It’s been a while since I’ve read a good old fashioned Fantasy epic tale. Past few reads have been extremely derivative, nothing new to the genre, nothing noteworthy. And then I came across “Blood Song” by Anthony Ryan. I was fully aware of the hype surrounding the book, which won many accolades when released last year. Reviewers were comparing it the Patrick Rothfuss’s “The Name of the Wind”, a book I rate very highly, so of course I was intrigued. But the length of the book seemed daunting, and I was a bit hesitant on taking on such a lengthy book with so little time to read nowadays. But I finally gave it a go… and what a ride it is.

The world building is extremely clever… the main character Vaelin Al Sorna comes from a Medieval Europe-like continent, currently held prisoner by an “Arab” empire following a failed invasion / crusade. The parallels with our world are not so subtle, but rather than feeling as if it were a gimmick, it works seamlessly. During his captivity, he tells his life story to the Imperial scribe, and what a story. From a young age training as a warrior of the Sixth Order, to his role in the politics of the Realm, to the wars he’d led and won and lost, it’s an enticing story that let’s you wanting for more.

And thankfully, the second installment is out already, so… looking forward to diving in!

If you’re looking for a new fantasy series, you could do little wrong in picking up Blood Song!