Review: The Wolf's Call (Raven's Blade Book 1) by Anthony Ryan

The Wolf's Call by Anthony Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided with a copy of this book as an Advance Reader Copy, by the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions included in this review are my own.

This book brilliantly captures the reader in the same way the first book in the Raven's Shadow series did. If you are like most readers, the first two books in the Raven's Shadow series were the perfect blend of world building, character construction and plot and the third book depressed you beyond measure. (See my review of Queen of Fire). Reading The Wolf's Call will make you forget all about the sadness you felt at the end of Queen of Fire. It will fire you up with excitement that Vaelin is once again charging into action accompanied by a fantastic group of associates.

This book is set 10 years after the end of Queen of Fire. Vaelin has spent that time in the Northern Reaches, serving as the Lord of the Northern Tower for Lyrna, alone and not very happy. Word reaches Vaelin that his first love, Sherin, is in danger on the other side of the world. He immediately tears off to save her, taking with him a group made up of old friends and new associates. This starts a new adventure in a new environment, against a new deadly enemy.

I love that this book is a blend of all the best things about things about the first series and new characters and environment. This new location of the Lands of the Merchant Kings is a chance for Ryan to show his masterful skills as a world builder. He creates a wonderfully rich culture filled with it's own history and geography. This new culture brings the sense that Vaelin is a fish out of water once more and his missing Blood Song doesn't help him. He's relying on experience accrued with age and the bitter battles fought throughout his life to assist him in making decisions, the way the un-Gifted always have to. This brings a freshness to the story because though we know and love Vaelin his circumstances have changed. We also have a few characters from Raven's Shadow but mainly Vaelin relies on finding new allies, again refreshing the story.

One thing that hasn't changed with this book is the inclusion of the Gifted. Vaelin has to battle against a new foe who is Gifted, in a way Vaelin doesn't understand, who has captured the love and devotion of thousands. This new foe might not be the same one as before but his rise to power owes much to 'The Dark'.

I am so happy that Anthony Ryan has revived this series and given it new life. I loved Raven's Shadow, even when Queen of Fire induced depression, and reading the new book lifted my spirits significantly. I can't wait to find out what happens next because whilst this book ends at a convenient point, there is everything to be resolved.

I highly recommend this book if you read Raven's Shadow, even if you didn't enjoy Queen of Fire, because this books shows Anthony Ryan at his storytelling best. If you haven't read Raven's Shadow I don't think you will enjoy this book as much because there is a wealth of history and backstory you won't understand. The history of Raven's Shadow enriches this book significantly.

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