The Martyr, Anthony Ryan
The Martyr, Anthony Ryan
4 Rating(s)
List: $38.99 | Sale: $27.30
Club: $19.49

The Martyr

Author: Anthony Ryan

Narrator: Steven Brand

Unabridged: 19 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 09/06/2022


Synopsis

Deadly feuds and ancient secrets spell war in the second novel of The Covenant of Steel, a new epic series of action, intrigue, and magic from a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

"Ryan again showcases his gift for epic fantasy in his excellent sequel to The Pariah . . . . Ryan's evocative prose enhances the suspenseful, intricate story . . . .This fires on all cylinders." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful. 

Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends. 

Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge.

"A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word." — John Gwynne on The Pariah

For more from Anthony Ryan, check out:
The Covenant of Steel
The Pariah
The Martyr

Raven's Shadow Trilogy
Blood Song
Tower Lord
Queen of Fire

Raven's Blade Duology
The Wolf's Call
The Black Song

The Draconis Memoria Trilogy
The Waking Fire
The Legion of Flame
The Empire of Ashes

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jasmine on June 29, 2022

The Martyr by Anthony Ryan, Book Two of The Covenant of Steel, picks up where Book One ended. Alwyn Scribe is still at Lady Evadine’s side as protector and adviser. Aside from her cult-like following, most, including the Crown, believe Lady Evadine and her prophetical visions of the coming of the Se......more

Goodreads review by Khalid on April 21, 2025

The Covenant of Steel trilogy is analog-medieval fantasy tale at its finest. Although lacking in the traditional elements I enjoy in fantasy books, it's got a very well written and highly gripping plot. I dare say this one reads much better than the first and follows our narrator, Alwyn Scribe, w......more

My thanks to Orbit books, Anthony Ryan and Netgalley. When I first started this series, I absolutely hated it! I'm not sure if I've reflected that in my first review, but? There it is! The hate didn't last long. I loved the first book! This second book? Yeah, I loved it too! There is no middle book synd......more

Goodreads review by Shirin on May 24, 2023

9.5/10 "To win peace, you must first spill blood... only ever leads to more blood." What would it be like if David Gemmell wrote Crime and Punishment on a dark realism theme?! I may have an Idea! "I am Captain Alwyn Scribe of the Covenant Company, I have fought the worst battles, faced the worst foes.......more

Goodreads review by LambchoP on March 15, 2025

The Martyr is book two of Covenant of Steel trilogy. Anthony Ryan continues the thrilling story set up in The Pariah and both wraps up a few plotlines and opens up a few more... Book two continues the story of Alwyn Scribe who is no longer a theif or prisoner, but a noble captain in the Covenant Comp......more


Quotes

"Ryan again showcases his gift for epic fantasy in his excellent sequel to The Pariah . . . . Ryan’s evocative prose enhances the suspenseful, intricate story, and the cliffhanger ending will have fans counting the days until the next volume. This fires on all cylinders."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Gritty and well-drawn, this makes a rich treat for George R.R. Martin fans.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Pariah

"A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word."—John Gwynne on The Pariah

"A master storyteller."—Mark Lawrence on The Pariah

“In The Pariah Ryan creates a wonderfully slow burn and a protagonist who resonates in spite of – or because of — his flaws. I loved wandering with Alwyn from one scrape to the next, and I’m ready for more.”—Django Wexler on The Pariah

"The Pariah is Anthony Ryan at his best. A fast-paced, brutal fantasy novel with larger than life characters and a plot full of intrigue and suspense. With bloody twists and turns aplenty, this novel is destined to become a favorite of the grimdark community."—Grimdark Magazine on The Pariah

"Fans of broadscale epic fantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire novels should find this debut much to their liking."—Library Journal on Blood Song

"[Blood Song] certainly has it all: great coming-of-age tale, compelling character and a fast-paced plot. If [Ryan's] first book is any indication of things to come, then all fantasy readers should rejoice."—Michael J. Sullivan on Blood Song

"Ryan hits all the high notes of epic fantasy--a gritty setting, ancient magics, ruthless intrigue, divided loyalties and bloody action."—Publishers Weekly on Blood Song

"Readers who enjoy their fantasy fast and furious will find Ryan's latest to be an immensely satisfying, top-notch adventure fantasy."—Kirkus on Wolf's Call