falter under the dreaded middle phase slump that is often seen in books.
I would highly recommend this book to those who love the epic/high fantasy genre, its world building is light and wonderful, its character outstanding and its plot intriguing.
A Scary Man
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid without being epic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2019Verified Purchase
A gripping and well-written with some flaws, the main one being the characters. The protagonist Vaelin is hard to relate to because it's not clear where his loyalties lie - certainly not with his family, not really with the Order he belongs to, not with the king, nor even with his closest friends as he very quickly turns on them when circumstances require him to. Nor with his god, since his "Faith" doesn't seem to include one.
I suppose one could say he's loyal to his own set of principles, but again it's unclear what these are or where they came from. His most relatable moments are when he regrets some of his past actions that were commanded by people he later realised were not as virtuous as they first seemed.
Most of the other characters aren't developed. His comrades in the Order are largely interchangeable apart from their specialist skills.
The political intrigue is written fairly well. I would have liked more information on what each Order does (Sixth are some sort of warrior monks, Fifth are healers, Fourth are inquisitors, I can't remember the rest...)
I think it would have benefitted from spending more time showing the world of the Alpiran Empire. I didn't fully get why everyone was so upset when the "Hope" died or why he was even chosen. Less time could have been spent on the Order's training.
Overall, a solid 4/5. I will wait for book 2 to come down in price and then snap it up...
I suppose one could say he's loyal to his own set of principles, but again it's unclear what these are or where they came from. His most relatable moments are when he regrets some of his past actions that were commanded by people he later realised were not as virtuous as they first seemed.
Most of the other characters aren't developed. His comrades in the Order are largely interchangeable apart from their specialist skills.
The political intrigue is written fairly well. I would have liked more information on what each Order does (Sixth are some sort of warrior monks, Fifth are healers, Fourth are inquisitors, I can't remember the rest...)
I think it would have benefitted from spending more time showing the world of the Alpiran Empire. I didn't fully get why everyone was so upset when the "Hope" died or why he was even chosen. Less time could have been spent on the Order's training.
Overall, a solid 4/5. I will wait for book 2 to come down in price and then snap it up...
PB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Smashing entry into a series that sadly tales off...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2017Verified Purchase
WOW, an astonishing first book in the series and most definitely its high point. I have cracked through most of the big and smaller names names in the fantasy genera and this one has fallen under my radar until now. I am writing this review after having read the whole trilogy back to back over a span of a week (yes my eye's hurt now) and this book is top stuff.
This book follows Vaelin Al Sorna, and his growth through a order and eventual fights. As the blurb may indicate he is inducted into the apex group of leaders / worrier order and to this effect we see him grow from a young boy into a leader towards the end of the book. The initial part of the book is all about growth and this is fleshed out in tantalising detail, yet unlike many other books, they details do not feel weighed down or unnecessary padding, it works well. The training regime and brutality of it also serves to create bonds between Vaelin and other member's of the groups which feels genuine and also develops throughout.
Throughout the book you see morality in plenty of shades of black and white and everything in between and this is written very well, with plenty of characters motives not becoming apparent until the book is fleshed out. We also see the elements of a larger overarching story and while it does finish sooner then I would like, it does transition well into the second book.
Overall, this book is amazing and a smashing entry in the Trilogy. Sadly however this is the highlight of the trilogy with book two being slightly weaker and book three being absolutely shambolic that I nearly cried and had to read other reviews part way through to ensure I was not going mad. In that sense it makes it hard to judge this book fairly as a standalone book, if I was not writing this review having already read the others, it would earn 4.5 stars (will round to 5 in this case) but as a whole series, it really comes out to 3.5 stars, never have I seen a series that drops off in quality so significantly and that includes Wheel Of Times middle books which go off the rails.
This book follows Vaelin Al Sorna, and his growth through a order and eventual fights. As the blurb may indicate he is inducted into the apex group of leaders / worrier order and to this effect we see him grow from a young boy into a leader towards the end of the book. The initial part of the book is all about growth and this is fleshed out in tantalising detail, yet unlike many other books, they details do not feel weighed down or unnecessary padding, it works well. The training regime and brutality of it also serves to create bonds between Vaelin and other member's of the groups which feels genuine and also develops throughout.
Throughout the book you see morality in plenty of shades of black and white and everything in between and this is written very well, with plenty of characters motives not becoming apparent until the book is fleshed out. We also see the elements of a larger overarching story and while it does finish sooner then I would like, it does transition well into the second book.
Overall, this book is amazing and a smashing entry in the Trilogy. Sadly however this is the highlight of the trilogy with book two being slightly weaker and book three being absolutely shambolic that I nearly cried and had to read other reviews part way through to ensure I was not going mad. In that sense it makes it hard to judge this book fairly as a standalone book, if I was not writing this review having already read the others, it would earn 4.5 stars (will round to 5 in this case) but as a whole series, it really comes out to 3.5 stars, never have I seen a series that drops off in quality so significantly and that includes Wheel Of Times middle books which go off the rails.