The Raven Tower

By: Ann Leckie

Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Shortlisted for the 2020 World Fantasy Award

Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this breathtaking first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times best-selling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards.

"Absolutely wonderful...utterly brilliant." (The New York Times Book Review)

For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven. He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven's Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. His magic is sustained via the blood sacrifice that every Lease must offer. And under the Raven's watch, the city flourishes.

But the power of the Raven is weakening. A usurper has claimed the throne. The kingdom borders are tested by invaders who long for the prosperity that Vastai boasts. And they have made their own alliances with other gods.

It is into this unrest that the warrior Eolo - aide to Mawat, the true Lease - arrives. And in seeking to help Mawat reclaim his city, Eolo discovers that the Raven's Tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself...and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.

"It's a delight to read something so different, so wonderful and strange." (Patrick Rothfuss)

For more Ann Leckie, check out:

• Ancillary Justice
• Ancillary Sword
• Ancillary Mercy
• Provenance

©2019 Ann Leckie (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrator Adjoa Andoh lends diverse accents and impressive power to this compelling fantasy from the author of space operas.... Andoh's skill with a dynamic range of voices will propel listeners through the tales of powerful gods, complex political machinations, and revenge."—AudioFile

"Absolutely wonderful. The god's voice is mesmerizing, tender and careful....feels closer to the register of folk tale than epic, and is all the more riveting for that."—New York Times Book Review

"Leckie's tale takes on a mythic, metafictional quality...and the story's elements weave into a stunning conclusion. This impressive piece of craftsmanship cements Leckie's place as a powerful voice in both SF and fantasy."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Leckie has a gift for using language both as worldbuilding and as plot device ... The Raven Tower spins out its mysteries before gleefully setting fire to them in the last few pages."—NPR

Missing something

It almost rang good and true on all marks, but felt it fell flat at times when it could of expanded more or created some other conflict. I’ll admit I’m not 100% amazed by the book, but I’m not turned off from it either.

It set a good story, it had okay details, but lacked a connection to any of the characters. I didn’t feel like I cared what happened to any of them honestly and felt I had to reconnect myself to the book each time I picked it up to be able to finish it.

Just didn’t hit al the notes for me.

100% loved the person Voice acting/narrating the story.

Easy listen, but very simple storyline

I enjoyed the story as filler to my commute. I probably won't continue the series though. There were some very interesting and creative elements. The story as a whole was just too simple. I didn't care what happened to any of the characters.

Amazing second person storytelling

A story told in the second person is rare, but it really pays off here. It allows for a amazing genre switch at the end of the book, when one looks at the entire story differently.

The best!

My favourite of Leckie's works, and i loved all of them! And the best performance by Andoh that i've heard!
World building, characters, science, magic, everything was amazing.

Awesome all around! Very intriguing and well wrote

This fantasy story impressed me all around. I've been reading a lot of series (which I've always enjoyed) but appreciate this author's restraint in keeping this to one book and ending it the way she did. I have to say it gave me goosebumps and was chilling in all the right ways.

It's fair to say this was a very unique story. There were a lot of elements that one could have explained and explained but Leckie does not and it's perfect. The perspective is different and might not be for everyone but it really works well.

I don't think I could comfortably complain about this story, it succeeds on so many levels. Also I loved the audio book version, the narrator gives a fantastic performance. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy, and I don't know but maybe some thriller and mystery fans would find this entertaining.

Oh wow.

Holy **** this book is amazing. The character and story, and the way it unfolds is simply stunning. I won’t spoil anything but you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you get this.

Now can we have a sequel please? I’m desperate to find out more

Good story, great narrator, intriguing world

The performance was probably my favorite part. the world was well-developed, but almost at the expense of the story. most of the book is spent looking back to inform the relatively little that is happening in the present. wish the balance had been reversed.

Great concept marred by ... you!

Yes, you. A fun and overall well executed concept is very nearly ruined by Lekie's decision (and her editors' apparent inability to dissuade her) to use second person singular for one of the principal characters. It's extremely jarring and downright unpleasant at times. You are apparently a boy hardened by war who can also collapse into a mewling, whimpering wreck when my lord--sorry, your lord--looks to be in some trouble. And your lord is in some trouble, start to finish. The narrator does a fantastic job given the material but, perhaps out of revenge for the literary crime being perpetrated, portrays the mewling you with such a pathetic warble that you, yes you, may want to claw your earbuds out. Now if you've struggled through this review and haven't made a quick exit with a tap of the Not Helpful button, you might as well listen to the book! Besides your dubious role in it, it's a fun, short and intriguing listen.

Amazing

I love this world and the way the story is structured. I have listened to this countless times and recommended it to anyone who asks for a book to read.

I can't wait to read more books in this universe

Ann Leckie has effortlessly made the switch from Science Fiction to Fantasy. Her characters are just as well developed, and she uses her signature "you did ..." style brilliantly.

As before, the narrator really brings it home with recognizable voices for each character and s terrific delivery throughout.

Whether you've listened to her other books or not, give The Raven Tower a listen!