One thing that kept running through my mind since I finished A Tide of Black Steel is the butterfly effect inside of the ripple effect. Evadine Corlauin's ascension to martyr and her brief rule is mentioned several times in the book as being a disgraceful mark in the recent history of the world, but never more as in the lands of Ascarlia where she is called Spedkryl, The Blackheart. Tensions between kingdoms of Ascarlia and Albermaine was long-standing due to contested land of Fjord Geld, a place of great historical and cultural significance to Ascarlians. And back in The Pariah, Alwyn told us all about the battle for Olversahl, the most significant port city of Fjord Geld, that was attacked and overtaken by Ascarlians in a swift move of underhand politics and brutality. But the butterfly effect in that event was the scene when Alwyn and Swain board across the ship and come across two very young boys, with equally blond-haired braids shivering as Albermainers figured out they were just a decoy for the real threat and let them live.
You see, this scene was really not that important in the great scheme of events and I wouldn't be surprised if you don't exactly recall it, but it's somehow it's the point that firmly put the protagonist of this novel on their own destined path.

Set twenty years after the events of Covenant of Steel trilogy, this book centers on a neighboring kingdom of Ascarlia. The old man, Margnus Gruinskard, principal advisor to Sister Queens is, to use Alwyn's own word, miraculously still kicking and plotting. He deploys several people to do his bidding whether they know it or not, whether they want it or not and his great-grandchildren are definitely in the latter category. One of them is Thera Spelrenda, his pride and joy, who is also the Vellihr of Justice to the Sister Queens. She is the one they send to deal with any problem that reach their ears be it by negotiation or be it by force and deliver judgment in the name of Sister Queens. So, her instructions are to sail to Kast Geld, the only geld in the Outer Islands to fail to deliver the required tally of stockfish in recent months and investigate why.
Her disgraced brother, a smuggler Felnir is used to do dirty business for his great-grandfather without right to question or refuse, is instructed to sail to Albermaine's duchy of Cordwain and extract the valuable prisoner.
Elvine Jurest, the newest unwilling employee of Margnus is forced to exchange her safe life as a scribe at the Archive of Sister Queens and use her great knowledge of Albermaine culture and ancient runic of Ascarlia to sail with Felnir in search of the mythical Altvars's Vaults, great treasure of old King of Ascarlia that would gave them a great advantage.
And in the northernmost parts of Ascarlia, black ships with red sails bring death and carnage to Outer Islands.

This is the basic premise of the story that's actually much greater in scope than Covenant of Steel was. The biggest reason for that is the narrative change because Ryan abandoned the first person recount of events (and in my humble opinion, it's what he excels in) and spread the story to four point of view characters in alternating chapters. This narrative choice actually helps to depict the vastness of the land of Ascarlia where news travel by sea and wind and how hard it is to control every corner of the kingdom even if you have Tielwald Margnus Gruinskard in your service. So, the connection between two series is there, but merely tangential as this is a completely different setting and differently told story. For one, the obvious inspiration for Ascarlia are vikings and Norse mythology as they give the great importance to heroic life and even more to heroic death- to be a hero of the saga. They are in the stark contrast to more modern Albermaine, especially when it comes to religion as they worship the pantheon of old gods who give them their blessing with a clang of strikers made in their likeness at the hull of the ship. They scoff at the Covenant faith and their Martyrs pointing at Evadine as their justification. Magic was a present, but a fleeting thing in Alwyn's recount, something more present in Caerith lands, but the message I think Ryan went for is that the more modern and progressive the kingdom is, people are less willing to see, explain and accept something as magic. So, in Ascarlia, with their old gods, magic is definitely a more prominent thing. I actually welcomed this as it brings the whole different vibe to it, with more stakes, and it made me look back and think how Albermainers were actually willingly blind to some things. I especially liked how this was even more accentuated through the fourth point of view, Ruhlin, the boy who who taken as slave from his village in one of the Outer Islands by the red sail invaders due to power in his blood that was thought to be lost and mentioned only in old sagas. Outer Islands are to Ascarlia kind of how beyond of the Wall is to North in GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire. There are remnants of old magic and times still present there and to them North is South, and thus modern and they know nothin'. Plot at the center of the novel deals with familiar theme Ryan is clearly intrigued by and researched a lot: it's religious fanaticism and doing heinous things in the name of god. He explored this especially with Nihvalrians and how it reflects their society as little as we see it through Ruhlin's eyes, but it poses a question for Ascarlia as well, going all the way to issue of Fjord Geld.
The names and titles are Scandinavian inspired and it can get a bit tricky to follow at the beginning as they are also very similar, but I wanted to read this book so much as I was intrigued by the notion of three Queens of Ascarlia, Sister Queens who, in a way, represent a separation of powers. It's an intriguing notion for a fantasy setting and I really wanted to see this kingdom and how it functions and Ryan made my wish come through. Thoroughly.
When it comes to characters, there were no parts I skipped to rush to other as I was interested in what happens in each of them, but I have to say Felnir's was my favorite. Thera is very straight and narrow, a viking version of paladin. The only blemish of her character is her beef with her brother that's kind of childish and nonsensical, and in contrast to her Felnir is living up to his name, brutal and efficient, a bad guy she is ashamed of. But you know there is more to him in how he evokes loyalty of his crew, in how he cares for his younger brother- the youngest of the siblings, in his admittance of being jealous, in not being dignified about unfair cards life has dealt him. Elvine's story is intertwined with Felnir's and Ruhlin's arc of slave trained for gladiator fights were fun to follow as well, but the relationship between siblings and their great-grandfather is the drive of this story. Each of the pov chapters open up with some interesting and violent event and considering it's a new place, unfamiliar to reader. BUT the story really kicked up for me the moment the old man Margnus appeared on the page and he remained to the end the one character whom I looked forward to see. He infused everything with intrigue, with magic and more risk. He is absolutely badass if losing an eye and his wolves didn't convince you from Olversahl where we first got the glimpse of him. And it's not just him: a lot of side characters who our protagonists picked along on their way are more interesting than them: Lynnea, a non-verbal apprentice to Thera, Colwyn whose proves with sword is almost as good as his way with words. Julette Ahlpert who somehow ended up as Nihlvarian slave alongside Ruhlin. And yes, there is a lot of easter-eggs for fans of previous trilogy if you pay attention. :)

It's a long review, with a lot of thoughts, but Ryan's book often leave that kind of impression on me. When on earth did Ryan start plotting this trilogy? He covered so much ground when it comes to history of Ascarlia it had to be on his mind for a long time. Magic was so much more detailed (it did get info-dumpy in parts) and used in various ways. There is so much that happened already... and it's like we barely scratched the surface. As fragmented as each of the story felt, you are aware they lead to same place; that all their troubles are only a taste of what's really coming.
And I can't wait to see how big of an effect will Ascarlia in war have for the world.

I should start with the fact that Anthony Ryan is one of the instant buy authors for me, and his latest book just confirmed my love for his work,
In A Tide of Black Steel, we are back in the Covenant of Steel series world, and 20 years have passed after the events of the last book.
Although it can be read without knowledge of the previous series, the depth it gives the story will add a lot to the enjoyment of this new journey.
It is with a Nordic vibe, and we witness everything through four characters—Elvine,Ruhlin and Thera, and Felnir (those two are my favorite with all that is going on between them)
Brother and sister with complicated relationship that is making the plot more intricate with their nuances, a fisherman stolen from his home with unnatural abilities and a scribe, daughter to the Ascarlian librarian Berine Jurest - which is another sweet connection to the Covenant of Steel, working for the Sister Queens.
Impeccable attention to detail, flawless world building, and the balance between action and the character development in their separate storyline are so masterfully made that it keeps you at the edge of your seat.
It goes without saying that I will be following with great interest the rest of the series.

I received a copy from netgalley to give an honest review, and what an excellent opening to a new trilogy it is. Please note, however, this is heavily related to The Convenent of Steel Series, so don't jump into this unless you are okay with spoilers or have previously read his work.

The Tide of Black Steel is a norse based epic fantasy novel that contains a large cast of characters. You get points of view of various people of all different backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. Ryan expertly crafts these characters to where they all feel unique and enjoyable in their separate ways. Early in the book, it can be a bit jarring or confusing when this switches, but in time, that alleviates, and you really see the difference throughout. They are, for the most part, completely separate elements of the story, which is a bit dissapointing as I would prefer to see exactly how each character responds to each other but I can only assume this will improve later down the line now that the characters are set up.

While this book is related to a previous series, Ryan does a great job at building the world and explaining everything you need to know, even where the previous books main characters are involved. Sometimes, it feels a bit over the top, but I appreciate the fact that Ryan doesn't want the users to feel confused or miss areas of the world that he clearly spent many hours crafting.

My main area of critique with the book will be with the lack of real impact, a lot of the more exciting areas of the story is near the back end of the book. With a majority of the first half being used for exposition and character development. I understand this is a common problem with epic fantasy and is a common complaint for The Blade Itself. However, it's still a problem in this book to a degree. This can make it feel a bit of a slow burn, and some will call it a slog to get through.

I will also say there is a lot of discussion about boats, boat warfare, and sailing, which I was in no way interested in. It comes hand in hand with the theme as the level of technology is in the stereotypical level you would see in, say Vikings, so I know it's more of a personal issue than the authors writing.

I can't wait for the next story, and I think, even with the spoilers, I am going to go back and read the previous novels set in this world. Just to get my next fix, I would absolutely recommend it.

Wow, what a great introduction to a new series! I love Norse fiction and this itched a scratch I’ve had for a while. The writing was masterful and I’d definitely recommend if you love vikings!

Parts of this I liked, but on the whole I struggled to keep reading. Lost interest midway through and I bailed at about halfway. Think I'm getting tired of Viking-esque Fantasy myself, but I can see why it might appeal to fans who like Gemmel-esque adventures, and certainly to Anthony's fans who I think will lap this up. Well written but undemanding - the biggest difficulty for me was wrestling with the character's names!

Anthony Ryan returns to the world of his recent medieval Covenant of Steel fantasy series (The Pariah, The Martyr, The Traitor) with A Tide of Black Steel, the start of a new series known as the Age of Wrath. This new series takes place in a different part of Ryan’s world (the most northern part of the last series is the most southerly point on this book’s map) and twenty years after the events of the Covenant of Steel. While no knowledge of the previous series is strictly needed to enjoy this, there are plenty of call backs, references and character connections so that those familiar with the previous works will definitely get more out of this.
While the Covenant of Steel series was a swords, horses and castles medieval-Europe style fantasy, the new series set in the North has a more Nordic feel. With longboats, double headed axes and remote island communities. The Ascarlians did make an appearance in the Covenant of Steel in a memorable battle that has more than one echo down into the current story. And that story revolves around four main characters – warrior brother and sister Felnir and Thera, a fisherman called Ruhlin who has particular abilities and Elvine a translator. The book opens by Ruhlin being captured by an invading force while the rest of his village is slain. It is this impacts of this impending invasion that Thera is sent to investigate while her disgraced brother is sent on a mission with Elvine to discover an ancient treasure.
As always there is plenty of well-handled action and violence, much of which involves maritime combat. And there is also a strain of the magical or at least uncanny – Ruhlin’s powers and the way they are controlled, another character who has the power to control animals, and later some potentially magical weapons.
When the Covenant of Steel series ended it felt as if Ryan had more story under his belt for this world and it characters. But the direction he has gone in is surprising, introducing a whole new set of characters in a mostly new locale and problems far removed from the concerns of the previous series but all of a piece. This is the first book in a series so it is safe so none of the stories or threads that start here quite comes together by the shocking, cliffhanger-filled end to Book One. But having read Ryan’s previous works, readers can be in no doubt that they are in good hands in terms of the ways in which the plot will twist and come together over the following two volumes.

Set in the same universe as The Convenant of Steel, this book starts roughly 20 years after the end of the previous trilogy. This book is centred in the isles, heavily influenced by Viking history, where a new power from beyond is reasserting itself, and vying to establish a new empire. Our protagonists are a scribe, a brother and sister with a love/hate relationship, a mute young woman with an interesting backstory, and a villager from these same isles with special powers he struggles to control.

It was an absolute joy to read. It's an excellent continuation to an already excellent trilogy, and a testament to the immensely talented author (his latest jaunt into post apocalyptic speculative fiction excluded). The moral ambiguity, the vivid protagonists, the fantastic dialogue, and the incredibly complex worldbuilding are just few components of what makes the whole of this book shine. In some ways, it's better than the preceding trilogy - the worldbuilding is much more complex, and the depiction of the protagonists more nuanced.

I loved it. It's perhaps the best grimdark fantasy book I read this year. The pacing, the energy, the thrill... absolutely incredible. I could feel my heart racing ever faster, especially in the last 30% of the book. This brings me to perhaps the only challenge I have with the book - the first half was rather slowgoing, and I wasn't really sure what the author was trying to do. Perhaps it's a necessary evil when the world being introduced is so complex, and the characters are so numerous. I even found it hard to follow the who's who, etc.

Hugely recommended to any fan of grimdark and high fantasy.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy in return for an honest review.

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.