A Tide of Black Steel - (Age of Wrath) by Anthony Ryan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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, favored 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' favor 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.

Review Quotes

"[Blood Song] certainly has it all: great coming-of-age tale, compelling character and a fast-paced plot. If [Ryan's] first book is any indication of things to come, then all fantasy readers should rejoice."--Michael J. Sullivan on Blood Song

"[A] masterful conclusion ... Ryan's thoughtful characterizations and complex plotting are on clear display, enhanced by his evocative prose. This sends the series out on a high note."--Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on The Traitor

"[A] thrilling deep dive into fantasy warfare."--Publishers Weekly on The Wolf's Call

"A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word."--John Gwynne

"A master storyteller."--Mark Lawrence

"Fans of broadscale epic fantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire novels should find this debut much to their liking."--Library Journal on Blood Song

"Gritty and well-drawn, this makes a rich treat for George R.R. Martin fans."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Pariah

"Readers who enjoy their fantasy fast and furious will find Ryan's latest to be an immensely satisfying, top-notch adventure fantasy."--Kirkus on Wolf's Call

"Robin Hobb meets Joe Abercrombie in a story that delivers so many gut-wrenching blows. This is fantasy with a totally legendary feel; it's epic in every regard."--Fantasy Book Review on The Wolf's Call

"Ryan again showcases his gift for epic fantasy in his excellent sequel to The Pariah . . . . Ryan's evocative prose enhances the suspenseful, intricate story, and the cliffhanger ending will have fans counting the days until the next volume. This fires on all cylinders."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Martyr

"Ryan hits all the high notes of epic fantasy--a gritty setting, ancient magics, ruthless intrigue, divided loyalties and bloody action."--Publishers Weekly on Blood Song

About the Author

Anthony Ryan lives in London and is the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven's Shadow and Draconis Memoria series. He previously worked in a variety of roles for the UK government, but now writes full time. His interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.