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andimontgomery 's review for:
Blood Song
by Anthony Ryan
I haven't read an epic fantasy as enjoyable as Blood Song in a long time. Fans of Patrick Rothfuss'sThe Name of the Wind should like this, but *gasp* I actually thought this was better because of its tighter plot. The world building was slow but deliberate, and the delivery hooked me almost immediately. While I usually read books very fast, I wanted to read this slowly and savor every word because stories this good are so rare.
Blood Song starts with a historian who wants to record the life story of Vaelin Al Sorna, the Hope Killer and now Imperial prisoner. Once Vaelin's story began, I was enthralled. After his mother's death, his father deposits ten-year old Vaelin at the gates of the Sixth Order to train and live out the rest of his life as a warrior of the Faith. While initially stung at his father's easy disposal of him, he quickly adapts to his environment and excels in his training, bonding easily with other boys.
I enjoy stories that start with characters in their youth. Vaelin's friendship with his "brothers" of the Sixth Order is built based on mutual trust and dependence on each other to succeed. But this isn't just Vaelin's story. The supporting characters are multi-layered and add much to the plot.
It's easy to see early on that Vaelin is destined for leadership. But what's not immediately discernible is that Vaelin's destiny is not necessarily played out as planned.
This book has it all - rich characters, an interesting and exciting plot, battles, and intrigue. This is going on my favorites list and will probably be the best fantasy I'll read all year.
Blood Song starts with a historian who wants to record the life story of Vaelin Al Sorna, the Hope Killer and now Imperial prisoner. Once Vaelin's story began, I was enthralled. After his mother's death, his father deposits ten-year old Vaelin at the gates of the Sixth Order to train and live out the rest of his life as a warrior of the Faith. While initially stung at his father's easy disposal of him, he quickly adapts to his environment and excels in his training, bonding easily with other boys.
I enjoy stories that start with characters in their youth. Vaelin's friendship with his "brothers" of the Sixth Order is built based on mutual trust and dependence on each other to succeed. But this isn't just Vaelin's story. The supporting characters are multi-layered and add much to the plot.
It's easy to see early on that Vaelin is destined for leadership. But what's not immediately discernible is that Vaelin's destiny is not necessarily played out as planned.
This book has it all - rich characters, an interesting and exciting plot, battles, and intrigue. This is going on my favorites list and will probably be the best fantasy I'll read all year.