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
this is a fantastic first book of a series of books. the story is interesting and fast paced, the characters are likeable and I am.very much looking forward to the rest of the series.

a fantastic book.

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And certainly not the last time I'll restart their journey.

Very well read by the VA & a great story of soldiers in a fantasy world.

Not my first venture with the 6th order

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it's so well read. it got me hooked from the start. luckily it's a series of 3 books, so i can enjoy it a bit longer. hope the next 2 book are as good as this one!

love this book!

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

I would recommend the story and the ebook but would have reservations re the audio version. If I hadn't read the book first I would have found separating the characters difficult.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vailen Al Sorna, the main protagonist

Moral, upright, fearless, implacable: a fantasy hero for the modern immasculated male🗡

Would you listen to another book narrated by Steven Brand?

Yes and have already bought Tower Lord.......but I would prefer more definition in characters

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

A real emotional attachment to Vailen........ I felt his trials and tribulations, his fears and his successes.

One of the best characters in recent fantasy.

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Loved it. It motors on at a pace, and I loved the characters. Well worth your time.

Great book. Great story​.

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