The Pariah

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

"A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word." —John Gwynne

The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.
Born into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine, Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade, Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path - one of blood and vengeance, which eventually leads him to a soldier's life in the king's army.

Fighting under the command of Lady Evadine Courlain, a noblewoman beset by visions of a demonic apocalypse, Alwyn must survive war and the deadly intrigues of the nobility if he hopes to claim his vengeance. But as dark forces, both human and arcane, gather to oppose Evadine's rise, Alwyn faces a choice: can he be a warrior, or will he always be an outlaw?

"This makes a rich treat for George R.R. Martin fans." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
For more from Anthony Ryan, check out: Raven's Shadow TrilogyBlood SongTower LordQueen of Fire Raven's Blade DuologyThe Wolf's CallThe Black Song The Draconis Memoria TrilogyThe Waking FireThe Legion of FlameThe Empire of Ashes

Critic reviews

“Gritty and well-drawn, this makes a rich treat for George R.R. Martin fans.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word."—John Gwynne

"A master storyteller."—Mark Lawrence

"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 on Blood Song

"[Blood Song] certainly has it all: great coming-of-age tale, compelling character and a fast-paced plot. If [Ryan's] first book is any indication of things to come, then all fantasy readers should rejoice."—Michael J. Sullivan on Blood Song

"Ryan hits all the high notes of epic fantasy--a gritty setting, ancient magics, ruthless intrigue, divided loyalties and bloody action."—Publishers Weekly on Blood Song

"A page-turner."—Booklist on Blood Song

"Readers who enjoy their fantasy fast and furious will find Ryan's latest to be an immensely satisfying, top-notch adventure fantasy."—Kirkus on Wolf's Call

"Robin Hobb meets Joe Abercrombie in a story that delivers so many gut-wrenching blows. This is fantasy with a totally legendary feel; it's epic in every regard."—Fantasy Book Review on The Wolf's Call

"[A] thrilling deep dive into fantasy warfare."—Publishers Weekly on The Wolf's Call

Tedious

The beginning has most of the action in the whole book. The narrator doesn’t even sound interested

Another home run from Anthony Ryan

If you haven’t read anything by Anthony Ryan but love fantasy, sword fights, and the character the persevere despite all odds then you’ll love this book.

Similar to Blood Song Anthony Ryan’s first book, we start with a young hero and the expectation of a legend about to be born. This is new series set in an entirely new world. The story is told from 1st person present with vague allusions to future events about to unfold. So everything that’s read throughout the story is flavored by the internal bias of a nobody from a rough upbringing. Our main character is a cynic who has to come to grips with religion, fate, and ever increasing intrigue from powers much greater then him.

What keeps the plot moving is our main character resourcefulness and some pretty great fights. I finished this book within two days. Definitely a great read.

bewitching

a book that just takes hold of you.
couldn't stop for a moment.
just absolutely beautiful

Fabulous

Outstanding story narrated beautifully. It held my attention from the opening paragraph and I was very sorry to have it end. But wait, there will be additional volumes and I will continue to be entertained when I obtain those volumes. My sincere thanks to the author.

Not his best.

A good story but took the WHOLE of the book to really pull me in. The last 30 minutes is the best. The rest of the book drags as background and filler for the last pivotal moments.

Amazing

Was not sure I was enjoying but by third chapter was hooked. Great story, and the readers voice was well suited to the story.

wonderful but...

amazing story. be warned, starts slow, but it's worth it. hang in there. it's worth it

A great find

Great story epic tale worth the time. Was glad I gave it a go and enjoyed it more than I expected to. If you haven’t already checked it out you should do so.

New to the genre

Within minutes, I knew I was going to love this book. It was so well written and while not entirely "gripping" it was very entertaining. My only fault in it is that Mr. Ryan tends to rely on a few repeating tools for his story that became predictable. Not enough to tarnish the story, but just enough that a careful observer could see when he was going to circle back to something. This, to me, felt a bit more than simple foreshadowing. In any case, if that is the only complaint, you can't be too upset. Well worth the credit spent and I've already eyed the paperbacks to join my collection.

Another terrific story crafted by Anthony Ryan.

I love the pace of this story as well as the character development. Can’t wait to start the 2nd book and keep it going.