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)

As good as the first book

Hard to figure where those negative reviews are coming from, I really enjoyed the second book. After building the characters in the first book we now get to enjoy that work and see those characters going forward. There is more action, more world building and most importantly more POVs which all tell an interesting story.

A good continuation for a great book

Although it's not as good as the previous book in the series, it's certainly enjoyable. The only bad sides are that the story always changes when it would become interesting, and the end that screams for the next book.
The first had a clear ending and an opportunity for continuation.

A worthy second book, can't wait for the next.

A fantastic second book in the series. Narration, story, characters were all excellent. Found this after running out of Sanderson works, if you liked Sanderson you'll probably like this.

good follow up book

I think this book is a great expansion of the world created in Blood Song. I am looking forward to book 3.

superb story

Loved it, can't wait for Queen of Fire. The narrator was ok, not as good with differentiating voices as some others I've heard.

Just wow!

A great book for readers looking for subtle plots layered one under another. The secrets unfold so slowely and always causing more questions. this series was such an exquisite torture driving me to madness with a need to know how it will all turn out. Now I wait for the next book.

The author knowns nothing about fighting.

but the book is still excellent. A must read for any fantasy fan even though the fighting is very Hollywood with nonsense like killing with a palm strike to the noise or swords on your back.

Not as great as 1st but still better than expected

Characters briefly introduced in the first play stronger roles in the novel. Enjoyable and looking forward to the third. Reader does a nice job!

Great brain washing

Great brain washing with pushing homosexuality, witchcraft and one hero "Messiah" like.
Overall good story, even with intensity to push unnatural intercourse the story it self has good writing style, in creative writing manor with few exceptions.

Excellent Adventure!

Truly a masterful sequel that will not disappoint. An adventure not to be missed. Character development is masterful as is the story as the plot unfolds. Undertones of the nature of culture, religion, and humanity overwrapped in a riveting story you can't put down. Brands telling is also masterful and I can't imagine the story without his voice. Can't wait for the next installment.