This second book in the Raven’s Blade series continues directly from the first book, Wolf’s Call. If you liked the first book, you won’t be disappointed here: the story and writing are as solid as ever. I love the Eastern aspects of it, even if it reads more like a kung-fu movie than honest history. I also love that when the good guys do well it’s because they were smart, not because evil is dumb.
The main plot is all about the war against the Darkblade. While never boring, it’s not the best aspect of the book – perhaps because I’ve read the whole style before in Draconis Memoria (a huge faceless horde that grows by gathering up your survivors? check. Since they are faceless zombies you can slaughter them by the thousands and not feel bad? check. You see the mind of the enemy general and he’s actually on the good side? check). Still, since the premise of the war is more of a backdrop and a driver for the events. the story is palatable.
As for characters, Al Sorna is delightful as ever – maybe bordering on too perfect, but personally I like it when the main character is actually just a good guy. The other characters (of which there are perhaps a bit too many to keep up with) all serve a decent purpose. All new characters get enough time to be fleshed out, up to the point where I’m slightly disappointed when they are pushed to the background. Most of the primary cast from the first book stays here, but the focus is rarely on them and they start to feel like supporting cast.
There are quite a few surprises in the book, primarily being the ending. If you think you know how this book is going to end, you’re most likely mistaken.
In summary, while all of Anthony Ryan’s books are good, this is one of the better ones. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
The Online Eccentric Librarian 