Raven's Shadow: Blood Song

[Corvinus85]

I've finished this earlier today. I don't know if anyone else has read it, since it is a self-published e-book by Anthony Ryan.

Blood Song is the first book in a fantasy trilogy called Raven's Shadow.

I had my reservations at fist, but I always do with any book by a new author. But between the low price and the 100+ good reviews it had on Amazon, the risk was small, and definitely worth it. Even the price is too low for the quality of this book.

I really enjoyed the story, and one thing I appreciated is that IMO the main character is the most likable character of all. Usually I go for a secondary character.

The pacing of the the story is pretty good despite flashbacks, and I would call interludes. I couldn't even put it down for the last 50-100 pages.

In terms of elements that may have been inspired from other authors/books, I would say Mr. Ryan may be a fan of ASOIAF, as well as Starship Troopers, and possibly Dune.

One criticism I have is that it does need a bit more editing.

[Michael J Sullivan]

I've read Blood Song and think we can expect great things from Anthony Ryan. I usually don't lend my name as a "blurb" to books but felt so strongly about this one that I've done exactly that. As soemone who started self-published and then moved to traditional, I'm glad to see that Ace has picked up the series.

There are definitely some ASOIAF influenceces as well as Rothfuss' Name of the Wind.

As to needing more editing - I saw that as well, though the storytelling made up for the deficiencies. Ace's editors are sure to fix that aspect...but I also suspect the book will be higher priced, so if you don't mind a few typos here and there get it now whileit is low priced.

[Tom the Merciful]

I picked up a recommendation from Fantasy Book Critic and bought it instantly. Now, I am really glad I've done it. I can't remember being so gripped by the story and I am barely putting down my tablet.

The story itself is not so original, but it tickles all the right places. A treat for every true fantasy fan.

[AncalagonTheBlack]

I picked up a recommendation from Fantasy Book Critic and bought it instantly. Now, I am really glad I've done it. I can't remember being so gripped by the story and I am barely putting down my tablet.

The story itself is not so original, but it tickles all the right places. A treat for every true fantasy fan.

Me too,picked it up after reading Liviu's review at FantasyBookCritic.I read the book in one sitting.Even though it's traditional epic fantasy, i liked it a lot.The author is obviously a very good storyteller.

[WrathOfTinyKittens]

My dad has been after me to read this. I downloaded a sample but haven't gotten around to it yet. Glad to see some endorsements here.

[Serious Callers Only]

This was a good book by a new author (there are a lot lately). Push on beyond the first few pages if you're in doubt.

Not original (warrior monks lol - at least they use chainarmor) and kinda pat, but i guess the author will do many other kinds of book anyway having the talent for it.

I hope he gets a contract and a great editor though, i notice that some selfpublished book series start to 'decay' after the first book because they don't have literally years of polish behind them anymore, but 'must' push out one a year.

[Tom the Merciful]

I'd say there's more to this novel than meets the eye. The politics and scheming are somewhat simplified, but quite accurately described in regard to the way it all functions. That makes the whole story much more realistic and believable.

I also quite liked the way ruined city is described. If I got it correctly, author hints at post-apocalypse stuff which reminded me of Prince of Thorns.

So, I would describe the novel as a well-written mixture of Gemmell (any novel), Name of the Wind (it is mostly a coming-of-age kinda story and has a similar structure - protagonist is telling his story to a chronicler) and Prince of Thorns (for it's dark tones). Of course, protagonist is much more likable than Jorg.

Deployment of chronicler who is at the same time representing protagonist's enemy enables us to have this dual view on key events and that's always welcome in stories such as this.

Overall, a true pageturner. I can hardly wait for the next installement.

[deleted01]

I'm intrigued by this. I read on one of the Amazon reviews that it will be released in book-form - any idea when that will be? I can read it now on the Kindle app on my laptop and phone, but I do prefer books.

[Tom the Merciful]

I think it'll be published early next year, but you can check on Fantasy Book Critic or sffworld sff mania - interviews were published on both sites. There's also author's blog.

[LugaJetboyGirl]

Just finished this. I really liked it. There isn't a whole lot to offer if you're looking for strong female characters, but it's otherwise a solid fantasy with all the right elements. I can't wait for book two. He's got some novellas available which I might check out as well, once I've made it through some of my Worldcon haul.

[Bale Dayne]

I just finished this and rushed here to see if others had read it. It was that good. I don't even think I want to discuss it being a self-published ebook. It's not one of the best self-published ebooks I've ever read. I actually think it is one of the best BOOKS I ever read, no caveats or qualifications. I have not read a book I couldn't put down for a loooooong time. I stayed up 2 nights to knock this out. I really was sucked in, and don't have anything bad to say, other than I hope the Penguin editors that picked it up teach Ryan how to use a semicolon.

Truly worth the read, I highly recommend it to anyone who is smart enough to be searching for books to read on a GRRM forum.

[Gaiseric]

One of the three best books i've ever read. It's one of the best coming of age stories out there, and the main character is actually really badass by the end of the book. I love the way relationships develops throughout the book; even thought i suspected right away who would be his love interest, i wasn't sure until it actually happened because she wasn't the only possible female choice.

There are still so many misteries to be resolved that I'm really looking forward to the next book.

Every fantasy reader should read this!

[Hodor for King]

Just read the book, and have to agree with everyone else here. This really is a fantastic book that everyone should give a try.

Some (spoilery) questions for others who have read it-

-After the Test of the Wild, Vaelin is talking to Caenis and he says "I think there will be mysteries aplenty in our future." Then the narration breaks in to say that if he had known whether he was sighing or laughing, he could saved the world a lot of pain.

Any idea what the deal is this? Is Caenis part of some secret faction, maybe the 7th order? It would make perfect sense if Barkus had said this, but I have no idea why Caenis would. And come to think of it, there were a few other instances where Caenis seemed to say or do something that didn't quite fit?

Also, why would the 7th try to kill Vaelin during his Test of the Run

[Corvinus85]

Just read the book, and have to agree with everyone else here. This really is a fantastic book that everyone should give a try.

Some (spoilery) questions for others who have read it-

-After the Test of the Wild, Vaelin is talking to Caenis and he says "I think there will be mysteries aplenty in our future." Then the narration breaks in to say that if he had known whether he was sighing or laughing, he could saved the world a lot of pain.

Any idea what the deal is this? Is Caenis part of some secret faction, maybe the 7th order? It would make perfect sense if Barkus had said this, but I have no idea why Caenis would. And come to think of it, there were a few other instances where Caenis seemed to say or do something that didn't quite fit?

Also, why would the 7th try to kill Vaelin during his Test of the Run

I can't answer you, but this is the first book in a planned trilogy, so we'll see

[Hodor for King]

I can't answer you, but this is the first book in a planned trilogy, so we'll see

Ok that's good to hear. I was worried that I had missed something obvious. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series,

[sgc1999]

thanks guys,

I have been looking for a new good read. cant wait to start this one.

[Ser Wun Wun]

I just recently finished this one and am already well into a re-read of it. Excluding ASOIAF, I pretty much never re-read books, so that tells you how much I liked this one.

Some little details I picked up on so far in my reread that I missed the first time through:

1.) Erlin, the man who helps Deniers escape the Order's persecution, is actually Kerlis the Faithless. To refresh your memory, that is the character from a folktale Vaelin's mom liked to tell him as a child; he was cursed to live forever by the Departed for his lack of faith. That's why Erlin told Vaelin that he traveled the world b/c he 'had a lot of time on his hands' and why he was so sadly transfixed by the puppet show about Kerlis the Faithless that Vaelin saw him watching. I couldn't believe I missed that on my first read through...

2.) Anthony Ryan employs GRRM-esque foreshadowing. Vaelin's conversation with Barkus after Barkus tells him about his Dark skills with forging metal went like this:

Vaelin: You shouldn't have told me this, you shouldn't tell anyone...

Barkus: Why, are you going to kill me, Brother?

Vaelin (grim smile): Well, not today.

LOL, yeah, not today :D

3.) I suspect Caenis is going to be employed as an assassin by the royal family, either the King or Princess Lyrna. Vaelin notes the perverse pleasure he gets from sneaking up on people unawares, and when he asks him to stop Caenis says he is "practicing". His fanatical devotion to the King would likely make it easy for them to persuade him to do their dirty work.

Just read on the author's website that book two is actually finished, has been for a while, but likely won't be published for a year for "marketing reasons". B/c the novel was self-published and not picked up by a publisher until later, the hardcover was only released recently. And the publisher thinks it best for wait a year before releasing the next one even though it is already done....which freaking blows. Why they think delaying book two's release for a full year will somehow increase it's sales, I have no freaking clue.

[Rob B]

I finished this a couple of days ago and for the first time in a while, this was a book which lived up to the hype/buzz I'd been seeing for the past year. There are some Rotfhuss-ian elements, some Abercrombie-an elements, and some Hobb-ian (Farseer) elements, but with enough of an original voice to make the novel stand well as its own thing.

[Calibandar]

I'm definitely picking it up July 2nd when it comes out.

[Low Born]

Just got this on a whim today and seems pretty good through the first few chapters. Glad to see others are recommending it.