‘Ryan again showcases his gift for epic fantasy in his excellent sequel to The Pariah’ – Publishers Weekly starred review of The Martyr.
‘A masterpiece’ – Shauna Lawless, author of Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
‘The Martyr continues the brilliance of The Pariah with more grit and adventure that Anthony Ryan fans and newcomers will devour’ – Grimdark Magazine.
‘A stunning success’ – The Quill to Live.
The Martyr is the second novel in The Covenant of Steel, a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.
Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful.
Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends.
Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge.
“Ryan (the Raven’s Shadow series) impresses with this fantasy trilogy opener… The author makes buy-in easy thanks to three-dimensional characters and intelligent prose that grips from the opening sentence.” – Publisher’s Weekly starred review.
“The Pariah is a sharp, brutal tale and a brilliant introduction to the Covenant of Steel series. While the story itself is grim and bloody, Ryan’s prose and characterization are a beacon in the darkness. A remarkable story that I did not want to end.” – FanFiAddict.
About the book:
The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.
Born into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine, Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade, Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path – one of blood and vengeance, which eventually leads him to a soldier’s life in the king’s army.
Fighting under the command of Lady Evadine Courlain, a noblewoman beset by visions of a demonic apocalypse, Alwyn must survive war and the deadly intrigues of the nobility if he hopes to claim his vengeance. But as dark forces, both human and arcane, gather to oppose Evadine’s rise, Alwyn faces a choice: can he be a warrior, or will he always be an outlaw?
The Pariah will be released in the UK on August 26th. Pre-order links are on the book page.
Thanks to everyone who entered the signed hardcover giveaway. The winners have now been chosen and notified. Check your email spam folders to make sure you haven’t missed out on a prize.
Anyone who would like another chance at a signed hardcover can enter the Orbit giveaway which is open until August 31st and includes an exclusive print of the cover illustration by Jaime Jones.
f you’d like to hear (or see) me talk some more about The Pariah and my writer origin story check out this interview I did with the Wizards, Warriors and Words Podcast with fellow fantasists Dark Ashton, Jed Hearne and Michael R Fletcher.
Apologies to anyone who signed up for the video confab today with myself and RJ Barker which has had to be put back to 1st September due to RJ battling the lurgy. You can still sign up here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/ryan-barker-aug2021/register
