Tower Lord

Raven's Shadow, Book 2

By: Anthony Ryan

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Vaelin Al Sorna, warrior of the Sixth Order, called Darkblade, called Hope Killer. The greatest warrior of his day, and witness to the greatest defeat of his nation: King Janus' vision of a Greater Unified Realm drowned in the blood of brave men fighting for a cause Vaelin alone knows was forged from a lie. Sick at heart, he comes home, determined to kill no more. Named Tower Lord of the Northern Reaches by King Janus's grateful heir, he can perhaps find peace in a colder, more remote land far from the intrigues of a troubled Realm.

But those gifted with the blood-song are never destined to live a quiet life. Many died in King Janus' wars, but many survived, and Vaelin is a target, not just for those seeking revenge but for those who know what he can do. The Faith has been sundered, and many have no doubt who their leader should be. The new King is weak, but his sister is strong. The blood-song is powerful, rich in warning and guidance in times of trouble, but is only a fraction of the power available to others who understand more of its mysteries. Something moves against the Realm, something that commands mighty forces, and Vaelin will find to his great regret that when faced with annihilation, even the most reluctant hand must eventually draw a sword.

©2014 Anthony Ryan (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[Tower Lord] begins to realize the imagination and coherency of Tolkien, while remaining true to the heart and soul of the author. The Raven’s Shadow series is one of the best new series out there, challenging all the existing big-names to sit up and take notice, or be left behind.” (Fantasy Book Review)

“[Ryan has] proven himself as an author who can write a very diverse and convincing cast of characters...A wonderful follow-up.” (The Bibliosanctum)

As good as the first book

Hard to figure where those negative reviews are coming from, I really enjoyed the second book. After building the characters in the first book we now get to enjoy that work and see those characters going forward. There is more action, more world building and most importantly more POVs which all tell an interesting story.

A good continuation for a great book

Although it's not as good as the previous book in the series, it's certainly enjoyable. The only bad sides are that the story always changes when it would become interesting, and the end that screams for the next book.
The first had a clear ending and an opportunity for continuation.

A worthy second book, can't wait for the next.

A fantastic second book in the series. Narration, story, characters were all excellent. Found this after running out of Sanderson works, if you liked Sanderson you'll probably like this.

good follow up book

I think this book is a great expansion of the world created in Blood Song. I am looking forward to book 3.

superb story

Loved it, can't wait for Queen of Fire. The narrator was ok, not as good with differentiating voices as some others I've heard.

Just wow!

A great book for readers looking for subtle plots layered one under another. The secrets unfold so slowely and always causing more questions. this series was such an exquisite torture driving me to madness with a need to know how it will all turn out. Now I wait for the next book.

The author knowns nothing about fighting.

but the book is still excellent. A must read for any fantasy fan even though the fighting is very Hollywood with nonsense like killing with a palm strike to the noise or swords on your back.

Not as great as 1st but still better than expected

Characters briefly introduced in the first play stronger roles in the novel. Enjoyable and looking forward to the third. Reader does a nice job!

Excellent Adventure!

Truly a masterful sequel that will not disappoint. An adventure not to be missed. Character development is masterful as is the story as the plot unfolds. Undertones of the nature of culture, religion, and humanity overwrapped in a riveting story you can't put down. Brands telling is also masterful and I can't imagine the story without his voice. Can't wait for the next installment.

The seed will grow.

If you could sum up Tower Lord in three words, what would they be?

Characters grow up.

What did you like best about this story?

Story expands. Threads tie together. Questions are answered. Great set up for the final book, but still a wonderful story on its own.

What does Steven Brand bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Besides the fact that I'm not reading it, I like the voices he brings to the characters and the way he brings the story to life without being schmaltzy. He carries the voice of the novel's style very well.

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

Many times it made me upset and sad. Without giving away spoilers, you fall in love with both old and new characters, and I was sad with the way they were used as well as the ways they prevailed.

Any additional comments?

Some have said that this book suffers from "second book in the trilogy" syndrome. I disagree. Let's be honest, it IS the second book in the trilogy. It needs to create some tension to be resolved in the final book. However, I did not feel that it dragged on. I thought it was well written and interesting, even though it built tension. The world expands. Stories become more complex. I think that people who think it was "draggy" are not used to the genre and don't have enough attention span to follow a complicated but well written plot with deep characters.