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Mark Redman's Reviews > A Tide of Black Steel
A Tide of Black Steel (Age of Wrath, #1)
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A Tide of Black Steel by Anthony Ryan
**A Tide of Black Steel** by Anthony Ryan is an impressive addition to the world first introduced in *The Pariah*, set a few decades later with a distinct Nordic-inspired atmosphere. The story follows multiple compelling characters, each contributing depth to the world-building and pulling you deeper into the intricate political and mythological landscape of Ascarlia. Ryan’s world-building is exceptional, immersing us in the politics of the region, the pantheon of Norse-inspired gods known as the Altvar, and the looming threat of invaders on the shores.
The narrative is well-paced, shifting between perspectives in a way that keeps each storyline fresh and engaging. We follow a variety of characters: an orphan with uncontrollable rages, a brutal servant of the enigmatic Sister Queens, a young academic uncovering dangerous secrets, and two brothers (with a focus on the elder) driven by their grandfather’s orders. Each storyline is distinct yet gradually converges, creating a satisfying sense of interconnectedness.
Ryan masterfully weaves together politics, plots, and violence, making the political tensions feel grounded and real. The Sister Queens are intriguing, the magic system is well-realized, and the rich history and mythological depth make the world feel fully fleshed out. There’s war, gods, and mystery, all seamlessly coming together in what promises to be an exciting new series.
While the pacing starts off a bit slow, it steadily builds toward thrilling events and cliff-hangers that leave the reader eager for more. The writing and character development are top-notch, making *A Tide of Black Steel* an engaging and satisfying read. I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher orbit for granting me access to an advanced reader copy. I am very much looking forward to the second book in the series.
**A Tide of Black Steel** by Anthony Ryan is an impressive addition to the world first introduced in *The Pariah*, set a few decades later with a distinct Nordic-inspired atmosphere. The story follows multiple compelling characters, each contributing depth to the world-building and pulling you deeper into the intricate political and mythological landscape of Ascarlia. Ryan’s world-building is exceptional, immersing us in the politics of the region, the pantheon of Norse-inspired gods known as the Altvar, and the looming threat of invaders on the shores.
The narrative is well-paced, shifting between perspectives in a way that keeps each storyline fresh and engaging. We follow a variety of characters: an orphan with uncontrollable rages, a brutal servant of the enigmatic Sister Queens, a young academic uncovering dangerous secrets, and two brothers (with a focus on the elder) driven by their grandfather’s orders. Each storyline is distinct yet gradually converges, creating a satisfying sense of interconnectedness.
Ryan masterfully weaves together politics, plots, and violence, making the political tensions feel grounded and real. The Sister Queens are intriguing, the magic system is well-realized, and the rich history and mythological depth make the world feel fully fleshed out. There’s war, gods, and mystery, all seamlessly coming together in what promises to be an exciting new series.
While the pacing starts off a bit slow, it steadily builds toward thrilling events and cliff-hangers that leave the reader eager for more. The writing and character development are top-notch, making *A Tide of Black Steel* an engaging and satisfying read. I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher orbit for granting me access to an advanced reader copy. I am very much looking forward to the second book in the series.
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