Book Review of A Tide of Black Steel by Anthony Ryan

     

Name of Book: A tide of black steel

Author: Anthony Ryan

ISBN: 9780316574587

Publisher: Orbit

Part of a Series: Age of Wrath 

Type of book: Fantasy, NORSE, spinoff/ sequel, 20 or 30 years after Covenant of Steel, Ascarlia, powers, conquer, politics, intrigues, magic, gladiator, slavery, seeds of colonialism  

Year it was published: 2024 

Summary:

From the international bestselling author Anthony Ryan comes the spectacular first novel in a new epic new fantasy trilogy inspired by Norse mythology. A new age has dawned. An age of blood and steel. An age of wrath. The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of bloodied steel and epic sagas, has been ruled by the Sister Queens for centuries. No one has dared question their rule. Until now.

Whispers speak of longships of mysterious tattooed warriors, sailing under the banners of a murderous cult of oath-breakers long thought extinct. A tide of black steel that threatens to vanquish all in its path.

Thera of the Blackspear, favoured servant of the Sister Queens, is ordered to uncover the truth. As Thera sails north, her reviled brother, Felnir, sets out on his own adventure. He hopes to find the Vault of the Altvar – the treasure room of the gods – and win the Sister Queens’ favour at his sister’s expense.

Both siblings – along with a brilliant young scribe and a prisoner with a terrifying, primal power – will play a part in the coming storm.

The Age of Wrath has begun.

Characters:

There are four main characters, that of Ruhlin, Thera, Felnir, and Elvine. Ruhlin is a serious, determined, resourceful and kind fisherman who is cursed with an elemental power that transforms him into a monster. Thera works as sort of a judge for Sister Queens and is also loyal but doesn't get along with her brother, nor can she forgive him for certain indiscretion. Felnir is a natural leader who is respectful of everyone and isn't afraid of making tough decisions. He also is jealous of Thera. Elvine is an extremely talented scholar who has fascination with everything Albermaine, even risking her life upon taking up the Covenant faith. There are plenty of memorable secondary characters, namely Colvyn and Wohtin as well as Lynnea and so many others.  

   
Theme:

How does past influence the present? 

Plot:

Unlike the previous trilogy high was told by Alwyn the Scribe from first person narrative, this was written in third person narrative from four characters points of views; there is Ruhlin, a simple fisherman with a frightening power; Thera, a Vellihr of Justice who works for Sister Queens; Felnir, Theras brother who works for their great grandfather and seeks to regain honor, and Elvine a scholar and a scribe who also has no choice but to work for Sister Queens in order to free her mother from their clutches. While some plots connect, the others hadn't connected, but it doesn't detract from the pure enjoyment of learning unexpected plot points as well as seeing some amazing sea battles.   

Author Information:
(From goodreads)

Anthony Ryan was born in Scotland in 1970 but spent much of his adult life living and working in London. After a long career in the British Civil Service he took up writing full time after the success of his first novel Blood Song, Book One of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy. He has a degree in history, and his interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.

For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com

Opinion:

Seriously speaking, this was a spinoff/sequel come true. As someone who has read the Covenant of Steel Trilogy, reading A TIDE OF BLACK STEEL by Anthony is such an amazing experience and it literally exceeded my expectations. I definitely am of opinion that reading the previous trilogy is a necessary experience because there are a lot of easter eggs that add such richness and depthness to the story if the reader is familiar with the previous trilogy. I also think the author has gotten a lot better over the books. What I am not sure of is how it relates to NORSE mythology or life there? ( I guess in that aspect I was comparing John Gwynnes setting to this book.) Other than that a truly delightful novel presenting a fascinating world full of different characters, relationships and politics. I look forward to more. 

This was given for review

 
5 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)