Blood Song (A Raven’s Shadow Novel) Audiobook Review

Blood Song Overview

This is the story of Vaelin Alsorna. The hope killer. The Sixth order rules the realm and crushes any of those who renounce the faith, the only acceptable faith. Vaelin was only a child when he was given up to iron gate of the order by his father, a Battle Lord for the king of the unified realm.

Vaelin is to be trained and hardened with his brothers, they too will face the dangerous life as a warrior for the faith. The faith is enforced with no mercy and bloodshed. Vaelin rejects his father for his abandonment, but he has motives that Vaelin will soon understand. Vaelins future is uncertain, but he destined to change the world.

Story

The good

This story unfolds naturally but subtly. Slowly but surely it engulfs you in a most epic journey. I really appreciate this book because I feel as though it started right where it needed to.

I like this book because it some what reminds me of a Joe Abercrombie novel (a favourite author of mine), in terms of the story line, the magic, mystery, epic battles and intrigue. It does not have many character perspectives, but in this case it does not detract - each story to their own. This is a definite must listen if you love a good epic series with rich and complex characters.

The bad

The first half of the book is quite slow, but it gathers pace quite quickly, it is definitely worth sticking out for the remainder of the series as it just improves over time - so do not be dismayed by the beginning. My partner Gabby thought the story was a little slow at times, and a little hard to get into. I agree with her to a degree, but I like stories that unfold naturally, rather than those who throw you in the deep end straight away - although these stories can be great too.

Free with Amazon Audible trial Paid link

Ideas

The good

Anthony Ryan is a fantastic story teller, and the underlying themes are just as good.The book explores themes of war, faith, and loyalty amidst incredible action scenes and artfully developed characters. As a listener you become so very immersed in the rivalries, friendships and espionage, that unfolds in this epic.

The bad

Nothing really to mention here, the ideas were interesting.

Characters

The good

The main character is Vaelin Alsorna. Vaelin was but an innocent child at ten years old, dropped off at the iron gates of the sixth order by his Battle Lord father, with no explanation. We get to listen as he grows and develops as a character, the trials, fights and accomplishments become so much more when you start from the beginning. He becomes someone to cheer for. Imagine a of a cleaned up Logan Nine Fingers with morals.

The bad

Vaelin seemed a little unrealistically mature for his age, somehow knowing all. I feel as though some slight rounding was needed.

Narrator

The good

Overall the narration was okay, Stephen Brand was mostly clear in his pronunciation, but the Audiobook could have been far greater if this area was improved.

The bad

The Blood Song is fantastic, but there are a few things I wish were done better. The narration, was great, but Steven Brand was not on form, I suspect he had a cold. There are definitely two types of narrators, those who perform like Jim Dale/ Stephen Pacey, and those who read. The range was not as good as it could have been, while he reads quite clearly, and the pronunciation is consistent, it is some what monotone, and raspy at times. I found myself a little confused as to perspective, having to rewind a few times. However truth be told I sometimes did not always give the audiobook my full attention. This could be easily mitigated if I concentrated fully.

I hope you enjoyed our Blood Song Audiobook Review, come back soon!