Raven’s Shadow Book I: Blood Song
An epic fantasy exploring themes of conflict, loyalty and religious faith. Vaelin Al Sorna, Brother of the Sixth Order, has been trained from childhood to fight and kill in service to the Faith. He has earned many names and almost as many scars, acquiring an ugly dog and a bad-tempered horse in the process. Ensnared in an unjust war by a king possessed of either madness or genius, Vaelin seeks to answer the question that will decide the fate of the Realm: …who is the one who waits?
Raven’s Shadow is the first volume in a new epic fantasy of war, intrigue and tested faith.
Where to buy:
Amazon.com: Blood Song (A RAVEN’S SHADOW NOVEL)
Barnes and Noble: Nook
UK Customers find it on Amazon.co.uk: Blood Song: Number 1 in series (Raven’s Shadow)
Slab City Blues
Welcome to the Slab. A vast orbiting slum where rats grow big and sweat falls in rain. There’s a stranger in town, a stranger with claws and a penchant for killing assassins. Finding him is the job of Inspector Alex McLeod, detective, disfigured war veteran and reluctant widower. Some days are worse than others on the Slab but today is going to be a gem.
Available for free for Nook, Kobo, iBooks and from Smashwords or you can download a PDF here: Slab City Blues pdf
A free audio version is also available for download here: Slab City Blues.MP3 (41.5 mb)
Slab City Blues: A Song for Madame Choi
In the sequel to Slab City Blues, an old enemy embroils recently widowed Inspector Alex McLeod in the hunt for a kidnapped girl. With no leads he finds himself reluctantly seeking help from drug dealer and fellow war veteran Madame Choi. But can he really trust her?
Available for free for Nook, Kobo, iBooks and from Smashwords or you can download a PDF here: A Song for Madame Choi pdf
A free audio version is also available for download here: Slab City Blues: A Song For Madame Choi.MP3 (52.5 mb)
Slab City Blues: A Hymn to Gods Long Dead
The Slab. A vast orbiting slum where sweat falls in rain and the gene-spliced come in all shapes and sizes. Inspector Alex McLeod, recently suspended for excessive force and nurturing a growing addiction to bourbon, has been reduced to tending bar when an improbably beautiful vampire comes to him with a bizarre theory: there’s a killer on the Slab, a killer with a liking for recreating ancient myth, in bloody and spectacular fashion. But who exactly is this vampire, and how does she know so much? And what kind of killer can walk through security systems without a trace, leaving deadly traps for those hunting him?
Where to buy:
Amazon.com: Slab City Blues: A Hymn To Gods Long Dead
Barnes and Noble: Nook
UK Customers find it on Amazon.co.uk: Slab City Blues: A Hymn To Gods Long Dead
The audio version is also available as a free download at Podiobooks and iTunes.
Slab City Blues: The Ballad of Bad Jack
The Asteroid Belt, home to mining corporations and those who prefer to live beyond the heavily policed habitats of Earth orbit – the perfect hunting ground for Bad Jack, captain of the Dead Reckoning and the most feared pirate in the solar system. About to embark upon the biggest job of his career, Jack finds himself in need of a specialist, but his latest recruit has a new face, a new name and an agenda of his own. Chief Inspector Alex McLeod has been reset to war
mode, and things are about to get very ugly. The fourth story in the Slab City Blues series, The Ballad of Bad Jack is an all-action future-crime thriller from the best-selling author of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy.
Where to buy:
Amazon.com: Slab City Blues: The Ballad of Bad Jack
Barnes and Noble: Nook
UK Customers find it on Amazon.co.uk: Slab City Blues: The Ballad of Bad Jack
I read 40-50 books a year for the last 25 years and Blood Song was by far one of the best.
Thank you
Thanks Brad. 40-50 books a year? I’m lucky if I manage ten.
o.O I’ve read over 50 books since Christmas lol. Wonders of a kindle fire.
Hello Mr. Ryan,
I just wanted to thank you for amazing work with Blood Song and I can say that you rank right up there with Jim Butcher, Brandon Sanderson and all the big names I can think of in the ability to keep a reader tied right into your story. I have spread your name to all my friends and acquaintances in Japan and will do the same with my friends in the states. Can’t wait for book 2 and hope to see your name much more often!
Marc and Erin USN, Yokosuka Japan
Hi,
. Any publisher would have released it hardbound. It is that good. Just downloaded your Slab books can’t to read them.
Just finished Blood Song. Loved it. You should charge more though. Its worth alot more then your asking.
Thanks John. I hope to get more Slab stories done when Tower Lord is out of the way. Stay tuned…
I read 40-50 books a year as well for at least the last 50 years and I have to agree with Brad that
Blood Song is wonderful. I have just finished the first two Slab stories, have purchased the third and plan to spend a great afternoon reading it. Rest assured, I will be waiting for all of your future publications. Keep up the great work.
Just finished Blood song Book 1. Freakin good story brother, freakin good….
I burn thru 1 or 2 books a week (long bus commute downtown!) – as good as anything i’ve read since Name of the Wind.. WRITE MORE!!
So Funny! I told my wife the exact same thing yesterday. Very well written!!! Just started the search to find out when the next book will be released when I found this site. I am reading about 2 books a week. The Kindel has changed my access to reading and finding books like this and keeps me coming back to look for more great books. When I finish a book like this it is almost depressing (ready for the story to continue), will wait anxiously for the next one! Thank you! BTW: Agree completely that this would make a great mini-series!
I picked up Blood Song last week. I’m reading it, along with my daughter and niece. The last time all 3 of us read a book together was the Hunger Games. Keep up the good work and I’m sure your title will continue to climb the Amazon sales charts.
Like Brad I read quite a bit (probably more to the tune of several hundred books a year though). One of my major challenges is finding new content that is genuinely enjoyable.
I’d just like to say that I very much liked blood song and I intend to check out your slab series as well. Keep up the good work.
cant wait for the next blood song
Blood song was awesome, though it really needs a good proofread. Can’t wait for the rest. I’ll proof them for you, if you like.
I just finished Blood Song, and it was by far the best book I’ve read all year! I am devastated that I finished it already and I can’t get the characters out of my head. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
Just wanted to say I was very impressed with Blood Song. I think you have created a unique character in an engaging world. I was disappointed to come to the end and I will be as keenly awaiting the next in the series. Thanks for the great read.
Blood song was great. When will book 2 come out? I read about 4-5 books per week cause I’m disabled and have plenty of time. You just need to proofread a little better. Thank you and God Bless.
I read a lot and my favorite genre is the epic fantasy. It’s a challenge to find new authors when you finish a story and it’s getting harder to find truly fresh, unique stories that are well crafted. I saw your Blood Song on Amazon with 50 reviews all 5s and the Kindle price was like a ridiculous $3! It sounded interesting so I took a chance. I’m glad to say, ” You nailed it!” The day after you published this your life changed forever. Characters are interesting and authentic; the plot is perfectly complex and engaging; the narration and style was fresh and effective. I’m waiting for about 4 “next” books right now. Raven’s Shadow #2 just went to the top of my list. Congrats!
many thanks Chris – just waiting for the life changing money to arrive, no sign of it yet though. Sorry but there’ll only be another two Raven’s Shadow books rather than four.
I think Chris meant that there are several unfinished series for which they’re currently awaiting the next installment. I can relate! Being an avid fantasy reader sucks sometimes. I feel like I should add release dates to my calendar just so I have something to look forward to like birthdays, holidays or events.
Like Chris Tower Lord has now been added to my evergrowing list. Congrats on a truly great book!
Anthony,
Blood Song was amazing. On par with anything I have read recently. Complex and new enough to keep me interested from start to finish. I can’t wait for he next book!
Just finished Blood Song and absolutely loved it. Can’t wait for the next one. Best of luck with your self published venture! I think your future is bright.
I as many of your readers churn through books at a pace of 40 or so a year. All the praise is well deserved above, and I beleive the money will come. Having just finished Blood Song and now downloading Slab sereries, I can’t remember the a book that pulled me in with such a interesting set of characters and writing style. The book was inspiring, and even pulled my wife in as I would describe the sereis to her after reading. Hold out for a Showtime deal, when the decide they want a story to grab new subscibers. I truely believe this story is that good. My luck favro you.
Thanks Casey. And if anyone from Showtime is reading this, I look forward to receiving your call (or HBO, or the BBC, I’m not fussy).
Blood song is great. Easily one of the best books I’ve read in years, thank you.
Just finished Blood Song and was completely enveloped in the story. Absolutely loved it. I will be downloading anything and everything I can find by you
Thank you for bringing such an awesome story into the world.
Hello Mr. Ryan! I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Blood Song. It was truly a well thought out and well written story. Many authors can do one of those, few can do both successfully but you have accomplished it. I look forward to the enjoying the rest of the tale. Best of luck!
Finished Blood Song….loved it…,I do not usually read fantasy but this kept me glued to my kindle. When will part 2 be available.
Blood Song is well written book with the good story and detailed world behind it. Can’t wait the next volume.
Like many of the other readers, I picked this book up on a whim. Once I started it, I just couldn’t put it down. So well written – I cannot wait for the second book. Mr. Ryan, I hope you write quickly!
I needed a book for a trip, and I found Blood Song on Amazon for a way too low price. I just finished it, and it was one of the best books I have ever read. Thank you Anthony! I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I read 10 -12 books a week. I’ve read blood 3 times over the past 2 days. I think the story very sound and you write extremely well. Look forward to your next works. Thank you
Hello! I’m about halfway through Blood Song and it’s great. I have one request, though. The map included with the kindle version is pretty small and hard to read ( a common problem with maps in kindle books). Could you post a higher resolution version here on your site somewhere? Thanks.
Thanks Dave. Good suggestion about posting the map – I’ve now added a Map Room page. Enjoy.
What can I say but WOW!!! I cannot think of a compliment good enough to express my enjoyment of Blood Song. In fact, I would like to purchase a print copy that is signed in order to help you along the path of getting the money your work deserves. Blood Song is the best book I have read in years. I never take the time to post comments or reviews, but find myself compelled to do so after reading your book. I would also volunteer myself to proof or provide feedback for any of your future work. I’m off to purchase your other works now.
Just finished Blood Song…Loved it…when will the second book come out? I am really eager.
Just finished Blood Song. It was great! I read a lot, and that was the best fantasy book I’ve read this year. From a business side, I think you messed up, tho. It was really long (which I’m fine with), but for $2.99, you could have split that into 2 or 3 books and made way more money.
I never thought I’d find a book I liked more than Sword Dancer- but this is it. I read a ton and this beautiful tale is by far the best book I’ve read in years. I loved the character development- I loved the story. Amazing- I cannot wait for the next book as I was devastated when I finished Blood Song. If it was available in print I would buy it in hardback just to have it on my shelf. I would easily willingly spend more for then next installments. Your work is breath-taking and is worth every penny. Well done!
I cannot believe publishers are not beating down your door to make this a new success story. I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Song, I stayed up all night to read it (am a speed reader, so loved the length) Brilliant work, cannot wait for the next installment.
Really loved Bloodsong, can’t wait for the next one.
I wanted to download the Slab series, and am wondering why you don’t have an APK file for the ones that aren’t on the Amazon store? It’s a lot easier to load those onto a Kindle.
Okay, ignore my first comment for 2 reasons… just realized that Smashbooks has the book in multiple formats and that I needed a .mobi file not apk.
Downloaded both and ready to roll on them. Thanks for making it so easy to read your work.
Having now read (and listened to the podcasts) all the Slab City stories and read Blood Song, I have only one thing to say: More please!
I had to add to the smell of the crowd . . . er, I mean, the swell. Great, great story in Blood Song! I’m a retired tech editor, and while you’re light on punctuation and have some minor spelling errors, it didn’t detract from the story enough for me to NOT post very rare praise. Thank you so much for this wonderful tale, and when, oh-please-please-let-it-be-soon, when, is Book 2?
(and if you’d like a free copy-edit, just send it to me first!)
just finished blood song…….you really should’ve of charged more. can’t wait til the 2nd book…wished ***spoiler alert*** didn’t have to die. trish
Thanks Trish. Comment edited for spoiler.
Absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. Read it from cover to cover in 1 day! Could not put it down. Will there be a sequel?
Thanks Madgeline – welcome to growing ranks of the the ‘read it in a day’ club. Re. the sequel, check the Tower Lord milestone posts for news. Rest assured, as ever, I’m working on it.
If we filter out the HBO driven “Game of Thrones” retreads…Raven’s Shadow is now the #4 Epic Fantasy on Amazon, Kindle or otherwise. Great read! Keep up the writing and we will keep up with the reading.
Hey Cepulis, just curious about your opinion of Game of Thrones? Not trying to come across in a negative way, but your first sentence had me wondering if you liked the books or not. I loved the books, and as often is the case, the live action version of the books i loved has been subpar in comparison (still good tv though) most notably the complete changing of Greyjoy’s story arc. (makes me mad) Anyways, just curious on your thoughts because I thought the series deserves the accolades it has recieved so far despite the majority of people getting into them after the HBO show came out.
Anthony, I am a pretty prolific reader as well and Raven’s shadow is truly excellent. I think that you really have something there that will only keep on getting bigger. Did I miss the part where you said when book 2 is coming out? Please don’t be another Patrick Rothfuss with the epic wait times! I plan on reading your Slab series next.
Oops indeed I did miss sequel info… Towerlord posts it is!
Blood Song was amazing! It was really a surprise
Beautiful story telling. I see that author has potential to be like RR Martin. Hope the next book comes out soon 
Hi Anthony
Just finished the Blood Song. Loved it!! Eagerly waiting for the Book II. I presume, Tower Lord!!
Regards
Shantanu
Just wanted to say that Blood Song is a fantastic work of fantasy. Great character work and good story. Looking forward to book two.
I just want to say thank you for Blood Song. This was an amazong book and I look forward to reading more of your works in the future.
Hello Mr. Ryan,
I just wanted to say what a ridiculously good read “Blood Song” was, though I can’t say that I read it in a day – it took me three but then I have two demanding little girls. Its been years since I couldn’t put a book down, it made me feel like a twelve year old boy again, devouring “A Princess of Mars.” So thank you. And I have to say that I am in awe of your talent. I kept saying to myself as I was reading “Blood Song,” I can’t believe how good this guy is – the narrative, characterization, plot, pacing, detail – so well done, so well woven together. You are not only a great writer, you are a Hell of an editor, as well. I look forward to reading your next novel, and the one after that, and the one after that, and the one after that…
Bravo! I can’t even express how much I enjoyed Blood Song. Up until six months ago I read everyday… But with all the same old, same old we see in fantasy these days I just grew tired of the monotony. That is until I gave the sample of Blood Song a try.. I was immediately hooked!! Is there a print copy available? If so where can I get one…and I would definitely pay whatever your asking for a signed copy to add to my collection.. It would go on my shelf of favorites, next to David Gemmell, Peter V Brett, Rothfuss and Sanderson! You should also consider an adio version.. I have several friends that only listen to their books on the way to work, and I would hate for them to miss out on this amazing book. Thanks, and keep it up!!
I take a bow! I can not put down in words how much I enjoyed Blood Song. It was very well written, great edited and is right now one of three book series (the other two being A Song of Ice and Fire and The King killer chronicle) I always recommend to anyone who asks (but also them who don’t).
Anyway keep up the great work you are doing! I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Best regards from Sweden!
Loved your book. Bought it on Kindle. Now looking for it in Hard Cover? Just hoping?
Thanks Greg. With luck your hope should be rewarded some time next year. Followers of this blog will know when I do.
I don’t know about your other readers, but I would happily contribute to a Kickstarter project to publish a hard copy of the book. (Especially if it guaranteed me a first edition, hopefully signed.) You are definitely my favorite author.
I’ve been reading a lot of SCI-FI lately, a way of relaxing and de-stressing. I must have read 30 or 40 books in the past year. I bumped into your book “Blood Song” almost by chance (as I waited for the next Shannara book). I have to admit that I found it fascinating. I don’t usually leave comments about my readings, but you book was truly good and I really felt a compliment was due. Sorry there wasn’t a second book already out.
Thanks John. The print version of Blood Song, and successive volumes in the series, are now covered by my contract with Ace / Roc, so I’m not in a position to produce one myself. I hope in due course to offer signed copies for sale via this site, but that probably won’t happen for some time.
I am in agreement with many of the posters here. I read a lot and Blood Song is by far the best I’ve read for a long time. The style reminds me of Sherwood Smith’s Inda series, one of my favorites. Thank you! Write more! Charge more when you do! I’ll be waiting to read them
Holy Crap – What a story. I bought it on Amazon as it had so many great reviews and it definitely did not disappoint! Great writing style, characters I actually cared something for and a great story. Like many above I go through a book a week and this is my book of the year so far. Fantastic. I am guessing the next book will be priced higher and I for one will not give a damn. Bravo sir!
Just wanted to say thank you for the awesome read! I have read quite a lot of fantasy and SF so I am kind of picky nowadays. However, with the Raven’s shadow I even had to do some “sneak reading” via the Amazon cloud reader when I actually shouldn’t be reading
Eagerly waiting more books from you. Keep up the outstanding work!
Just finished reading Blood Song. Wow! What a fantastic find! I can’t believe that I found your book on Amazon Kindle’s suggested list and decided to give it a go because I was feeling cheap. The $2.99 price tag made me give an unheard of author a chance. I’m so glad I did. I read a lot of fantasy, and I have to say I would put this up with my all-time favorites such as George R.R. Martin, Michael Moorcock, Michael Stackpole, and Michael J. Sullivan. Bravo, Anthony. Bravo! I can’t wait to read Tower Lord.
Blood Song is the first book I’ve seen without any one star reviews on Goodreads…I need to read this. I take it there isn’t a hard copy version for sale anywhere?
Hi Scotty,
I’m afraid Blood Song will remain digital only until Ace/Roc release the hardcover, probably some time next year. Alternatively, you could download a pdf from Smashwords and print it off, but you might want to stock up on printer ink first.
Hi Anthony, fantastic work with Blood Song! A perfect combination of complexity and epic story-telling without getting overly complicated like Erikson or tangled up like George R.R. Martin!
I just have one critique though (and this goes for many of the self and independent publishers) – what’s up with the book cover? It’s very simple really belongs more on a Dungeon or Dragons or young adult book. Give me an hour and I think I can design a much better cover (I’m a Graphic Designer) – one that depicts the epic narrative contained in the book but does not put off casual readers. I think you can sell a lot more copies with a better cover – let me know and I’ll do it in exchange for a signed hardcopy of the book!
I finished your book the other day and I really loved it! I do feel bad that the book only cost 3 dollars, so to make up for it I’ll definitely buy a physical copy when Ace publishes it and read it again. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Hi Anthony, Can’t thank you enough for one of the best fantasy books, that I have read in some time. I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the Blood Song series. You well deserve to charge more for your excellent work.
I just wanted to say thanks for writing the best fantasy book I have read ………. well ever to be honest. I found this by chance searching on my Kindle and I am so glad I did . The only problem I have now is everything else I try to read just does not compare . I can’t seem to get the characters out of my head . Just amazing work . Thanks again.
These lonely songs
Of tears and sorrow
Painted with flowers
Painted with blood
Fill my frail heart
.-.
Thanks for such beautiful writing
– yamabuki
Beautifully done Yamabuki. My first fan haiku.
Outstanding in every element! This is well crafted work is epic fantasy at it’s finest. Could not put it down. I would echo Ryan G.’s suggestion above about the cover art though. This book with the proper marketing and cover should be a best seller. Feel like I got it at a steal for only $3. Book club on Friday, and this will be my selection for next week. Look forward to book 2, and hope that you see all of the success this work so richly deserves.
Joining in on the hordes who loved battle song. A fantastic read! Complex, in-depth writing, I loved the characters and the tale.
Also voting for the next installment as soon as you are able!
AMAZING. I am a huge Game of Thrones fan and am on book 5 of the Wheel of Time epic, but i burned through Blood Song in 2 days, something i’ve never done with others. Can’t wait for Book 2!
Just finished Blood Song. Arguably the most gripping, coherent, and inspiring work of fantasy I have read. Wish it were prescribed reading for my Masters
Mr. Ryan,
Congratulations on your recent draft finish and your achievement in Blood Song. You are a gifted storyteller and I look forward to purchasing more of your work.
Blood song is such an epic fantasy,compelling storylines,fleshed out characters and a master crafted world to wrap it all in.I have read fantasy for over 40 years and i have got to say its been many a year since ive read a book of the calibre of Blood song.You sir MR Ryan are a star!
Amazing read! I want to thank you for rekindling my love for fantasy fiction that sadly has been lost for the past few years. I was very psyched to read the Tower Lord milestone #6. Now my plan of mailing you a ridiculous amount of coffee in hopes of helping you finish faster seem unnecessary… I have made sure all of my friends have purchased a copy. Keep up the fantastic work!
Congrats on finishing first draft of Tower Lord. Just discovered your work and finished everything in the last month so looking forward to publishing date.
Blood Song was an amazing read. A cross between the Name of the Wind and the Night Angels Trilogy. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Lots of talk about this Name of the Wind, I’ll have to look into it now.
Just read Blood song yesterday while i was pulling a 24 hour guard duty.. One of the best book’s I’ve read in a while, can’t wait for the next one, keep it up
Wow, I dont usually write reviews, but wow. Blood Song grabs you by the neck and does not let go. When you are done reading you want more, not because it leaves you wanting, just simple not wanting it to end. It does a better job than most with back story and going into such detail that you feel the pains and hopes of the characters. It brought back memories of my own unique military experiences from training to war. Some good, some not. But those experiences made me who I am. And you can see it in a very believable fashion shaping the characters into what they will become. No leap of fiath needed.
But maybe the highest honor and praise that I can give Anthony Ryan and Raven’s Shadow, is that I will be buying when it goes to print. As much as I love my Kindle, some books you just have to have on the shelf and this is one of them. I only have one major complaint. That I didnt hear about this sooner. Thank you, Anthony Ryan.
MO
I was so disappointed….when I went back to Amazon and found out that Raven’s Shadow was the only book out in the Blood Song series! I’m hooked and cannot wait for the next installment. This is the first review I have ever written (besides the review i wrote for Raven’s Shadow) and I was wanting to show my support.
I’m reading Blood Song at the moment and am very impressed. The story really pulled me in and I’ve found it hard to put the Kindle down for the duration. I’ll look forward to the next book coming in the series, so please keep them coming
.
Hey just wanted to drop a line saying how much I loved Blood Song, and I’ll be sure to watch out for its next installment. (Spoiler alert prolly unnecessary here but here it is: I just had one thing that nagged me after I finished the book, why wasn’t Vaelin taken over like ****** was whenever he was on the brink of death? (about 3 times off the top of my head)
Anyways, I now have your name on my favorite authors list with Scott Sigler, George R.R. Martin, and Hugh Howey to name a few. Wish I could get Blood song in hardcover for my bookshelf.
Thanks Terry. Comment edited for the spoiler.
Vaelin’s closest brush with death was obviated by Sherin being a dab hand with the Joffril root.
I have yet to ead Blood song although I will without a doubt since I enjoy your Slab city chronicles so much.
Will there be nay Slab-city release in the near future?
Thanks Fredrik. I’m working on the next Slab City Blues novella at the moment. Hope to have it finished by Xmas.
Blood Song is a GREAT story! I loved the imagery and back story. Character development was fantastic. Excellent job. I would love to see an illustrated/graphic novel version. This would also make a great video game. Don’t sell the movie/game rights for less than a fortune!
Thanks Sinclair. As for the movie etc rights, someone would have to make an offer first.
Thoroughly enjoyed raven’s shadow, any idea on when book 2 might be out?
I thoroughly enjoyed raven’s shadow and was wondering if u had any idea on when book 2 might come out out if you’ve started working on it in between your other books
Thanks Greg. Book 2 is written and with my publisher – see my post in October. As for when it’ll actually come out, you’ll know when I do.
I’ve just finished the Bloodsong, I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Congratulations, nice job, I think it will become a best seller.
I’m Spanish and my English is not very good, this year I’ve read A Song of Ice and Fire and Mistborn Trilogy, and I found that this book was harder to read than Martin and Sanderson ones (lucky of having the Kindle embeeded dictionary!). Have considered a Spanish translation? My fantasy-freak friends will appreciate it!
Thanks Jofre. I’d love to see the book in Spanish, and any other language. However, foreign publication rights rest in the hands of my publisher so it would require a Spanish publisher buying the rights before it happens.
I’m in the middle of reading Blood Song and I must say I haven’t enjoyed a book this much for years. Put simply, it’s extremely well-written. I’m grateful it’s quite long so I’m not finishing it too quickly and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. The 100% 5-star reviews are definitely well-deserved! Anthony, I am sure you’ll be very famous worldwide one day!
Mr. Ryan, you are simply amazing! Blood Song is the best sci-fi fantasy I have ever read…and I’ve read all the Martin and Rothfuss books. You are that good…no, you are better. In my opinion, you couldn’t write fast enough for me to read your next book, I want to read it now.
So when is the next Blood Song book being released? Thank you for being such a good writer!
Most Sincerely, Olivia Duncan
Many thanks OLivia. Re. Book 2, you’ll know when I do – but at this stage I wouldn’t expect it before 2014.
I loved Raven’s Shadow, it was quite a surprise find on Amazon for me. I read 20+ books a year and this was VERY well written and engaging. I’m looking forward to the next installment! I just read Slab City Blues: A Hymn for Gods Long Dead and and very thankful for the links to read the other 2 books in a PDF format; for free even. So much thanks, keep writing, and I wish you tons of success in your writing career.
Thanks again!
Blood song is an amazing book! Write next one soon! The anticipation is killing me!
I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Song. At one stage I had to check how far into the book I was, as I didn’t want it to finish- I giggled when I discovered I was only 50% into it!
Anthony, you have a wonderful literary talent and you have popped onto my short list of authors to watch for new releases. Bravo!
Regards, Isis
Have to admit, I thought the reviews on Blood Song might be fake as a lot of independent authors on amazon have trumped up reviews. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I love the fantasy genre, but there’s little that really stands out to me these days because I’ve probably read 300+ books in the genre.
In the past year, Blood Song was one of perhaps four or five books I read that was truly memorable. The edition I read really could have used some work from an editor as there were many grammatical errors, and I could have done a bit without some of the overly harsh foreshadowing at the end of chapters, but the story telling was so remarkable it easily made up for those minor faults.
You’ve joined my list of maybe 10 authors that I anxiously await new books from. I can’t wait for the sequel.
Best wishes,
Doug
LOVED Blood Song! I read a TON of books, always have, and this one is a real standout. It doesn’t follow the normal, predictable patterns that seem to crop up in this genre–much as I love fantasy novels, I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes you can predict how the characters will end up 50 pages in. Not so with Blood Song; it was very engaging and kept me on my toes! Can’t wait for the sequel, and will definitely be looking into Slab City and the rest of your work.
If book 2 of Blood Song doesn’t come out soon I’m going to freak out. I’m talking like serious amounts of crying during commercials and forking my neighbor’s yard. Grrr!
Real talk, Mr. Ryan… You’re an awesome writer. Thank you so much for sharing your talents
I am about halfway thru Blood Song now and i can not stop reading it, The story is captivating and the main character is awesome, I found this book on amazon looking for books like King of Thorns and Farseer trilogy, and I am really glad i found your book because so far it is the best yet. Please hurry on the Tower Lord!!
I loved Blood Song!!! Definitely one of the best books I have ever read! I have recommended it to many friends. So I was eager to read Slab City series and I downloaded the first two books off of this site. I wish I could say I liked book 1 but I gave up on it. I had to work way too hard to figure out what was going on. I think it’s because it is too ‘out there’. It kept me from bonding with the characters. Sorry Anthony:( I eagerly await Tower Lord
Blood Song was easily one of the best books I read last year, this is good considering I read well over 100 books last year
! When is the second supposed to be coming out? I eagerly await it!
HI– well into Blood Song and really, really enjoying the story. More, please!
It was a recommended read on the Kindle App. Someone in their review compared it.to David Gemmell. I loved David Gemmells books. Unfortunately, now I love yours too despite only having read 28% or so.my App tells me.
You’re now on my list of must-buy authors. Judging by your reviews here, I’m not in a minority
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Anthony I would definitely love to see a full length slab city blues novel. Those books rock my socks bro.
I agree! I loved Blood Song and finally got around to Slab City Blues. I knocked out all four in a day and I would love to have more!