The Traitor: Book Three of the Covenant of Steel

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Although this is a fantasy series, magic does not really take centre stage. In the first book, there was a mere glimpse of magic, but it begins to play a slightly larger part in this second book. The New York Times bestselling Raven’s Shadow Trilogy was a perfect read for “fans of broadscale epic fantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire novels.”* Now, Anthony Ryan begins a new saga, The Draconis Memoria… Parts Josh Malerman’s Bird Box and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, RRS is a frenetically paced, galvanizing read that will equally excite and terrify you. Absolute recommend.” — FanFiAddict These are questions that remain to be answered in the next book in the series, as prophecy battles against free will and Alwyn seems poised to decide if he will join the Seraphim or the Malecite in the upcoming confrontation. Alwyn doesn’t embark upon such a difficult and taxing journey alone. He is joined by semi-loyal, questionably honourable, and a particularly humorous cast of characters.

She was always mad. We just didn't see it. Or perhaps we were mad too and sanity dawned only when we beheld what she is." Overall, definitely recommend as I do every book of Ryan's I have read and I'm really, really hoping that the ending is a cliffhanger for the next book!However, I admittedly did find myself skimming as I am not too fond of battle heavy books. Especially when it comes to book three of wars done in the name of nobles, royalty, and religion. Evadine has fully embraced her role as the Risen Martyr. Perhaps she has embraced it too much. She, too, has changed from when we met her in The Pariah. Evadine has changed from the woman giving nightly sermons to her followers, to an almost cold woman who feels the need to cleanse the land of those who would question her. As I mentioned, her arc brilliantly speaks to the idea of fanaticism. There are those who can whip a crowd into a frenzy because of their “beliefs”, which may or may not be what they actually feel. They simply want the power. Then there are those like Evadine, who truly believe what they are and feel it is their duty to carry out what they must in the name of those beliefs. Gone are the nightly sermons, replaced by a woman who will do what she must to those who do not believe in the Risen Martyr of the Seraphile. She has gathered thousands of followers who join her cause, and in her name, will do whatever she asks. Again, the fanaticism of whipping a crowd into a frenzy using her words, was something Evadine always excelled at. It is watching this change that Alwyn wrestles with. Continuing the saga of The Seven Swords, Across the Sorrow Sea is a fast-moving tale of seafaring adventure and dramatic revelations from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and the Covenant of Steel trilogies. Honestly this book did not go the way I expected it to at all. And I'm really glad it didn't because I think, I hope that because of the completely out of left field plot twists there will be a book four and as this series has rapidly became my favorite of Ryan's I'm 100% for it! I read the three books of Covenant of Steel this year and I can honestly say that this was one of the best fantasy series I ever read! Alwyn Scribe is a rare character I think I know him, became like a friend to me.

There’s a handy summary of the events from the first book, plus a character list to help refresh the reader’s memory. So, on the surface Covenant of Steel is the story of how Alwyn, the outlaw from Shavine Forest became Alwyn the Scribe, one of the key figure in the rise of Evadine Courlaine and her march to the throne. But in reality, this story boils down to this:In this “gritty, heart-pounding” (John Gwynne) conclusion to the New York Times bestselling fantasy trilogy, The Covenant of Steel, Alwyn must make a difficult decide between his heart and his morals as he prepares for his final battle. THE SORROW SEA—THE MOST FEARED REGION IN ALL THE FIVE SEAS—PLAGUED BY STORMS, PROWLED BY A MURDEROUS PIRATE KING, AND HOME TO INHUMAN TERRORS. Fantastic writing, an amazing world, a plot that won't quit, and an unforgettable character . . . Anthony Ryan is one of the best epic fantasy authors out there' Bookworm Blues Overall, I loved this book. This book was everything I was hoping for and looking forward to for the past year. It ended in a bittersweet way, but it left me content.

I’d recommend this series if you enjoy complex historical fantasy full of gritty battle scenes and religious and political maneuverings. Anthony Ryan's epic and sprawling continuation of his superb analog-medieval fantasy is sprinkled throughout with court intrigue and very good battle scenes.This sweeping and brilliant military fantasy abounds with gritty siege warfare, witty writing, and the continuation of the overall story of Alwyn Scribe. Starting where the first book ends Alwyn finds himself thrust into bigger battles and more significant stakes as the Lady Evadines company is brought to quench a rebellion in the south and stop the religious persecution and genocide occurring there.

With thoughtful characterization and an innovative variation on a familiar theme, this impressive horror tale wows.” — Publishers Weekly Starred Review Following the first two books of the series, Alwyn realises he is completely wrapped around Evadine’s finger. Now he must decide between peace, deception, lies, and ruin. Where does his own beliefs and values fit in? Can they? Alwyn Scribe was never meant to be a soldier. A thief? Yes. A scribe? Certainly. But a soldier, well, this becomes his nightmare! A soft smile came to her lips and she lowered a hand, playing her fingers through the rippling surface. “I saw a happy little girl who knew she was loved,” Juhlina said. “That was the truth I hid from myself, Alwyn. Lysotte’s death was ugly, but her life was sweet because I cherished her so.” Let me tell you something, oh my wayward cub.” Her voice became an urgent hiss as she leaned closer. “The sum of what I’ve learned about lords, ladies, and all others who claim nobility in this realm: it’s all shit, and they know it. Titles mean nothing. Blood and kinship mean nothing. There are three things that matter in this realm: coin, land, and the ability to summon soldiers to fight those who would seek to take the first two from you. Everything else is a farce played by folk born into their role or come late to the stage, like me and you. Your divinely ordained bitch may have the most complex role of all. But it’s still just that, Alwyn, an act, even if she doesn’t know she’s playing.”The writing is quite engaging and the world-building gets much better as the plot unfolds from book one up until this conclusion, while the characterizations are also painted on well and blend with their respective plot threads. The pacing and seemingly endless plot twists are executed with a masterful touch of expertise and a flair for the dramatic.Most of these political and military matters are standard fare, very well plotted but still not very original, except for the already mentioned narrowed focus on one lead character. The fantasy stuff comes into play with a visit to the southern neighbours of the kingdom of Albermaine. Behind an almost impregnable mountainous range live the Caerith, a sort of gipsy wanderers who are hunted down as witches inside Albermaine, but who also have psychic powers of unusual strength. Wary of strangers, the Caerith usually kill visitors as the find them, but Alwyn has had previous dealings with them. When he falls down the wrong side of the mountains and gets to visit the Caerith Wastes, Alwyn tries to learn something about the mysterious book from the first volume that appears to predict the future. A man awakes on a boat at sea with no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. He’s not alone – there are six others. None of them can remember their names, but all bear the scars of recent surgery. If you pay careful attention, you may see the patterns Ryan weaves with his other stories and books. Mayhap you’ll notice past histories, or future possibilities. Despite those minor complaints, I am yet to come across book by Ryan I couldn't get into and read it in a span of few days. His writing just works for me, and it was the case with The Martyr as well. It's a good sequel novel that brought some answers and opened up the world beyond the Kingdom of Albermaine and petty skirmishes between the duchies. There is a bigger fight coming and our heroes are intended to play an important role in it. I, personally, can't wait to read Alwyn telling us all about it. :) The first glimpse of the divide between Alwyn and Evadine is a scroll setting forth the true story of her healing by a Caerith witch, meaning she was never as claimed a Risen Martyr. The second is the child she is carrying, who she claims was created by divine conception. Alwyn is declared a traitor fir he is at the heart of the truth of these things, but she cannot bear to kill him as she still loves him.