The Tyranny of Faith

By: Richard Swan

Narrated by: Lucy Paterson

Action, intrigue, and magic collide in the second book in an epic fantasy trilogy, where Sir Konrad Vonvalt’s role as an Emperor’s Justice requires him to be a detective, judge, and executioner all in one—but these are dangerous times to be a Justice . . .

A Justice’s work is never done.

The Battle of Galen’s Vale is over, but the war for the Empire’s future has just begun. Concerned by rumors that the Magistratum’s authority is waning, Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova to find the capital city gripped by intrigue and whispers of rebellion. In the Senate, patricians speak openly against the Emperor, while fanatics preach holy vengeance on the streets.

Yet facing down these threats to the throne will have to wait, for the Emperor’s grandson has been kidnapped - and Vonvalt is charged with rescuing the missing prince. His quest will lead him – and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radomir – to the southern frontier, where they will once again face the puritanical fury of Bartholomew Claver and his templar knights – and a dark power far more terrifying than they could have imagined.

"Richard Swan's sophisticated take on the fantasy genre will leave readers hungry for more." – Sebastien de Castell on The Justice of Kings

“A fantastic debut.” – Peter McLean on The Justice of Kings

Also by Richard Swan:

The Empire of the Wolf
The Justice of Kings
The Tyranny of Faith

Critic reviews

“The Justice of Kings is equal parts heroic fantasy and murder mystery. Sir Konrad Vonvalt’s fierce intellect and arcane powers will make you long to follow in his footsteps, but it’s his young clerk, Helena who brings heart and dazzle to the story. Together they’re a formidable team, and Richard Swan’s sophisticated take on the fantasy genre will leave readers hungry for more.”—Sebastien de Castell, author of Spellslinger, on The Justice of Kings

"A stunning piece of modern fantasy writing."—RJ Barker, author of The Bone Ships, on The Justice of Kings

"The Justice of Kings is utterly compelling, thoroughly engrossing, and written with such skillful assurance I could barely put it down. The characters feel so real I swear I suffered every horror and hangover alongside them, and their world—though we see just the smallest portion of it here—feels vastly complex, poised on the brink of a disaster I can’t wait to watch unfold.”—Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld, on The Justice of Kings

“A fascinating look at justice, vengeance and the law — great characters, compelling and wonderfully written. A brilliant debut and fantastic start to the series.”—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost, on The Justice of Kings

"A marvelously detailed world with an engrossing adventure from a unique perspective."—K. S. Villoso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro, on The Justice of Kings

"A fantastic debut."—Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones, on The Justice of Kings

"Swan crafts a strong, dynamic character in Vonvalt . . . This promises good things from the series to come."—Publishers Weekly on The Justice of Kings

“Murder mystery meets grimdark political fantasy in this first of a trilogy … An intriguingly dark deconstruction of a beloved mystery trope.”—Kirkus (starred review) on The Justice of Kings

“The world of the Empire of the Wolf is a rich and interesting one … Readers will enjoy the world building, Sir Konrad and his crew, and the unique touches to a familiar fantasy tale.”—Booklist on The Justice of Kings

Great Story, Annoying Narrator

Loved both books in this series so far, but the narrators voice is screechy and annoying. It gets worse when she is portraying loud voices in particular, but it’s a minor detail and can be mitigated if you know a high tension or exciting moment is coming. Just prepare yourself lol.

5/5 STARS!

Like its predecessor, great story, awesome writing, great adventure, with horror elements! The horror bit starts to take the stage here. Is it grim dark? Is it horror? A mystery?Cannot decide. Cannot wait for the next one

An excellent smart story

If this author does as well as he has done with these first two books with the third one, this series will go up into my top ten list right along side Abercrombie, Martin, Zelazny, Sanderson, Herbert and Rothfuss ( if he EVER gets his act together and finishes his story) this is an extremely well written book with nicely fleshed out interesting believable characters all with there strengths and weaknesses, a good plot, and good world building. Excellent writer and excellent narration as well. Though her screams can be a little grating they are appropriate.

Excellent continuation of the story

Great second book in a trilogy. Helena can be annoying some of the time. There were some wild twists in this one! Excited to continue. This is definitely not a series for anyone with a weak stomach. Amazing characters. I cried when one particular character died.

Took everything the first book did and did it better.

The political intruige, the crime, the conspiracy, the mysteries, and the necromancy are all back and better. The Justice of Kings was good, don't get me wrong, but this book took everything good about the last book and maximized it. I would recommend this to not just fantasy fans, but those into the crime genre too.