Blood Song cover art

Blood Song

Book 1 of Raven's Shadow

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Blood Song

By: Anthony Ryan
Narrated by: Steven Brand
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About this listen

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.

©2013 Anthony Ryan (P)2013 Penguin Audio Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Emotionally Gripping

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Critic reviews

"A new master storyteller has hit the scene" (Michael J. Sullivan)
"Blood Song is a tremendous debut... fast-paced, action-packed and character-driven" ( Fantasy Book Critic)
"A top contender for most impressive debut of the year... Blood Song is a powerful epic that, while ending with a sense of closure, hints at more to come" ( SFF World)
"An utterly engrossing high-fantasy epic from a major new talent that explores themes of war, faith, and loyalty amidst incredible action scenes and artfully developed characters" ( Buzzfeed)
"A mix of The Name of the Wind and The Left Hand of God... I cannot recommend this book enough." ( bestfantasybooks.com)
"Blood Song delighted me again and again" ( Fantasy Faction)
"This is epic fantasy at its best with action, rivalries, espionage, the promise of future revelations and ever-present twists" ( Bookbag)
"An instant sensation . . . an excellent start to this series" ( Read Dream Relax)
"Smartly-written coming-of-age story... Compelling" ( SFX)
"I still love - and want - that feeling of completely absorbing escapism that good fantasy can supply - and Blood Song brings it in force" ( Pornokitsch)
"Ryan hits all the high notes of epic fantasy-a gritty setting, ancient magics, ruthless intrigue, divided loyalties, and bloody action" ( Publishers Weekly)
"Well wrought characters, a fascinating world, and crackling prose... Not to be missed" ( Kingofthenerds.com)
"Blood Song is unique... The next Epic Fantasy book everybody should read" ( Blotted Pages)
"An immensely satisfying and immersive experience" ( Dark Matter)
"One of the next master storytellers" ( Fantasty Book Review)
All stars
Most relevant  
After reading Patrick Rothfuss's masterpiece there was a void in my life. It lay empty for several weeks. Until I stumbled upon this. For those of you that have read TNotW will know that to say this is high praise indeed. It made me forget it.

There are parallels. Gifted boy, travels to many varied and we'll described lands, unrequited love. But Raven's Shadow easily stand alone. Shoulder to shoulder as an engrossing and fascinating epic that submerges you in Vaelin al Sorna's life.

I know a novel is truly great when I pause in my reading to swing an imaginary sword or command an imaginary army. Thank you Anthony Ryan. Well done sir.

The perfect follow up read to The Name of the Wind

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By far this is Anthony Ryan's best book. A really interesting hero. All the book is Al Verna centric.

very enjoyable listening.

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Really enjoyed this book and have now spent credits on all books on audible by Anthony Ryan. The narrator took a little getting used to, but this always happens for me on audible, you leave one familiar voice and it takes a little time to accept a new story teller, but Steven Brand is really excellent. There wasn’t a moment when i felt bored with this story and i truly look forward to settling down with more.

Excellent

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Was hard to pick up at start but well worth sicking with it about to start next book now

Good story well read

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I loved the story, however I do have to agree with the previous reviews, the "performance" is subpar it's well read and let's you get most of the story, but all the extra information you get when reading is missed;

quite often you find yourself wondering which character is speaking, thankfully the story is good enough to carry over this obvious weakness with the audio version, but sadly this is one story I can't help but feel would have been better served by having read it myself

Amazing book<br />

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This was a great and encompassing first leg of what looks like will be a classic epic.

Steven Brand reads well capturing the action scenes particularly well. The only downside is during the more mundane overly descriptive chapters his voice can be quite monotone and sometimes difficult to differentiate the characters.

But all told a great audiobook.

Fantastic epic and brilliantly read

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The story moves at a slow pace to begin with but get better as it goes, with most of the excitement towards the end and leaves you wanting to read on to find out what happens to the characters in this world full of battle, political manoeuvring and religious fanatics.

The narration was average as it made it difficult at times to distinguish between characters as they all sound so similar. This is not helped by the fact that the names of the characters are so alike in sound or so long and complicated as to make recognition difficult. In fact I was still confused as to which one of main protagonist's group was which right up until the very last chapter.

For all this it is still enjoyable and I will be reading the next installments.

Slow starter but picks up well.

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Gripping, brutal and beautiful at the same time. On a par with Mark Lawrence ;)

Gripping, brutal and beautiful at the same time.

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Was engrossed in the read from one hour to the next. COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!

Epic book!!!!

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I have listened to this twice and have enjoyed it both times
Masterful story telling which keeps you enthralled

Brilliant

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