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A quest for bloody vengeance forces Derla, a skilled veteran of the Varinshold underworld, into the service of arch schemer King Janus. Charged with protecting the renowned drunkard and cardsharp Sentes Mustor, Derla finds herself drawn into a high stakes game with the notorious criminal overlord known as One Eye.
The world is falling to the burning shadow of the Possessed and only the power of a battle mage can save it. But the ancient bond with dragonkind is failing. Of those that answer a summoning too many are black. Black dragons are the enemy of humankind. Black dragons are mad. Falco Dante is a weakling in a world of warriors, but worse than this, he is the son of a madman. Driven by grief, Falco makes a decision that will drive him to the brink of despair. As he tries to come to terms with his actions Falco follows his friends to the Academy of War.
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
A captive at the mercy of the Warlord of their multi-world kingdom, Nalini has learned to hide under a mask, a lie. As far as her master sees, she’s his obedient little puppet. Then, she meets him. The male who can obliterate the entire Galaxy. Her world ends that day. In the eyes of a young Seer, Kai discovers who he’s meant to be. His future is blood and death; but there’s a female by his side. A female he’d gladly destroy stars for. If his destiny is ruling over ruins with her, so be it.
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well. Then one night Minalan is forced to pick up his mageblade again to defend his adopted home from the vanguard of an army of goblins bent on a genocidal crusade against all mankind. And that was the good news.
When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself. But this is only the beginning of his discoveries.
A quest for bloody vengeance forces Derla, a skilled veteran of the Varinshold underworld, into the service of arch schemer King Janus. Charged with protecting the renowned drunkard and cardsharp Sentes Mustor, Derla finds herself drawn into a high stakes game with the notorious criminal overlord known as One Eye.
The world is falling to the burning shadow of the Possessed and only the power of a battle mage can save it. But the ancient bond with dragonkind is failing. Of those that answer a summoning too many are black. Black dragons are the enemy of humankind. Black dragons are mad. Falco Dante is a weakling in a world of warriors, but worse than this, he is the son of a madman. Driven by grief, Falco makes a decision that will drive him to the brink of despair. As he tries to come to terms with his actions Falco follows his friends to the Academy of War.
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
A captive at the mercy of the Warlord of their multi-world kingdom, Nalini has learned to hide under a mask, a lie. As far as her master sees, she’s his obedient little puppet. Then, she meets him. The male who can obliterate the entire Galaxy. Her world ends that day. In the eyes of a young Seer, Kai discovers who he’s meant to be. His future is blood and death; but there’s a female by his side. A female he’d gladly destroy stars for. If his destiny is ruling over ruins with her, so be it.
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well. Then one night Minalan is forced to pick up his mageblade again to defend his adopted home from the vanguard of an army of goblins bent on a genocidal crusade against all mankind. And that was the good news.
When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself. But this is only the beginning of his discoveries.
Mankind has lorded over the land of Illian for a thousand years, enjoying what was left to them by the elves, as if it were their birthright. A thousand years is a long time for an immortal race to see the error of their ways and realize a truth that has remained unsaid for a millennia - elves are superior! They are faster, stronger, and connected to the magical world in a way that man could never grasp. Illian is their birthright. The six kingdoms of man are fractured, unallied and always clawing at each other's doors for more power.
When Soren is plucked from the streets and given a place at the prestigious academy of swordsmanship, he thinks his dream of being a great swordsman has become a possibility. However, with great intrigues unfolding all around him, Soren discovers that he is little more than a pawn to the ambitions of others.
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
An orphan's life is harsh---and often short---in the island city of Camorr, built on the ruins of a mysterious alien race. But born with a quick wit and a gift for thieving, Locke Lamora has dodged both death and slavery, only to fall into the hands of an eyeless priest known as Chains---a man who is neither blind nor a priest. A con artist of extraordinary talent, Chains passes his skills on to his carefully selected "family" of orphans---a group known as the Gentlemen Bastards.
Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction. Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm? A tale to shake "The Land" itself, measuring 10/10 on the Richter scale, how will Richter's choices shape the future of The Land and all who reside in it? Can he grow his power to meet the deadliest of beings of the land? When choices are often a shade of grey, how will Richter ensure he does not become what he seeks to destroy?
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting, and bloody confrontations with ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen’s rule remains absolute, enforced by her dreaded Claw assassins. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, their lone surviving mage, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities, yet holds out.
Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian, has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he's on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian - leaving nothing behind him but bad songs, dead friends, and a lot of happy enemies. Nobleman, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, Captain Jezal dan Luthar has nothing more dangerous in mind than fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing, and on the battlefields of the frozen North they fight by altogether bloodier rules.
It has been 20 years since the end of the war. The dictatorial Augurs, once thought of almost as gods, were overthrown and wiped out during the conflict, their much-feared powers mysteriously failing them. Those who had ruled under them, men and women with a lesser ability known as the Gift, avoided the Augurs' fate only by submitting themselves to the rebellion's Four Tenets.
Control dinosaurs. Tame women. Rule the world. Victor Shelby and his tribe of beautiful alien women have built a fortress to keep themselves safe, but when they encounter another tribe of survivors, Victor must leverage his dinosaur-taming abilities to negotiate either peace or violence. And violence is what Dinosaurland is all about.
Acclaimed author Michael J. Sullivan created instant best sellers with his spellbinding Riyria Revelations series. This first volume introduces Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two enterprising thieves who end up running for their lives when they’re framed for the death of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy bigger than they can imagine, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery - before it’s too late.
They are the fatemarked. Misunderstood. Worshipped. Hated. Murdered at birth. Their time to step into the light has come. An ancient prophecy foretold their coming, the chosen few who will bring peace to a land embroiled in a century of mistrust and war. When kings start dying, that hope and belief swiftly turns to fear. Roan Loren is one of the fatemarked, but has hidden his mark of power his entire life, fearing the damage it might cause to those around him. A great evil is coming. He can't hide anymore.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric's life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
We have fought battles that left more than a hundred corpses on the ground and not a word of it has ever been set down. The Order fights, but often it fights in shadow, without glory or reward. We have no banners.
Vaelin Al Sorna is the Sixth Order's newest recruit. Under their brutal training regime, he learns how to forge a blade, survive the wilds, and kill a man quickly and quietly - all in the name of protecting the Realm and the Faith. Now his skills will be put to the test.
War is coming. Vaelin must draw upon the very essence of his strength and cunning if he is to survive the coming conflict. Yet as the world teeters on the edge of chaos, Vaelin will learn that the truth can cut deeper than any sword.
I found the story to be very good, but having just listened through the The Name of the Wind and The Wise Mans Fear, where the narrator gives a stellar performance, the narration in Blood Song was not to my taste. I don't know how many times I had no clue who were talking, past or present etc. If you are able to sit down and concentrate you will most likely be able to eliminate these problems, but for me... I listen while I do other stuff and I lost the thread way too often. I have not had this problem before and I have listened to my share of books. The voice is just fine, although the diction is a bit "slurred", the problem is there is no distinction between the persons speaking, I also had a difficult time noticing when there was a change of scene, some names got mixed up and at times I felt it was read at maximum speed to get theough it.
A good narration can lift a book, this is not the case for this one sadly.
I strongly recommend the book to fans of the genre however, but I believe I will be going for the good old paperback for book 2.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love this book. Maybe a classic in time and love how the story was told. Please dont kill off anymore brothers like Valen I cant take it
Any additional comments?
The first half of the book is pretty forgettable, but it is worth sticking araound as it soon gathers pace into an epic narrative full of interesting & unique characters. The second book is even better.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Any additional comments?
At first I really struggled to get into this book due to the narration.
I found Steven Brands voice to be heavily accented, and with an inability to use different voices for different characters. The story was delivered in monotone and I began to suspect that he may have had a cold when he read this book due to a raspiness in his voice.
I did persist however and after eventually getting used to the narration enough to be able to engage with the story-line I found the book itself to be a half decent read. Not epic by any means but very readable.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Any additional comments?
Vaelin Al Sorna, prisoner of war relates his story to chronicler and historian Lord Verniers, as he is transported by ship, to answer for his crimes.
The story then takes us back to the young Vaelin, and his entry into the Sixth order of The Faith, and so the story begins. We learn of the strict training regime within The Order, the friendships he builds, the trials he endures, and the secrets he begins to uncover.
This is a wonderful novel, with a complex plot, interesting secondary characters action,political intrigue, and interesting take on magic. A book that answered so many of the questions that it brought up, that it could be a stand alone novel. But also left enough that. Yup! I'm gearing up to listen to the next book in the series.
If you only get one book this year this one would not be a bad choice.
My only issue was with some of the narration. Although I loved Steven Brands voice, and yes I thought he was perfect for the voice of Vaelin. I was just a bit disappointed with his lack of distinction, when he was voicing the other characters, there was a few times when I had to do a quick rewind to double check who was talking. I had to really pay attention or would lose track of what was going on. Just a small niggle. But felt it stopped me getting totally absorbed into the story.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
How did the narrator detract from the book?
This is a very good story and had I been reading it myself then yes it would be 5 stars. I love "The Name of the Wind" and heard this was similar so rushed to buy it with a valuable credit as soon as it was released as an audiobook. Now here is where the problem starts. Its an audiobook and as such is different to just buying a book and reading it yourself. Part of the beauty of an audiobook is the performance given by the narrator. For example, everyone has probably read the Harry Potter books to themselves but the audiobook brings a totally new perspective on the story with the superb Stephen Fry providing excitement and numerous amazing voices for the characters. Nick Podehl does this really well with "The Name of the Wind" and Michael Page does an amazing job with "The Lies of Locke Lamora". Now unfortunately Steven Brand does NOT do a good job here. How people can give him a 5 star rating I do not know. Where are the different voices for different characters? Where is the change of tone, tension and excitement for the action scenes? His voice is also too soft for this genre, I expected him to cough at any moment and all to suddenly be OK but alas no. Steven reads this book to you but doesn't perform it. A meeting between Vaelin and one of his brothers is read exactly the same way as a description of a battle. These audiobooks are not cheap if you don't use a credit and it baffles me why the author would allow his hard written book to be ruined this easily. I struggled through to about the last hour then realised I was not going to buy the second part of this story with the same narrator and so stopped - huge shame. If you are happy with someone just "reading" to you then fine buy this audiobook. If you would rather be entertained look elsewhere now, buy the book in hard copy and read it yourself!
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I’ve been itching to finish this audiobook as I was anxious to post my review and help spread the word. It’s always pleasing to find a new author who can go straight into your own personal A-list. Happily Anthony Ryan falls into that category. His debut novel is a fantasy of the epic order. The main protagonist, Vaelin Al Sorna, is an instant classic fantasy hero and the book is full of other interesting and engaging characters (neither too black nor too white, as befits modern tastes).
The world created will seem comfortably familiar to aficiandos of the genre but with plenty of blank spaces to be uncovered in later novels no doubt. The plot moves along at a cracking pace and I was never less than fully engaged. The storyline was pleasingly familiar whilst being individual enough to render any idle moment an opportunity to reach for the audio-player, which is always a good test of its merits. The framing device used worked very well and I was very quickly drawn into the novel even before the main arc of the story started. I was reminded of Bernard Cornwell’s “Arthur” trilogy, still one of my all-time faves
If you insist on criticism, perhaps the story was a little generic and perhaps the underlying heart of the central conflict was a bit under-developed, but the ending of the novel hinted greatly of an opening-out of the themes in subsequent volumes. Needless to say I am already started on volume 2 “Tower Lord”.
Having seen some negative comments on the narration I have to say I thought Steven Brand was excellent and his voice really fitted the mood of the novel.
If you’re a fan of gritty fantasy and haven’t read this yet, well lucky you, a treat awaits...
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
If you could sum up Blood Song in three words, what would they be?
Action, drama, swords
What other book might you compare Blood Song to, and why?
Any joe abercrombie book
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I grew to love the characters
Any additional comments?
Brilliant book, well worth a listen.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Another promising trilogy....
It's cut from similar cloth as other novels of this genre - good old sword swinging battles, edged with a bit of magic and mystery, warring realms, gifted hero, nasty baddies....the usual ingredients, but well put together and an enjoyable tale to get into. Reminds me a little of the Wheel of Time.
I'm two books into the series, and now sit patiently (not!) waiting for the final instalment (Amazon has the hardcover version scheduled for June 2015 - hopefully audio version would follow shortly thereafter)
As to the narrator...many reviewers have already commented, and I don't disagree with them. When it comes to narrators, you get two types - those who PERFORM the book and those who simply read it. Stephen Brand falls into the latter category. He does read well, in that he's clear, his pronunciation consistent, and his tone is easy enough on the ear...but that's all; no characterisations. There were occasions when I wasn't clear who was speaking. I believe that the really good "performers" (eg Steven Pacey; Rupert Degas) take an audiobook to a different level ...........how much better would this book have been had it been performed rather than simply being read?
Unfortunately my lifestyle means I only have time to listen to audiobooks - sitting still in order to read is not an option - therefore I will probably choose to listen to book 3 even if it has the same narrator. But perhaps this might be a trilogy which would be better tackled in the traditional manner - a good old paperback. If you're a fan of this genre, don't let the narrator put you off; it's not so bad as to ruin the story, you just have to concentrate a little more than normal.
24 of 27 people found this review helpful
Imagine an amalgam of a cleaned up Logan Nine Fingers, a straight Ringil Eskiath and Jorg Ankrath with morals. Vaelin Al Sorna is an extraordinary character: inspiring, charismatic, deliciously laconic, delightfully enigmatic and just... well... all over competent. There's a dab of Left Hand of God in there, too. For all those comparisons, this is a unique, enthralling fantasy. It's truly epic.
A quick synopsis: a warlord's son is handed over to a religious order for training as a warrior. Vaelin comes to realise it's for his own protection and forges deep bonds with his brothers. It soon becomes clear that there are forces at play - an unknown order, leeching evil and the ambition of ruthless people. There are many threads winding through the story - you'll be jumping up and down for the release of book 2.
The mystique of the Brotherhood is beautifully depicted. The brothers' training is fascinating and the resulting super warriors are captivating. The characters are complex, compelling people and Ryan handles relationships with a sure but delicate hand.
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
This little gem is a bit of a slow burner but well worth the wait. Taking us from the early years of a young, confused boy growing up in a religious order of warriors, the author slowly but masterfully paints a picture of a fractured land steeped in war with many religous factions willing to fight and die for their beliefs.
Throughout the book we are teased with broken pieces of information about an ancient order of men thought lost to the centuries. Our anti hero travels across land and sea to try and uncover the truth, fighting countless battles and forging new friendships along the way.
The main thread of the story in underpinned with intriguing subplots and facinating characters making this, on the whole, a great listen.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
If you could sum up Blood Song in three words, what would they be?
Absolutely amazingly good.
What did you like best about this story?
We get to hear the true story.
What about Steven Brand’s performance did you like?
He narrated it really well. Looking forward to hearing more of his work.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Definitely
Any additional comments?
Looking forward to Tower Lord and a massive thank you to Anthony Ryan for sharing such a fantastic story.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
What did you like most about Blood Song?
Religious nut jobs reminisce of the Templar / Hospitilar knights in a Spartan style academy producing the "Faith's" ultimate warriors. the story follows one of the new brothers on his story
What did you like best about this story?
The bond of brother hood portrayed and sustained through the book. was a pleasure to listen to.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
there wasn't one scene that stood out to me in this book. It was a god overall listen with many great scenes.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
If I could stay up 24 hours I would of considered it.
Any additional comments?
If you like name of the wind, or the magician/ wheel of time /sword of truth series you will enjoy this book.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Would you listen to Blood Song again? Why?
Yes. I will probably re-listen to the first 2 books in the series before the 3rd installment is released, but also just because it was a brilliant audiobook.
What did you like best about this story?
The characters and the depth of the story being told.
What about Steven Brand’s performance did you like?
It fit very well with the tone of the story, and the performance was consistent and engaging throughout.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This story has a similar kind of feel to Game of Thrones, but isn't like it, and to be honest, I actually like it better. It's so creative and complicated and the characters are fantastic. Looking forward to getting into the next one!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellently written, Masterfully narrated. This was a story that drew me in and I couldn't get enough. I got less sleep because of this audio title! The characters were rich and multidimensional, the story was fluid and beautifully constructed. I can't wait to move on to the next one!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
had a hard time getting into this one. hard a hard time keeping track of what was happening. not sure if it was the story or narration. i found it more interesting about half way through.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I found this while searching for something to fill the void The name of the wind left in me.
Solid read but the narrator didn't have as much depth that I have experienced so far in other books.
Off to start part 2.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Loved it! Finely developed characters, an interesting and fast enough moving plot line that makes you want to see what happens next. I found myself walking more and doing more around the house just so I could listen to more of the story. Off to start the next book in the trilogy....
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Pretty good overall, had some dialogue issues with the narrator not giving enough differentiation between characters at times.
Must admit, the narrator nearly made me stop before it began, the flat tone in which he spoke and lack of voice shifting for characters kept me from immersing myself within the story.
But as the story continued, I found that the dialogue started getting peppered with character as the narrator found and fleshed them out.
The story is well worth waiting for this subtle shift, and doesn't let up thereafter. Well woven with a good plot twist at the end that made me hunger for the next book.
great book. sad when it needed to be and exciting where it was necessary it was a good book. rip
Blood Song is simply breathtaking unique ride into the world of Anthony Ryan..Once you start you can't stop. Intelligent narrative beckons and "What happens next " grip you so tightly its hard to let go. I love everything about it. Its definitely in my top 10. Give it a chance, you won't regret it.
A husky narration of a boy entering a brotherhood of warriors who protect the realm. With his hidden dark gift of blood song, he is swept along in life, hunted by others. Becoming the Warrior of the realm and order he weaves a life story of murder.killing.and assassination and hidden faiths that unravel to show the dark gifts within others as his blood song evolves.
very intriguing and a great story told.
will get the next book .
A must read .would make a great movie.