Tower Lord

Raven's Shadow, Book 2

In Blood Song, Anthony Ryan introduced readers to “a fascinating world of conflicting religions and the wars fought in the name of those faiths” (Library Journal). Now Ryan’s epic tale continues as Vaelin Al Sorna discovers that there is no escape from the call of destiny…

“The blood-song rose with an unexpected tune, a warm hum mingling recognition with an impression of safety. He had a sense it was welcoming him home.”

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’s 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’s 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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Ryan shines brighter in his sophomore effort by giving us many brilliant characters…Easily the best heroic epic fantasy of 2014…Anthony Ryan is David Gemmell’s natural successor and epic fantasy’s best British talent.”—Fantasy Book Critic

“[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

“[L]eaves you both satisfied and on the edge of your seat for what happens next. Loved it.”—Tenacious Reader

“The series shaping up to become something established for the fantasy genre that will be recommended for years to come. Anthony Ryan has shown he’s able to repeat with Tower Lord what he started with Blood Song.”—Indie-Fantasy

Decent story but distinctly inferior to Bloodsong

In Bloodsong Anthony Ryan opens the doorway on a unique and fascinating world rich with political, magical and religious intrigue. Unfortunately, Tower Lord does little more than laboriously move the characters and plot into position for the final book in the trilogy. Such is the fate of too many middle books. Although Ryan continues to demonstrate his ability to develop the history and people groups of The Realm, he does little to develop the main characters I found so engaging in the first book. The evil forces advance their plans but we learn almost nothing about them. Our war weary warrior has not only hung up his sword but does nothing to develop his Bloodsong abilities - a task we are lead to believe is of critical importance going into this book. Nonetheless, those undeveloped powers are exerted with mythic proportions as the book draws to a close. Having waded through the graphic depictions of violence with little to no subsAtantial character development I feel I have survived the slog of a rather dull middle game and have spent my credit on the final book hoping the author can deliver an ending worthy of the story he masterfully began.

Worth a credit

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have read several mediocre reviews about this book and I think they are way off base. Yes I would recommend this series to friends and family.

What did you like best about this story?

Great story, plenty of action, moves well did not get bogged down kept my interest.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Overall I liked this book as well as the first book in this series. Can't wait for the next installment.

The Realm Isn't Well

The Realm and it's King has been killed, but a lot of people come together to set thing right. The story is told from many different point of views and was done very well.

Love it

Loved everything about it. The pace. The plot. The characters. The diversity in and exploration of the characters was compelling.

unreal! mesmerizing and real

this story is an epic struggle much more worthy than most trilogies. I hated to finish it.