The last time I was as impressed with a fantasy series as good as this was probably when I first read Robin Hobb and G. R. R. Martin. This is epic fantasy, bordering on grimdark at times, or perhaps more accurately horror; there is an eldritch Lovecraftian aspect that builds in a fabulously unsettling way throughout the trilogy.

This second book moves away from the 'police procedural' vibe from the first book (although there is a kidnap to be investigated) and seems more epic in scope. We venture to more places (on the map as well as a different plane...) and get embroiled in empire politics in the capital city. The foreshadowing dread continues to build as the fanatics become more powerful and the tension ramps up in the second half with plenty of action.

I really liked the authenticity of the main characters, but I especially loved the introduction of Heinrich the Sovan war shepherd dog. The human relationships can get a little messy at times as you'd expect, but you can't beat the love and loyalty between a woman and her dog!

I could go on about how clever this is, as well as entertaining, but you should really just read it.

(ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley)

I can only apologise for putting off reading this book for so long - I was the same with the first book in the series as in my mind (and correctly I think!) they're such a dark harsh read and I don't often sit round thinking "Hmmm what can I read that'll make me miserable?!" but when I DO actually get round to it they're just so bloody good!! The Tyranny of Faith continues the story of Konrad Vonvalt and his retinue as he is promoted to to head of his order and Claver gains more and more power and influence. This book steers even more heavily into fantasy (not a bad thing by any means) and features a hex placed on Vonvalt and the groups efforts to remove it before it claims his life. I love that even though the majority of the cast are male the book is told from the point of view of a young woman - Helena Sedanka. I'm not sure her feelings for Vonvalt help with the story being told though and at times this seems like a thread that could have been removed, but their closeness and growing respect for each other is an important pillar of the story.

4.0⭐

Another great entry in the series, if maybe not as good as the first book.

The second book starts where the first one left off. After the fast-paced, full-of-action ending, we go back to slow investigation and politics. I must say that the slowness of the first half of the book was a bit of a struggle for me to get through, as I found myself in a reading slump. Luckily, the book eventually picks up the pace, and the payoff is satisfying.

Besides the low action of the first half of the book, my other issue was that Helena was again reduced to a tag-along character and observer, without having much say in whatever was going on. Opposite to that, the last third is almost entirely centered on Helena. While I don't really mind the observer role for her, I find her much more interesting in the active role. Not that Vonvalt and his character development weren't worth the observations.

The arcane side of the story was really pushed forward this time and with that came the more horror vibes to the story. Its lore is quite unique and properly terrifying. I cannot wait to get more of it.

One thing that I appreciated in the first book was the humor that lightened up the dark atmosphere. This time I don't remember there being that much of it.

Ultimately, while I still very much enjoyed the second installment, I also found it slightly lacking compared to the first book.

I received a free copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review of book one: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4549213962

This was a really well constructed and compelling middle book in a trilogy. It took the world created in the first book and expanded on it, travelling to various locations not previously seen. The stakes were infinitely higher in this installment and the sense of threat was palpable throughout, which I really appreciated. I thought the progression of the various relationships within our core group of characters was interesting and I also enjoyed the new characters introduced. Overall, this was a really enjoyable and successful sequel and I can't wait to see how things conclude.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit for this advanced copy.
This book was such a good and epic. The battle was more intense than the first 2 books. Honestly, the best book so far in my January

Okay, I’m just gonna start with the positives here because there’s quite a few negatives I want to touch on.
- I’m really enjoying the magic system, and I loved the new stuff that was added to it. There seems to be great potential for it to develop even further in book 3, and I’m excited about that.
- The writing is engaging and makes me want to keep reading, and I’m not sure why - it’s pretty simple. It’s working for me though.
- I’m still very interested in the overarching plot, I just wish there was more of it here.
- I liked Helena much better in this one, although I still really dislike her lmao
- The finale was great, and had me at the edge of my seat

Onto the negatives…

- This one dragged A ALOT. In the end I understood why the story is structured like this, but it was extremely frustrating to read and I still believe that half of the slog could’ve been trimmed down. When the set up is so interesting, it’s just frustrating when the characters go on a side quest that’s seemingly senseless for more than half the book. Really ruined the pacing of the whole series imo.
- I still don’t like a single character. My particular gripes are with Helena and Vonvalt - Helena is still mostly a spectator that barely acts independently, although she is slightly better than in book one. And when it comes to Vonvalt - I just can’t understand why everyone admires him so much. The text has to show how great he is, not just tell me about it every other page. I need proof.
- What the hell is that romance. I hate it. I hate it so much. Not only is both the age gap and the power dynamic between the two questionable, but there is also just ZERO chemistry between them. If there was atleast some romantic or sexual chemistry I would atleast find it interesting, but the way it is I still just read them as mentor and mentee. Gives me major ick, as the kids say.
The author is clearly clever and has the potential to write some really good stuff, but sadly this series keep falling short of being truly good in my eyes.

Great book! I enjoyed as much as the first one. The pacing and style are the same, we have same main characters as in the end of the first book. We learn a lot more about the world and see further collapse of the society happen.

I really look forward to the next book and to see how will story end.

One of my favourite reads of the year!

I read The Justice of Kings in January, and it is one of my favourite books of the year. I was, therefore, incredibly excited to continue this series with The Tyranny of Faith. So what did I think?

Let me start by stating that I loved this book. This book delivered on almost every single thing I was hoping to see more of in this series. Firstly, The Tyranny of Faith fully embraces its fantastical elements. Magic and forbidden magic, demons and other horrifying creatures play a significant role in this book! This book was significantly darker than The Justice of Kings, which I loved. Secondly, the plot thickens considerably, and the number of twists and turns makes this a riveting read. Thirdly, this book has an absolutely epic conclusion – one of the most satisfying and page-turning endings I have read. I read the last 125 pages in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. There were so many moments where I literally gasped!

I also love how this story is presented. Similarly to book 1, this book is told through Helena’s point of view and explores the character of Konrad. The fact that the reader knows that Helena and Konrad will survive at least the first two books should make you expect that there wouldn’t be as much tension. However, this book filled me with excitement which goes to show how talented Richard Swan is as an author.

I also love that this book focuses much more on dialogue and exploring characters and themes over action sequences. Yes, there is action in this book, but that is not the main focus. The Empire of the Wolf has made me realise that I need to read more fantasy books that focus more on “dialogue” and “intrigue” over action – recommendations are welcome!

However, I can see some readers having issues with the pacing. The section from 30% to 60% is relatively slow and, initially, almost feels like a “side mission”. However, Swan brilliantly ties everything together in the final act, so I would recommend trusting the process. Everything Swan has put in place serves a purpose for the final act – and the payoff is worth it!

In conclusion, Ì will say that if you loved The Justice of Kings, you will likely enjoy this book as well. The Tyranny of Faith is a riveting read, full of twists and turns and is one of my favourite reads of the year. I can’t wait for the final volume in this series!

4.5 / 5 stars

Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This duology is so underhyped! I only became aware of it through a Booktuber I follow who couldn't recommend it enough and after reading Book 1, I totally understood her high praises! In Book 2, we have another superb story with action, adventure and high stakes. More people need to read this series!!

The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and dangers of religious extremism. Set in a fictional world, the novel delves into the oppressive regime of a religious sect and the struggle for freedom and individuality. Swan's writing is powerful and engaging, drawing the reader into a web of moral dilemmas and ideological clashes. The characters are well-developed, with their internal conflicts and personal growth adding depth to the narrative. The themes of blind faith, manipulation, and the quest for truth are skillfully explored, raising important questions about the balance between belief and critical thinking. The pacing is well-maintained, with suspenseful moments and unexpected twists that keep the reader engrossed. The Tyranny of Faith is a gripping and timely novel that prompts reflection on the role of religion in society and the potential consequences of unchecked fanaticism.

5/5 stars

GREAT SEQUEL!

This is an excellent sequel to the Justice of Kings! More of Vonvalt, Bressinger, and Helena.

This is more engaging to me than the first book since it is more political and with an aspect of witchcraft and cult made this sequel fantastic!

Swan manages to engage the reader and be immersed in the characters. Knowingly, Helena is the one who is telling the story making it more story surround. I love the dynamics. The more I get into the story, the more it is exciting and exhilarating

WHAT A TALENTED WRITER! RICHARD SWAN IS SOOOOO GOOD. I'm so anxious to see how this series ends. Everything about this series has worked perfectly for me thus far.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25

I received this as a complimentary arc - thank you! All thoughts remain my own.

Concerned by rumours that the Magistratum's authority is waning, Vonvalt returns the capital city stinking of distrust, suspicion and rebellion. In the Senate, patricians speak openly against the Emperor, fanatics preach holy vengeance on the streets, and through it all there is a mystery of a Prince’s son disappearance at play. 

This book takes us from the smaller, investigative murder mystery with hints of upheaval of the first book to an epic-scale uprising with numerous politics, powerful people and even otherworldly presences at play.
“…this place is going to explode like a keg of blackpowder," Sir Radomir murmured from his place next to me on the litter.
"And the Emperor seems intent on nothing but filling the barrel to the brim, Vonvalt replied.

Like the previous book, Swan’s education in law is evident in his prose, in his provoking questions, his deep and dark reflections. This is particularly prevalent in this book as Helena must grab me with Vonvalt’s changing perception of justice and his role in it.

“This 'separate jurisprudence'. thought that was the point of the common law - it is common to all of us."

History is neat. It is packaged, artificially broken up into epochs, and dissected remotely, both geographically and temporally, with the benefit of long hindsight. The reality of living through these turbulent times was much different. Matters are insidious. They build up over time, like small pieces of wood being chipped out of a supporting beam. Complexities and nuances are lost in the retelling of the story.

Gallows humour was present like other dark fantasy books, not as dark as other grimdark books I’ve read, but perhaps this is because of the almost juvenile way in which Helena, the narrator, has been portrayed in some instances. As such, it makes a good beginners book into this genre.

“So I ward myself, hold your hand, and you chuck me into the afterlife like a pail of shit out the window?" I asked.

One gripe I had was the greater emphasis on relationships, and occasionally the aspect of the age gaps and attitudes made me slightly uncomfortable.

However, this is an exciting follow-up to the first book where Helena is shown as more independent, powerful and promising. I can’t wait to see how she progresses in book 3 - she has so much potential, as does the conclusion to this trilogy!