The Martyr

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Deadly feuds and ancient secrets spell war in the second novel of The Covenant of Steel, a new epic series of action, intrigue, and magic from a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

"Ryan again showcases his gift for epic fantasy in his excellent sequel to The Pariah . . . . Ryan's evocative prose enhances the suspenseful, intricate story . . . .This fires on all cylinders."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful.

Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends.

Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge.

For more from Anthony Ryan, check out:

The Covenant of Steel

The Pariah

The Martyr

Raven's Shadow Trilogy

Blood Song

Tower Lord

Queen of Fire

Raven's Blade Duology

The Wolf's Call

The Black Song

The Draconis Memoria Trilogy

The Waking Fire

The Legion of Flame

The Empire of Ashes

©2022 Anthony Ryan (P)2022 Orbit

Remarkable, a real achievement.

This is probably the best sequel Anthony Ryan has written, at least for me. It built on everything in book one, and extended the story perfectly and without stumble. Wow. You owe it to yourself to read this series, or better yet, listen to it, as Steven Brand says every name far better than I’d read them in my head, and delivers the lines with an authenticity to the prose that, as an American, I just can’t compete with.

I’m hooked

Just enjoy this story so much. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

Fantastic book

This book was amazingly well written. The narrator does a great job, doesn’t fake the voices for female characters like some male narrators do which I like because faking high pitched voices sounds ridiculous. Anyone who’s a fan of Anthony Ryan will love this book. The main character is very relatable and interesting and the story is told through their perspective the whole time which keeps the book super action packed and fun. Love this kind of writing.

Page turner from start to finish

Ryan has done it again. He’s in my humble opinion on the same level as some of the Tibetans in the genre. Would highly recommend all of his books!

excellent story

This was a truly excellent story. I am eager for the next installment. blah blah

very satisfying sequel

a satisfying sequel. it’s less dark and depressing than the first. the protagonist levels up

Love/Hate

I’m a big Anthony Ryan fan first and foremost. I was thrilled for this new series and really enjoyed the first book. This book idk it’s like it has JUST enough to keep me interested but I never really had that “wow” moment.

Steven Brand is great as usual!

Fantastic

Fantastic story telling! I’m already impatient for the next part. I enjoyed the kindle version but loved the Audible version.

Love

Great story great author great narration 5/5 for me and this is me getting to 15 words

Starts out well, improves with every page

It is going to be agony waiting for the next installment. I know of very few writers who are as gifted and skilled in their prose storytelling, and fewer still who are capable of such masterful surprises in their world-building. A phenomenal writer and this series is just getting better and better (very much as his previous works have). The characters are brilliantly drawn and without repetition from series to series.

One of the things I like best in Ryan’s world, and character-building, is the way in which there is a hidden “understory” contained within both. His worlds are never what they seem initially to be, and his characters are never as simple as they seem.

Within the context of fantasy fiction, there are no more than 3 or 4 writers in the same class as Ryan. I envy anyone just now discovering his work. Read him and enjoy!