Rebecca's Thoughts

Previously published in Best Books of September & October 2023

The Pariah – Anthony Ryan (Covenant of Steel #1)
Fantasy, Science Fiction, Epic, Dark

Goodreads Synopsis:
Born into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine, Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade, Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path – one of blood and vengeance, which eventually leads him to a soldier’s life in the king’s army.

Fighting under the command of Lady Evadine Courlain, a noblewoman beset by visions of a demonic apocalypse, Alwyn must survive war and the deadly intrigues of the nobility if he hopes to claim his vengeance. But as dark forces, both human and arcane, gather to oppose Evadine’s rise, Alwyn faces a choice: can he be a warrior, or will he always be an outlaw?

I really like this book, I think the story is well told and as original as a book of this can get. The story reminds me a lot of Empire of Silence (also a 5-star) but definitely leans more toward fantasy than sci-fi. I like the single POV perspective, and I think it makes the story more personable and like you are in the same shoes as Alwyn. I also like Alwyn as a character and think the role of a scribe is really interesting and not something I read often. This book does have a slower pace but I think that by taking its time Ryan can take his time and flesh everything out. I’m excited to jump into the next book to see how this series continues!