Blog Tour: Ravencry by Ed McDonald

Today's post is another blog tour, my previous was Alone Time which I loved and this book is equally as loved. I was very kindly sent this second book in the Raven's Mark series by Ed McDonald from the super generous people over at Gollancz (thank you!). For those who don't know, this book is a fantasy read and it's more within the grimdark or dark fantasy genre so if you like books within those categories, you'll love this!

*Ravencry by Ed McDonald (432 pages) ★★ (3.75)

I read the first book in this series, Blackwing, earlier this month and I loved it as within it we follow one of my new favourite fantasy characters, Ryhalt Galharrow who is a rugged, foul mouthed but kind hearted (deep down) killer, soldier and bounty hunter. Ryhalt Galharrow who is one of the most unique and vivid characters I've met. He is a Blackwing captain in command of a ragtag group of killers and soldiers who kill whoever they're ordered to by his master, Crowfoot who is one of the Nameless, powerful sorcerers who held back the Deep Kings long ago. In that conflict an engine was created to protect the cities along the eastern empire from the Deep Kings and a disturbing, harrowing place called Misery was also created in the process. I'll have a full review of the first book within my upcoming June reading wrap-up post so stay tuned.

The first book was filled with conflict, fight scenes, a slight rekindling of a romance, sarcastic and dark humour and magic as well as a very easy writing style to follow, a very unusual world and even more unusual characters that will probably give you nightmares for a while! The first book also has a stunningly gorgeous cover and the second book in the series shares all of these traits but ramped up to even more bizarre levels!

I can't say too much about this read as it is the second book in the series and I wouldn't want to spoil the first book as it's definitely better if you go into it blind (like Maldon...?) but I will say that if the gruesome scenes, very disturbing characters and bizarre locations were a five out of ten in the first books, then this second is a ten out of ten, perhaps 11/10.

I loved the writing style, the incredibly unique world, characters and the relationship between Ryhalt, Maldon, Nenn and obviously Ezabeth (cries). I loved the drunken, constantly swearing and fighting nature of Ryhalt, he's a damaged and battle worn character that you can't help but love (I do hope he gets a happy ending in the third book). If you love fantasy, especially dark fantasy with guts, strange creatures and an even stranger setting then this series is definitely for you! While I loved both books, I do prefer the first book but they're both fantastic and well worth reading!

Will you be picking up Blackwing and Ravencry? Do you like fantasy books or TV shows?