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kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An absolute banger. Medieval fantasy done right. I'm so psyched that Anthony Ryan has a big backlist for me to dive into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Rape, and Torture
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, and Death of parent
bookfairy99's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. I was absolutely blown away by Anthony Ryan's debut novel! Every page of this book captivated me with its beautiful writing and intricate world-building. The characters were so well developed, and their motivations felt so real that it was easy to vemotionally invest in their story. Vaelin was by far my favourite character, as he's meant to be. I think I fell slightly in love with him by the end. His flaws, his power, his empathy, his incredibly kind heart coupled with his viciousness as a warrior... what's not to love?
The world - populated with unique customs and intriguing political machinations - is incredibly detailed and believable; I could easily imagine stepping into it myself. This attention to detail made for a truly immersive reading experience that kept me eagerly turning pages to discover what would happen next.
The novel's first half, which takes place at the Order where Vaelin and his brothers learn to fight, was incredibly engaging. The second part was terrific, too, but some parts of the plot felt rushed as we sped toward the inevitable climax. Still, Blood Song was a fantastic read – one that I'm delighted to end my year on! So if you're looking for a captivating read full of adventure and mystery, look no further; Blood Song is sure to please!
The world - populated with unique customs and intriguing political machinations - is incredibly detailed and believable; I could easily imagine stepping into it myself. This attention to detail made for a truly immersive reading experience that kept me eagerly turning pages to discover what would happen next.
The novel's first half, which takes place at the Order where Vaelin and his brothers learn to fight, was incredibly engaging. The second part was terrific, too, but some parts of the plot felt rushed as we sped toward the inevitable climax. Still, Blood Song was a fantastic read – one that I'm delighted to end my year on! So if you're looking for a captivating read full of adventure and mystery, look no further; Blood Song is sure to please!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Forced institutionalization, and Murder
lady_moon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Reread, 2022: I totally missed this when I read this book years ago but there's a gay character here!! Not of crucial importance, true, but definitely subtly present
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexism, Torture, Kidnapping, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
measishouldbebooks's review against another edition
This book starts off with a man talking to his friends about how he attacked a woman. The writing style also did fit with me either.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape