The first time I finished reading Blood Song, it was in 2017. On its own, Tower Lord is not a bad book. Something moves against the Realm, something that commands mighty forces, and Vaelin will find to his great regret that when faced with annihilation, even the most reluctant hand must eventually draw a sword. The blood-song is powerful, rich in warning and guidance in times of trouble, but is only a fraction of the power available to others who understand more of its mysteries. The new King is weak, but his sister is strong. The Faith has been sundered, and many have no doubt who their leader should be. Many died in King Janus’s wars, but many survived, and Vaelin is a target, not just for those seeking revenge but for those who know what he can do. But those gifted with the blood-song are never destined to live a quiet life. Named Tower Lord of the Northern Reaches by King Janus’s grateful heir, he can perhaps find peace in a colder, more remote land far from the intrigues of a troubled Realm. Sick at heart, he comes home, determined to kill no more. The greatest warrior of his day, and witness to the greatest defeat of his nation: King Janus’s vision of a Greater Unified Realm drowned in the blood of brave men fighting for a cause Vaelin alone knows was forged from a lie. Vaelin Al Sorna, warrior of the Sixth Order, called Darkblade, called Hope Killer. He had a sense it was welcoming him home.” “The blood-song rose with an unexpected tune, a warm hum mingling recognition with an impression of safety.

Tower Lord by Anthony Ryan