The Martyr by Anthony Ryan, Book Two of The Covenant of Steel, picks up where Book One ended.
Synopsis
Alwyn Scribe is still at Lady Evadine’s side as protector and adviser. Aside from her cult-like following, most, including the Crown, believe Lady Evadine and her prophetical visions of the coming of the Second Scourge to be a fraud. So, in a bid to get rid of her, King Tomas sends her on what he believes is a hopeless mission of putting down a rebellion in the Duchy of Alundia. As war threatens to erupt, Alwyn will have to harness his skills as a soldier and, once again, don his outlaw hat.
Review of The Martyr by Anthony Ryan
There’s a handy summary of the events from the first book, plus a character list to help refresh the reader’s memory.
This second instalment solely follows Alwyn’s perspective. I enjoyed the second half much more than the first half.
Anthony Ryan excels at crafting fully fleshed characters, whether they are likeable or villainous, or somewhere in between. I missed one particular character from the first book, but maybe she’ll make a reappearance in the final instalment. Besides Alwyn, Lilat might be my second favourite character. Evadine is not a likeable character per se, but it is intriguing to read how different people react to her.
Although this is a fantasy series, magic does not 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.
I am very curious to know what the next book has in store for these characters.
I’d recommend this series if you enjoy complex historical fantasy full of gritty battle scenes and religious and political maneuverings.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expected Publication: 28 June 2022
Thank you to Orbit Books for providing me with a copy to review.
Read my review of The Pariah, Book One of The Covenant of Steel on Goodreads.
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