My husband found this book on Amazon. It is called Blood Song (A Raven’s Shadow Novel). The reviews were fantastic. I was bored and had only about one hundred other books I needed to get to. But this book called to me.

It is written by Anthony Ryan. I believe it is his first novel. It was very hard to tell. He did an amazing job.

The book started off by confusing me. It took me awhile to get through the first five pages. But then it turns into a reflection from the point of view of a ten year old. That is when it got interesting and good.

The book kind of feels like Harry Potter (yes, every book pretty much reminds me of this) in the since that it is about children learning the ways of their world in a land that contains magic. Unlike Harry Potter, this child is growing up to be a killer. It is the vocation he is learning. The act of being the ultimate warrior.

You would think I would not like this. But it was very well written. It was also an easy read. I think even my kids would like this book. However, after I recommended it to my children, my husband very quickly told me that that was crazy. He had read the book and noticed there was a lot of swearing. I did not remember one swear word, but he showed me. There was a lot! So, definitely a strictly adult reading recommendation.

Sorry kids!

The plot was engaging. The story flowed. If you are a lover of fantasy, I highly recommend this book. I just finished “The Assassins Apprentice” trilogy, as well. Those books were good. This one is better.

There is magic in this book, but it is not the main focus. It is mainly the story of brotherhood among men. About a scheming king and his plotting daughter. It is about what happens when religion is forced on a land and the effects it has on its people. Some of which do not have the same faith.

It is about destiny.

I loved it. I look forward to the next installment in the series that should come out next year.

If you are not a lover of fantasy (or you like other books like me), last month, our book club read “Orphan Train.” I plan on doing a review soon. If you have read it or are planning on reading it, feel free to join my discussion about it in two weeks.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

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