Many Are the Dead

A Raven's Shadow Novella

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

“The Faith requires all we have.”  

New York Times best-selling author Anthony Ryan returns to the Raven’s Shadow world in this prequel novella set 10 years before the events in Blood Song.   

For decades, the brothers of the Sixth Order have fought a savage war against the Lonak clans amid the frozen peaks of their dominion.   

When word reaches the North of a fresh outbreak of the dreaded Red Hand, Brother Sollis, the finest swordsman in the Order, leads a small band to a long-abandoned castle in search of a potential cure but discovers a far greater threat lurking in the mountains.  

Enemies become allies as Sollis leads an increasingly desperate fight against an inhuman enemy steeped in the power of the Dark.   

"Brilliantly written.... Anyone who has read Blood Song will adore this." (Fantasy Book Review)

©2018 Anthony Ryan (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Rather matter of fact for the horror theme

Self contained prequel novella about a last stand against dark forces. I loved the concept of foes teaming up to defend an abandoned castle, and was hoping for 13th Warrior style thrills, but didn’t feel the menace or the horror. There just wasn’t enough time spent on fleshing out the characters, dialogue or setting. I would have really liked more detail on the dark forces. Unfortunately, the vague descriptions of magic plague the entire series. This was okay for the $1 sale price.

For better tales of man vs monster mayhem, try:
🗡Harper’s 10 (more of an Aliens meets Pitch Black, currently free in Audible)
🗡Into the Wild by Larry Correia (if you’ve got to have a medieval vibe with your horror)
🗡Aliens Phalanx (actual Aliens from the franchise, in a medieval setting)

Great entry to the Raven’s Shadow series

With familiar characters, jumping back into the fray is entertaining and leaves you hungry for more. If you are a fan of the storyline from Bloodsong, Tower Lord, and Queen of Fire you will enjoy this adventure with the Brothers from the Sixth Order.

I would love if Anthony Ryan gave this sort of treatment to our favorite Brothers who accompanied our hero through his journey, giving a bit more depth to who they were.

A Cure and Many Deaths

Three Brothers and a Sister travel north in search of a possible cure and then end up helping a group of outcasts find their lost honor. I highly recommend this short story.

Excellent

Steven Brands narration is fantastic and I hope that it will never change! Mr. Ryan doesn’t disappoint!

Love for Sollis

Sollis has always been one of my favorite characters. Any backstory to his life is much appreciated. Beautiful short story with just a hint of romance. 😍😍

Not for Me

I couldn't get into this one. Usually Steven Brand gets me captivated but the storyline just didn't do it for me this time.

narration ruined it

The story was ok for me and I would have gotten into it more but the narration was so bland and the same from character to character that I couldn't get much out of it. I wish someone like Nick Podehl could have narrated all of these books. I already purchased the audiblebook for Blood Song, but now I will probably just buy the book to read myself instead because I heard it is a great book.

Awesome

Great story, super fun to get some history and insight into Brother Sollis. Narration was great, story was intricately woven as aonly Ryan can do.

Good one

Engaging characters, interesting setting, narration was excellent. I'm going to look into this series now.

enjoyable

not too long. sort of like GOT.
easy listening. will listen to more from this author.