Review: "The Martyr" by Anthony Ryan

I read this book months back and never commented. Well, I have a pie in the oven for Thanksgiving festivities, so I figure I'll ramble here.

"The Martyr" is a sequel to "The Pariah", by Anthony Ryan. It's one of his fantasy series that's got that more epic feel to it.

Alwyn the Scribe continues in the holy army of Evadine, the Martyr Arisen. Alwyn, a cynical, former bandit, is bound by Evadine by emotions and magic as he follows her on her holy quest to prevent the dark powers of the Malecite from rising and bringing a Second Scourge to the lands.

As with "The Pariah", I found "The Martyr" to be a fun read. There's a bit of character building, both with Alwyn and those around him, and a glimpse into the wider world Alwyn lives in. Ryan indulges in his penchant for shadowy magics and malignant powers that linger beyond death, as well as mysterious and ageless mentor figures who pop in from time-to-time. Alwyn himself goes through his usual rough go of life, with everyone seeming to want to try to curse or kill him when they're not following him in battle. And there's a lot of battle. And treachery. And politics.

"The Martyr" was a good sequel to the series and I enjoyed it more than "Tower Lord" as a sequel to "Blood Song". I'm hoping the next book keeps staying good and doesn't stray into "Queen of Fire" territory.

I'll be sure to read it either way.