Tower Lord by Anthony Ryan

Tower Lord (Raven's Shadow, #2)

by Anthony Ryan

THE REALM BURNS.

Vaelin Al Sorna is tired of war. He's fought countless battles in service to the Realm and Faith. His reward was the loss of his love, the death of his friends and a betrayal by his king. After five years in an Alpiran dungeon, he just wants to go home.

Reva intends to welcome Vaelin back with a knife between the ribs. He destroyed her family and ruined her life. Nothing will stop her from exacting bloody vengeance - not even the threat of invasion from the greatest enemy the Realm has ever faced.

Yet as the fires of war spread, foes become friends and truths turn to lies. To save the Realm, Reva must embrace a future she does not want - and Vaelin must revisit a past he'd rather leave buried.

Reviewed by hedge on

3 of 5 stars

Share
A disappointing followup to the first book, although still a very enjoyable plot. The change in narrative style is not effective and Ryan's attempts to juggle multiple points of views and develop multiple characters (similar to George RR Martin) leads to lackluster characters that jump forward in their world views and mannerisms with a staccato rhythm. The pace of the book is simply too fast for the upheaval in the characters lives. Characters undergo profound changes to their world views with only a fumbling attempt at communicating the struggle and pain this would create.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 24 July, 2014: Finished reading
  • 24 July, 2014: Reviewed