A review by lolaslalaland
The Pariah by Anthony Ryan

adventurous dark medium-paced

5.0

Here is an abbreviated version of my experience while rereading this book.

START
I remember this.
*inhaling through clenched teeth* Yup, I remember that too.
😶 I don't remember it being this brutal. Oh my gods!
🤬 *a full five minutes of bleeped out words*
😱
😭
*more profanity*
😈 Chop of his dick!
😩 Dang, can't catch a break.
😦
😧
😨
😱
Not the books!!!!
😖 I can't watch!
😶 She cray cray, it's time to go.
Brewer no! Not again!
😱 Revelations!!!!!! I know things now...but I am also in pain.
*proceeds to pick book 2 up* 🥲
THE END

So basically, Alwyn, the main character, narrates his own story. From being a random kid born in a brothel, then taken in by a big shot outlaw king, then thrown into jail for a murder he didn't really commit. I mean he could've tried to prevent it, but it's really hard to predict the moves of a psychopath. then he becomes a soldier and is in constant conflict between "these religious folk are fucking nuts" and "maybe there is something bigger happening."

It's a fascinating adventure. It's brutal. The general impression of the world I got was medieval-style where filth is ever-present and religion basically sets all expectations and regulations with no flexibility in terms of equitability, morality, and humanity. I love Alwyn. Feel neutral about other side characters (except the Sack Witch, barely know anything about her but I love her). And the prose is *chef's kiss*. Also the foreshadowing in the writing. Gorgeous. 

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