kutterek's review against another edition
5.0
So, I think there are some comparisons to Name of the Wind, but I liked this book a lot more! I enjoyed the political intrigue mixed with lots of action. The character development was good and the characters themselves intriguing. Also, I felt like the author did a good job of writing about the personal consequences the characters had to face from their actions, no matter how good or heroic their intentions.
bigbear73's review against another edition
5.0
One of the greatest things that can happen as a reader is to stumble across a new book, and not only have it be good, but fantastic. That is exactly what happened to me when Blood Song was recommended to me by a Goodreads fantasy group.
With complex, memorable characters, an intriguing plot that keeps the pages turning and the reader guessing, Ryan spins an elaborate tale about a land with a rich history full of magic, intrigue and more than it’s share of secrets. The tale centers on our hero (anti-hero?), Vaelin, and leads us through his adventures, trials and triumphs.
This book is so rich and vivid, it’s a struggle for me to give a review that will do it real justice. Just trust me when I say, if you have any interest at all in amazing storytelling, particularly in the fantasy realm, this is a must read.
With complex, memorable characters, an intriguing plot that keeps the pages turning and the reader guessing, Ryan spins an elaborate tale about a land with a rich history full of magic, intrigue and more than it’s share of secrets. The tale centers on our hero (anti-hero?), Vaelin, and leads us through his adventures, trials and triumphs.
This book is so rich and vivid, it’s a struggle for me to give a review that will do it real justice. Just trust me when I say, if you have any interest at all in amazing storytelling, particularly in the fantasy realm, this is a must read.
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
1.0
*Yawn* Do you know how to figure out when it is time to close a book? When you start to think about the next book that you want to read, and it is not a sequel or even another book by the same author.
This is, quite simply put, boring.
We meet the main character being taken away, and he begins to tell the tale of his life. Problem, I don't care. I read, and he goes through trials and tribu - *yawn* - lations. Whatever.
I have absolutely no desire to continue and I do not care about the characters. I feel zero emotion, and I would rather search Good-reads for another book to read then to continue this drivel. If you enjoy this, then good on you, but being that this is probably the last book I will read prior to NaNo, I am disappointed, uninspired, and I feel robbed of a book given high reviews. What am I missing, because this was a snore-fest from beginning to the middle, and then I quit.
This is, quite simply put, boring.
We meet the main character being taken away, and he begins to tell the tale of his life. Problem, I don't care. I read, and he goes through trials and tribu - *yawn* - lations. Whatever.
I have absolutely no desire to continue and I do not care about the characters. I feel zero emotion, and I would rather search Good-reads for another book to read then to continue this drivel. If you enjoy this, then good on you, but being that this is probably the last book I will read prior to NaNo, I am disappointed, uninspired, and I feel robbed of a book given high reviews. What am I missing, because this was a snore-fest from beginning to the middle, and then I quit.
smiley_kylie's review against another edition
5.0
I'm happy to be able to end my year with a 5 star rating!
The book is written from Vaelin Al Sorna's perspective, as he tells his story to a historian intent on chronicling Vaelin's life and various misdeeds. As a captive prisoner, Vaelin recalls his story while on his way to a duel that will serve as punishment for his crimes.
Dropped off at the Sixth Order as a boy by his father, Vaelin learns through intense and brutal training to become a skilled and fierce warrior. Throughout the book, he inwardly battles between what is right and wrong and eventually learns to hone a unique skill that helps guide him.
The thing I love most about the book is the brotherhood formed between Vaelin and the other boys-turned-men in his group at the Sixth Order. They quickly become like family - not always liking each other, but deeply bonded.
I listened to this as an audiobook and sometimes got lost in some of the politics or would forget what character a name belonged to, wishing I had a physical book to flip through (though I have seen punctuation woes in other reviews, so maybe audiobook is better
The book is written from Vaelin Al Sorna's perspective, as he tells his story to a historian intent on chronicling Vaelin's life and various misdeeds. As a captive prisoner, Vaelin recalls his story while on his way to a duel that will serve as punishment for his crimes.
Dropped off at the Sixth Order as a boy by his father, Vaelin learns through intense and brutal training to become a skilled and fierce warrior. Throughout the book, he inwardly battles between what is right and wrong and eventually learns to hone a unique skill that helps guide him.
The thing I love most about the book is the brotherhood formed between Vaelin and the other boys-turned-men in his group at the Sixth Order. They quickly become like family - not always liking each other, but deeply bonded.
I listened to this as an audiobook and sometimes got lost in some of the politics or would forget what character a name belonged to, wishing I had a physical book to flip through (though I have seen punctuation woes in other reviews, so maybe audiobook is better
tomwright's review against another edition
5.0
Pretty crazy read. I didn't care for the swearing, and I'm glad it wasn't over the top.
Spoiler
I did not understand how the wolf fit into the magic system. Maybe I missed something, or it will be explained in the next book? And what's going on with Frentis there at the end? Also, I hated that Scratch died.hannah25_00's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ironworthstriking's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this book after reading the venerable Petrik Leo's praise of this book, and I have to say he was correct in everything he said. A truly astounding debut fantasy novel with a unique world, story, and characters.
I assumed I was going to get a fairly straightforward military fantasy story of warriors and politics. It has both at the forefront to be sure, but that's not the core of this story. At its heart, this story is about someone struggling with their own identity and destiny. Vaelin is very skilled in combat and military leadership, but is that WHO he is? Sprinkled in are questions of forgiveness, guilt, and religious dogma. Are right and wrong contingent upon the tenants of your chosen religion. or are they absolute?
That's all not even to mention the characters, which were fantastic. Taking place at a sacred order's warrior training academy, we get a beautiful "found-family" band of brothers, each with distinct personality traits that we see from boyhood to adulthood. We truly feel for these characters, and root for them as they grow from scrappy kids to accomplished warriors and leaders.
I loved this book, and though I hear the others in the series fall short of this masterwork, I plan on reading Ryan's other works for sure.
I assumed I was going to get a fairly straightforward military fantasy story of warriors and politics. It has both at the forefront to be sure, but that's not the core of this story. At its heart, this story is about someone struggling with their own identity and destiny. Vaelin is very skilled in combat and military leadership, but is that WHO he is? Sprinkled in are questions of forgiveness, guilt, and religious dogma. Are right and wrong contingent upon the tenants of your chosen religion. or are they absolute?
That's all not even to mention the characters, which were fantastic. Taking place at a sacred order's warrior training academy, we get a beautiful "found-family" band of brothers, each with distinct personality traits that we see from boyhood to adulthood. We truly feel for these characters, and root for them as they grow from scrappy kids to accomplished warriors and leaders.
I loved this book, and though I hear the others in the series fall short of this masterwork, I plan on reading Ryan's other works for sure.