Overall, I did like this book. I liked the universe and all the stories that we find out about along the way. However, I felt nothing for the characters. I liked the multiple points of view kind of narrative but none of the characters were very interesting nor intriguing to me. There was like a disconnect between them and me. The plot was quite slow at times but the ending (the last few pages, actually) was… unexpected and I liked it. It made me think « damn » and that surprising element was pleasant.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Well what do we have here! Anthony Ryan and a Norse Fantasy!
Not the combination I expected but certainly one I could get on board with!

A Tide of Black Steel is the first book of the “Age of Wrath” series. An epic fantasy trilogy!
I cant say it any better than the blurb so as a reminder, this is what you are in for;

“The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of bloodied steel and epic sagas, has been ruled by the Sister Queens for centuries. No one has dared question their rule.
Until now.
Whispers speak of longships of mysterious tattooed warriors, sailing under the banners of a murderous cult of oath-breakers long thought extinct. A tide of black steel that threatens to vanquish all in its path.”

The first thing you should note on this book, is the cover! Goodness me does that hit all the right spots.
Looks fantastic, feels dramatic and will look beautiful on your book shelf.

But I guess you are reading this review to learn about what is inside!
I like to measure my books on a few different focus points.

Characters
There is a lot! I will confess, the sheer volume of new characters overwhelmed me at the start and made this a real slow burn read.
In a similar vain to Malice by John Gwynne it takes the first 50% of the book to really understand the runners and riders.
I struggled to connect with everyone, especially with so many POV’s. The stars of the story for me are Ruhlin and Thera, but I feel others might enjoy Elvine and Felnir more.
I landed on 3/5 for characters

World building
This is where Anthony Ryan always excels. This is no different. He is phenomenal at pulling you into a series, and making you feel that you are there.
His ability to captivate the scene and everything in the world is brilliant. Norse Fantasy books is a pretty well trodden path in fantasy now and Ryan followed all the rules and gave me everything I expected
4/5

Writing style
I usually really enjoy multiple POV but this felt sticky at times. Sometimes I didn’t need the POV change and I certainly didn’t need such gaps between returning to the character.
Parts of the story were more interesting than others to me, and when I was pulled out of those moments, it kinda sucked.
3/5

Plot and pacing.
This is a tough measure for this book. Book 1 of a new series is often going to be a slow start, as you are introduced to the world and characters.
For me, it was hard to feel fully engaged until about the halfway point. That said the second half is great and is the reason I will pick up the next book when its out
3/5


Entertainment value
I think based on the above you can see this wasn’t plain sailing for me. I enjoyed it enough to want to read book to, but it wasn’t edge of the seat stuff.
I know Ryan delivers so I am eagerly anticipating book 2
3/5

Overall 3 stars

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. If like me, you love a good Norse inspired sea-faring fantasy you will like this. I am a fan of the authors ability to write such a variety of complex characters, and I enjoyed all of the POV's. Very much looking forward to the next instalment!

I love Anthony Ryan books and have read all his previous books except the covenant series which I tried but couldn't get into. I understand that this is set in the same universe but honestly you can jump in here without reading the previous series.

This is classic Anthony Ryan tbh. Starts off slow has like 5 main characters, very unique magic system, this is a slow burn and you get little nuggets of the magic as the book progresses and you understand the main characters more. Even some characters who you dislike or think have no importance as you get further in you're like - ah! And that for me is the perfect fantasy story.

Beautifully written and leaves it on some series cliff hangers. I cannot wait for the next one.

Thanks Anthony and Orbit Books! Perfect

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for providing me with a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When reading this book I immediately made comparisons to the gritty nature of John Gwynne's 'Bloodsworn Trilogy'. Although having seen some other reviews I suggest reading 'The Covenant of Steel' series to gain a stronger understanding throughout the novel.

This book is incredibly well written and leaves the reader entertained throughout - it's a page turner! It can be complex in parts, especially with many different characters and narratives but overall it's a really great, dark and absorbing story.

Many thanks again to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for providing me with a copy of this text, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

"A Tide of Black Steel" by Anthony Ryan is a thrilling ride that seamlessly weaves together action, intrigue, and fantasy. Set in a richly developed world, the story picks up where the previous book left off, diving straight into the chaos and complexity of its characters' lives. Ryan's talent for world-building really shines here; you can practically feel the grit of the environment and the weight of the political manoeuvring.

The characters are vibrant and relatable, each with their own motivations and struggles. I found myself particularly drawn to the protagonist, whose journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Ryan does a fantastic job of fleshing out character’s growth as the stakes get higher, and you can’t help but root for them.

The pacing of the book is spot on—there's enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat, but also plenty of moments that delve into character development and the intricate plot. The battles are intense and well-written, showcasing Ryan's skill in creating suspense without overwhelming the reader.

What I loved most is how Ryan captures the moral complexities of his characters’ choices. No one is purely good or evil, and the shades of gray add a layer of depth to the narrative. It’s a reminder that decisions can carry heavy consequences, which is something I really enjoyed exploring.
Overall, "A Tide of Black Steel" is a captivating read that balances epic battles with strong character arcs. If you’re a fan of fantasy with a mix of politics and a dose of philosophy, this book is definitely worth a read! It left me eagerly anticipating what might come next in the series.

An enjoyable Norse-inspired read with great characters! Each POV felt really distinct which I always look for in multi-POV books. The pacing was also great and I felt engaged with the plot from very early on in the book. I recommend this highly to fans of The Bloodsworn Saga!

I’d never read anything by this author before, and was perplexed halfway through, especially with the many POVs, and pondered if I should read another book by him before discovering I should have read the Covenant of Steel trilogy first. However, as I became immersed in the characters and the plot, I found myself unable to put it down.

A Tide of Black Steel is the first in a new trilogy by Anthony Ryan. A swashbuckling romp of an adventure, this is set in the same world as the Covenant of Steel trilogy, several years later - though not essential to read prior to this, there are some lovely nods to CoS which give added depth and several smiles (and they are truely an excellent read).

TBS is a multiple pov narrative, with the most intriguing characters that capture your interest and imagination right from the very beginning. The plot is well paced, featuring some Gladiator and Black Sails vibes which I loved. The magic and lore are interesting and I found myself reading into the early hours, being unable to put it down - desperate to know what was coming next.

I preordered this within the first 2 chapters, and only regret that I'll have a while to wait for the sequel after a cracker of an ending. This is hands down one of my favourite reads of the year.

I hadn't read the blurb of this book. It's Anthony Ryan, I didn't need to read the blurb as I knew it would be good. I'm happy to say it was fantastic. I hadn't realised that it was set in The Covenant of Steel universe about 20 years after the last book, and that reveal made me very happy.
It's a fast-paced story told in multiple POVs from the main characters and has a Norse feel to it. I especially love stories set on the high seas, and this hits the spot. There's quests, battles, sibling rivalry, and bloody tournaments.
Highly recommend this.

A solid book. I think to really get everything from this book you need to have read the Covenant of Steel trilogy. If I had, it probably would have got 5 stars. It took me a while to get into the book, but after about 30% of the book I was fully invested. Lots of cliffhangers and looking forward to the next book. Should probably read Covenant of Steel first though!

The Covenant of Steel series has been one of my favourites from the last few years and so I jumped at the chance to read this new series. Set in the same world, twenty years after the end of Alwyn's story, this new series focuses on some new characters. There is a new threat from the Fire Isles and Felnir, captain of the Sea Hawk, Thera, his sister and Vellhir of justice have been tasked by their great grandfather to go on separate quests. They're tales intertwine with those of young and clever Elvine and Ruhlin, forced into slavery after everyone in his village is slaughtered.
As usual, the characters are strong and I really enjoyed seeing the narrative develop through the unique point of views. Ryan has a real gift for creating characters that captivate and you can't help but become completely invested in their journey. The story is fast paced, after a slow start and I found it difficult to put this book down. Although this is a new series, I would suggest reading the covenant of steel series first (I mean, it's absolutely brilliant, so why wouldn't you?) to ensure you understand a lot of the history the characters discuss.
This was a brilliantly strong start to a new fantasy series. I loved each and every page!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

Anthony Ryan has long established himself as a master of epic fantasy, and A Tide of Black Steel is yet another testament to his storytelling prowess. From the very first chapter, Ryan immerses readers in the tumultuous land of Ascarlia, a realm steeped in blood, steel, and ancient sagas. The opening is nothing short of gripping, plunging us into the heart of conflict with such vivid detail that it's impossible not to be captivated.

Ryan’s world-building is, as always, impeccable. Ascarlia feels both mythic and tangible, a place where every word carries weight and every scene is steeped in history and significance. The richness of the detail demands your full attention, inviting you to read and re-read each chapter to fully grasp the intricate world Ryan has crafted. He never underestimates his readers, trusting them to piece together the complexities of this world without the need for heavy-handed explanations. This respect for the reader’s intelligence is a hallmark of Ryan’s writing, and it’s on full display here.

The characters are another highlight of the novel. Thera of the Blackspear, the favoured servant of the Sister Queens, is a formidable protagonist whose journey north is filled with danger and discovery. Her relationship with her brother, Felnir, adds a layer of tension and rivalry that drives much of the plot. Felnir’s quest for the Vault of the Altvar is as much about personal ambition as it is about survival, and watching these siblings navigate their own paths—both fraught with peril—is a compelling experience.

Ryan also introduces a brilliant young scribe and a prisoner with terrifying, primal power, both of whom bring unique perspectives and skills to the unfolding narrative. Each character is fully realized, with motivations and behaviors that are deeply human, making them relatable even in this fantastical setting. Ryan's mastery of human behavior, thought, and body language is evident in every interaction, adding a layer of authenticity that elevates the entire story.

The pacing is expertly handled, with the sense of impending doom—the titular "tide of black steel"—building throughout the novel. The mysterious tattooed warriors and the murderous cult they follow add an element of suspense and foreboding that keeps the reader on edge. Ryan’s ability to balance action with character development ensures that the story remains engaging without ever feeling rushed.

In A Tide of Black Steel, Anthony Ryan has delivered a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, a worthy addition to his already impressive body of work. The Age of Wrath may have begun, but readers of this epic tale will find themselves eagerly awaiting what comes next in this dark and fascinating world.

Thank you to author and publisher for the arc!

Such a raw and visceral grimdark novel with incredibly world building and fantastically written characters.

As a huge nerd for Norse mythology this book was absolutely perfect. It set up the story for the rest of the series amazingly and that ending!!!! I cannot wait to read more

Your next Norse, sea faring fantasy fix!

Thera is the Vellihr of Justice for Ascarlia, sent to investigate rumours of rebellion.
Felnir, lesser brother to Thera’s renown. Disgraced and unhappily forced in his great-grandfather's service.

Elvine, daughter to Ascarlian librarian Berine Jurest (!!!! Covenant of Steel !!!) ends up working for the Sister Queens, rulers of Assarlia. after being arrested at a Covenant rite, a practice not tolerated in Ascarlia.

Ruhlin, a young fisherman, is stolen from his home by raiders where he discovers a rage which makes him near invincible. The name Fire Blood follows him.

Our big baddies are cult of the Volkrath who believe themselves inheritors of the blood of the Ultvar, the first race of men set upon the earth by the Worldsmith.
Their mission is basically our version of Hitler’s perfected, best gene vision.

We sought power, and we found it. But power is like a flame: it warms but it also burns.

There are a lot of characters as you have noticed. However, they are all so distinct with very different quests and journeys that it is easy to distinguish them.

Ryan has always been great at writing deeper and dark characters. For example, both Elvine and Ruhlin, both stolen from their homes, grapple with self-recrimination, fury, hatred warring with fear and self-perseverance.

If you thought you had tumultuous relations with your siblings, wait until you meet Felnir and Thera. One is condemned to ignoble skulking at the other steals all glory. I liked that it was the sister that had the honour in the eyes of the public as this is not normally so!

"What's that Alberic word, Margnus? The one for those who make a living by enmeshing folk in the vast, contradictory web of their customs?"
"I believe the term is 'lawyer', my queen," the Tielwald supplied.

Finally, I would be remiss to not mention his amazing world-building as he stretches his world of the Covenant of Steel in a Scandinavian/Norse-inspired part of the world twenty years on.

You don’t have to have read CoS to understand this series, but you might miss Easter eggs and you might struggle with some information dumps. Also, the revelations will make your jaw drop in shock, excitement, and satisfaction.

I would recommend this if you enjoyed The Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne.

Thank you to Orbit for providing an arc in exchange for a review!