Blood Song: Book 1 of Raven's ShadowAudiobook review by Paul Fiander
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Written by: Anthony Ryan
Narrated by: Steven Brand Length: 23 hrs and 5 mins Series: Raven's Shadow, Book 1 Publisher: Hachette Audio UK |
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Why Should I Listen to Blood Song: Book 1 of Raven's Shadow?
With a central character as strong as Vaelin Al Sorna some writers could be forgiven for easing up on the content of their first title. This is certainly not the case for Anthony Ryan as he builds a world filled with among other things Religion, Politics and War. These three interrelated factors help to build Vaelin’s world as he is given up to an order of Warrior Monks and must fight both his inner demons along with what must be one of the most brutal school systems in literature. Ryan does a fantastic job in building this complex world along with its central character. The narration lasts just under 24 hours and with the narration by Steven Brand it really felt like a day well spent. |
Review
It's fair to say that Anthony Ryan made quite an impression on me with his latest novel The Waking Fire. Now though I have gone back to his first series The Raven’s Shadow and it's beginning Blood Song. This is as high fantasy as fantasy gets with enough of a mix of magic and swords to keep the blood thirsty happy all interwoven into a complex political world filled with a myriad of religious beliefs. This smorgasbord of content allows Ryan’s creative juices to flow in all manner of directions that keep you on your toes throughout this marathon listen.
Our central character is Vaelin Al Sorna and we meet him as the events of the book are ending. Al Sorna is being transported to fight a duel for the sins of his father and on his journey he is asked by a scribe to tell his story. From there most of the book is set on the past though we do have have one or two shifts back into the present. This flashback style could ruin the tension as we know Vaelin loves to this point, however Ryan keeps the tension up throughout and you never feel comfortable with many of the situations our young hero find himself in. This is hugely important when a writer decides to embark on a story they have essentially spoiled from the outset. If we do not fear for the hero then it can become difficult to continue in his journey and this killing the book in its tracks.
In terms of the flashback we meet Vaelin as a young before being given by his father to the Sixth Order. The Order is part of the religious foundation of the land ruled by King Janus. The distinction between church and state forms a key part of the story but so does the blurring of the lines. Vaelin learns to develop his combat should throughout his time with the Warrior monks with the sixth order in preparation to go out and defend the Realm and the Faith from all who would do them wrong. The Training is brutal and throughout Vaelin’s “Education” he is in constant peril from the difficult challenges he is set. Not only this but there is also a more sinister aspect to the story that tests him to a point where many would break. This helps mould his character as he begins quite rightly as a resentful child who had been given up by his father but develops into a more complex paragon for justice than you normally find in Fantasy.
After schooling we enter the world of soldiery as Vaelin and his brother (from other mothers) go about their duties to the Realm and the Faith. Vaelin though also had another agenda which helps to shape his personality as we see him fight his inner struggle to do what’s right. This mostly revolves around King Janus and his desires for the young Hawk. Being able to see a character grow like this over one novel is intriguing as it never feels rushed much to the credit of the writer.
The battle scenes throughout are well crafted but not exaggerated in length or event, there is a grounding in reality that Ryan sticks to even when supernatural ideas begin to permeate the narrative. This kind of rule setting bodes well for the future as it will hopefully avoid the McGuffin style magic get out clause that has been used before to change a story on its head. Again this makes lends itself to my sensibilities and makes me want to devote my time to the series.
At just over 23 hours this is an epic first outing and Steven Brand does a tremendous job of narrating what is a at times complex narrative, adding accents from around the British Isles and beyond which helps to distinguish the various characters we meet. He has the ability to create depth in his performance especially Al Sorna as he relays some of the more difficult parts of his tale. I was so engrossed in this book that I consumed it in 4 days and that is rather a lot of listening time. However it really drew me in and kept my attention. I never stopped listen in order to take a break which again points to a tale which holds you throughout.
In Blood Song Anthony Ryan showed that he can create a world that is complex and engaging along with its central protagonist. I can not wait to dive into the next book in the trilogy in order to find out the plight of Vaelin and that of his friends who lay scattered to the winds. Blood Song really is a tale worth listening to and certainly worthy of your time.
Our central character is Vaelin Al Sorna and we meet him as the events of the book are ending. Al Sorna is being transported to fight a duel for the sins of his father and on his journey he is asked by a scribe to tell his story. From there most of the book is set on the past though we do have have one or two shifts back into the present. This flashback style could ruin the tension as we know Vaelin loves to this point, however Ryan keeps the tension up throughout and you never feel comfortable with many of the situations our young hero find himself in. This is hugely important when a writer decides to embark on a story they have essentially spoiled from the outset. If we do not fear for the hero then it can become difficult to continue in his journey and this killing the book in its tracks.
In terms of the flashback we meet Vaelin as a young before being given by his father to the Sixth Order. The Order is part of the religious foundation of the land ruled by King Janus. The distinction between church and state forms a key part of the story but so does the blurring of the lines. Vaelin learns to develop his combat should throughout his time with the Warrior monks with the sixth order in preparation to go out and defend the Realm and the Faith from all who would do them wrong. The Training is brutal and throughout Vaelin’s “Education” he is in constant peril from the difficult challenges he is set. Not only this but there is also a more sinister aspect to the story that tests him to a point where many would break. This helps mould his character as he begins quite rightly as a resentful child who had been given up by his father but develops into a more complex paragon for justice than you normally find in Fantasy.
After schooling we enter the world of soldiery as Vaelin and his brother (from other mothers) go about their duties to the Realm and the Faith. Vaelin though also had another agenda which helps to shape his personality as we see him fight his inner struggle to do what’s right. This mostly revolves around King Janus and his desires for the young Hawk. Being able to see a character grow like this over one novel is intriguing as it never feels rushed much to the credit of the writer.
The battle scenes throughout are well crafted but not exaggerated in length or event, there is a grounding in reality that Ryan sticks to even when supernatural ideas begin to permeate the narrative. This kind of rule setting bodes well for the future as it will hopefully avoid the McGuffin style magic get out clause that has been used before to change a story on its head. Again this makes lends itself to my sensibilities and makes me want to devote my time to the series.
At just over 23 hours this is an epic first outing and Steven Brand does a tremendous job of narrating what is a at times complex narrative, adding accents from around the British Isles and beyond which helps to distinguish the various characters we meet. He has the ability to create depth in his performance especially Al Sorna as he relays some of the more difficult parts of his tale. I was so engrossed in this book that I consumed it in 4 days and that is rather a lot of listening time. However it really drew me in and kept my attention. I never stopped listen in order to take a break which again points to a tale which holds you throughout.
In Blood Song Anthony Ryan showed that he can create a world that is complex and engaging along with its central protagonist. I can not wait to dive into the next book in the trilogy in order to find out the plight of Vaelin and that of his friends who lay scattered to the winds. Blood Song really is a tale worth listening to and certainly worthy of your time.
Review copy and Cover Image courtesy of Publisher
Listened to using Audiobooks.com
Listened to using Audiobooks.com
