De Zee der Zuchten

The Seven Swords #5

by Anthony Ryan

Van alle vijf zeeën wordt de Zee der Zuchten het meest gevreesd: de plek wordt geteisterd door zware stormen, onmenselijke verschrikkingen en een moordzuchtige piratenkoning op rooftocht.

In dit zeemansavontuur zetten de legendarische held Guyime en zijn metgezellen hun zoektocht naar de zeven zwaarden voort. Ze moeten gevaarlijke tijen trotseren om zo het mythische Spookeiland te vinden waar eens een krachtige tovenaar de demon Lakorath gevangennam. Hier komen eeuwenoude plannen aan het licht en wordt het eindelijk duidelijk wat het geheime nut van de zeven vervloekte zwaarden is…

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Audiobook, Novella, Ebooks, Dark Fantasy

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2023

About the author

Anthony Ryan was born in Scotland in 1970 but spent much of his adult life living and working in London. After a long career in the British Civil Service he took up writing full time after the success of his first novel Blood Song, Book One of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy. He has a degree in history, and his interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.

For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into it blindfolded and a big surprise awaited me: this is a series of novellas, around 120-150 pages each! I think this is the first in all my years of reading.

However short the novellas may be, Ryan managed to build an incredibly rich world, strong characters, and a gripping story - the quest for the seven swords and their ultimate purpose.

I have read all 5 parts available now (to my dismay I discovered that the 6th, and presumably the last, will only be available in September, damn!) and each of them is a new adventure in another part of the world in search for another sword - all together actually form a continuous story.

Needless to say that I devoured them, the stories swallow you in and don't let you go. Can't wait to read the last!

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Neither storm nor
the wide perilous sea
Can bar the truly righteous
From the gift of truth”

Quinta parte de esta mini saga escrita por Anthony Ryan, autor que descubrí el año pasado y que no deja de sorprenderme.

“What a trial it is to be a slave to mortals”.

Esta parte me ha gustado de igual manera que el resto, el autor escribe magníficamente y sabe mantenerte en vilo con sus historias. Igualmente, a pesar de su corta extensión, siento que está bastante bien estructurada y con unos personajes bien creados, al menos en lo que mi opinión respecta.

“We must be united in our purpose, regardless od what lies in our path. ”

Argumentalmente, también me ha gustado, sí, como el resto, pero siento que me ha faltado un algo. No me ha cautivado como ha sido la tercera o la cuarta parte. Igualmente, antes de que salga la sexta, o cuando me disponga a leer la sexta volveré a releer esta novela.

“I fear the task that shall await me when we find her”.

En conclusión, una mini saga totalmente recomendada.

“Great is the fury of a predator denied his prey. ”

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots more enjoyable action, sword play and the new characters that were introduced they were perfect for the setting. Again excellent world building which is very realistic and transports you there in your imagination.

Like with the previous instalments there’s a lot crammed into a short story. It’s well paced, exciting, never predictable and really enjoyable to read thus speaking to the skills of the author. Yes I’m biased..

[Shreyas Deshpande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Stephen Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, for some reason Amazon lists this as a 5 book series, but the end of this tale points to another tale is still coming. I have loved everything Anthony Ryan has written and this novella series is no different. This series along with Lois McMaster Bujold's Penric & Desdemona novella series can bump up your reading goals if you are in need of a bump. And the novellas are reasonably priced ( I am looking at you Muderbot!) This novella series has all the element of the Fantasy genre I love. A quest story with talking swords, which is right in my wheelhouse.

[Elena Linville-Abdo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 4 out of 5.

Guyime and Seeker have come a long way since the Exacration, in endless pursuit of Seeker's daughter. They traversed several continents and gathered other companions (and cursed swords) along the way. In this book, they finally learn the identity of the demon possessing the sword Seeker's daughter is carrying, as well as the purpose of the Seven Cursed Swords.

I really enjoy this series. The books are pretty short - more novellas than novels, so they are quick to read and full of action and adventure. The author created a wonderfully awful world that each book explores a little bit deeper.

This particular book is a pirate adventure, including sea monsters, a dreaded pirate captain, and a cursed treasure. And we finally learn the purpose of the seven cursed blades, as well as how their bearers can finally break the curse and be free of them. I must admit that the prospects are grim. 

I liked the whole sea adventure and the magical Spectral Isle, though I must admit that the author spent too little time on the isle itself. I would have loved to explore it more. But I will have to be content with the sea monsters and a pirate battle instead.

Speaking of the final battle, the dreaded pirate captain that had terrorized the Five Seas is a bit... underwhelming, to say the least. I mean, yes Seeker uses sorcery to defeat him, but even just as a character he was nothing to write home about. He is shown as a husk of a man, possessed by a cursed weapon (curiously, not one of the seven swords), who isn't even capable of rational thought. I would say there was a whole lot of build up to this encounter, but the result is disappointing.

I am still looking forward to book 6. Will Guyime and his companions arrive at their destination on time to prevent the end of the world? Will Seeker be able to save her daughter's soul? Or has she damned herself by picking up the Morningstar?

I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick read full of adventure and fast-moving action. 

PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review..

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirates, kraken and ancient sorcerers abound

This was yet another great short story by Anthony Ryan, though I did find this to be over very quickly, and the amount of exposition at the end was abit heavy handed.

It did provide a decent tale, with 5 of the swords now found, all of which are wonderfully unique, with their purpose being fully revealed.

The short format is starting to show strain under such a short page count, with so many more characters that demand more page time, I just hope the author can stick the landing on the inevitable final book.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The seafaring installment wasn't quite as good as the previous stories. And the island felt a bit anticlimactic. The adventures are fun though.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think The Seven Swords series is nearly the end and I don’t know that I’m ready? Across The Sorrow Sea has got to be one of my favorite entries in the series since the second or third book. The balance of exploration of the world and the action on and off the sea? Fantastic.

It’s hard to review these books without giving spoilers for the whole series but let’s give this a shot. The Seven Swords series follows a group as they seek to find out how and why a series of demon inhabited swords (truly a wide variety of blades but let’s say swords since that’s the series name) was made. We get new members to our group as we travel and uncover new swords almost every volume. Each book has a unique setting and this one is on the water, crossing the sea in search of a vanishing island.

I did call the little twist at the end for the sword, but those monsters and those fights? Anthony Ryan always manages to slip something into everyone of his stories that surprises me. This was no exception even when it clocked in at less than two hundred pages.

I truly recommend this series for fantasy fans. The kindle ebooks are inexpensive, all the books are on the shorter side and you get to try out one of my favorite authors. I’ve turned a lot of my friends onto this series with great success and the series just keeps getting better. Pick these up!!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across the Sorrow Sea is the fifth book in The Seven Swords series. Our anti-hero Guyime, also known as Pilgrim, embarks on a perilous journey to find the Spectral Isle. Along with his companions, he begins to uncover long held secrets and buried plots concerning the seven demon cursed blades.

Clocking in at 120 pages, this was a quick, enjoyable fantasy read. Guyime is a flawed hero, he has done and will continue to do horrible things in the name of fulfilling his quests and sating the bloodthirst of his demon blade. However, he also has moments of genuine humanity. Our characters' journey is fraught with peril, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The setting is both realistic and fantastical, making for a truly immersive experience. This is a book that you can read and enjoy in a short time, but be prepared to be left wanting the next installment of Guyime's adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

[Murphies_law · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again super short and overpriced! All the first books could easily have been only one book!!

This world really has way too many contrived navigation obstacles - mountain ranges seperating whole oceans.
The timing is a bit too convenient for the plot...
The evil pirate story makes no sense unless the author is setting up a twist..
The megalomanical imposing statue makes no sense if the guy hated visitors so much..
It is funny that - all of a sudden - the swords can´t feel each other apparently..
The monster story was a bit too over the top for my taste.

I am not sure if i will continue the story...

[Nadra Hagen - Krook · Rating 4 out of 5]

De Zee der Zuchten, het vijfde deel in de De Zeven Zwaarden-serie van Anthony Ryan, brengt ons dieper in de betoverde en gevaarlijke wereld van Guyime, de Vervloekte. In dit deel staat Guyime voor een van zijn grootste uitdagingen tot nu toe: hij moet de mysterieuze en verraderlijke Zee der Zuchten oversteken, waar zowel fysieke als psychologische gevaren op hem wachten. De zee zelf is meer dan een watermassa – het is een levend, ademend deel van de wereld dat op een sinistere manier reageert op de passagiers die haar proberen over te steken.

Wat dit deel bijzonder maakt, is hoe Ryan een sfeer van voortdurende dreiging weet neer te zetten. De onvoorspelbare en bijna bovennatuurlijke aard van de Zee der Zuchten zorgt voor een broeiende spanning, waarbij de angst voor het onbekende constant voelbaar is. De manier waarop de zee als bijna een personage wordt neergezet, is een krachtig staaltje van wereldopbouw en laat zien hoe Ryan met subtiele middelen een intense setting kan creëren.

Guyime's groei als personage blijft indrukwekkend. Zijn innerlijke worsteling, zowel met zijn vloek als met de vraag of de macht van de zwaarden de offers waard is, komt in dit deel opnieuw sterk naar voren. De groep metgezellen die hem vergezelt, krijgt ook meer diepgang, met name hun interacties onderling terwijl ze proberen om te gaan met de geestelijke druk van hun omgeving.

Hoewel De Zee der Zuchten veel intrigerende elementen bevat, blijft de kritiek dat de boeken te kort zijn nog steeds gelden. Het voelt soms alsof de gebeurtenissen te snel worden afgeraffeld, waar meer diepgang en langere uitwerking het verhaal nog rijker zouden hebben gemaakt. Dit kan soms afdoen aan de epische reis die Guyime onderneemt.

De Zee der Zuchten biedt een angstaanjagende en sfeervolle nieuwe setting binnen het grotere verhaal van De Zeven Zwaarden. Anthony Ryan's talent voor het neerzetten van een beklemmende sfeer en zijn vermogen om Guyime's morele reis overtuigend te houden, zorgen ervoor dat ook dit vijfde deel boeiend blijft. Ondanks de korte lengte van het boek, is het een spannende en meeslepende toevoeging aan de reeks, die de lezer wederom met smart doet uitkijken naar het volgende avontuur.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

In this fifth installment in the 'Seven Swords' novella series our story continues with our ever-increasing party looking for the Spectral Isle. They are guided there by the Nameless Sword with promises of learning more about the Swords and their purposes as well as to prepare for when they find Ekiri and the blade she carries.

Like the previous installment, the story is starting to be fleshed out and as we learn more of the world and our characters, it starts to feel more of a standard fantasy story. Invariably, when the great mystery is revealed it's always a bit of a letdown - though there is still plenty we don't know to keep things interesting.

This part of the story does feel like a side-quest, and the place it happens in is less interesting than those seen earlier. The larger cast also means there is less time to spend on each individual, which is unavoidable but also a shame. Still, I did enjoy reading it a lot, and am excited how it sets up the next installment. As before, my main love for this series comes from the ever-moving locations which makes the world feel vast and exciting. I also greatly appreciate the complete lack of in-your-face exposition.

Highly recommended for fans of fantasy at large - but don't start here, start with book one. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[niks bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

“THE SORROW SEA—THE MOST FEARED REGION IN ALL THE FIVE SEAS—PLAGUED BY STORMS, PROWLED BY A MURDEROUS PIRATE KING, AND HOME TO INHUMAN TERRORS.

Continuing their quest for the Seven Swords, legendary warrior Guyime and his companions must brave these perilous tides to find the mythic Spectral Isle, where once a demon named Lakorath was captured by a sorcerer of great power. Here ancient plans will be unveiled and the secret purpose of the seven demon cursed blades may finally be revealed…

Continuing the saga of The Seven Swords, Across the Sorrow Sea is a fast-moving tale of seafaring adventure and dramatic revelations from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and the Covenant of Steel trilogies.”

This was the first book I’ve read in this series and I thought it was a decent read. I don’t think the storyline was for me personally, but with that I’ll give it 3.5 starts, with the potential of 4 (again, just it wasn’t MY personal cup of tea).

I didn’t feel too terribly lost reading this book, being book five in the trilogy, however I feel as if I could’ve made much stronger character connections to past books if I’d read them previously.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere which included sailing and shipwrecks and let me just say, Guyime was ruthless but I saw it as a source of strength! Overall, this was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and appropriate authors and publications, for allowing me to access this title as an ARC (advanced reader copy).

[Antonis · Rating 3 out of 5]

6 / 10

Across The Sorrow Sea is the 5th installment of The Seven Swords series by Anthony Ryan. It continues the story where the 4th book ended in similar fashion. As has already become apparent, each installment has a strong central narrative theme. This one had to do with ships, sea travel, maritime adventures and so on. If you've been following my reviews, you might have caught on that this is one of the few things I strongly dislike in my fantasy. It just doesn't appeal to me at all. So, quite expectedly, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous books. Still, please keep in mind that this is a very personal and thus subjective pet peeve of mine so I'm sure there will be a lot of readers who will enjoy it greatly for what it is.
Ryan's prose and style is very appropriate for this type of story and enjoyable to read. His characters are a bit one-dimensional and predictable but that is a double-edged blade which is simultaneously both bad and good.
Also, we finally get some more info on the deeper purpose of the protagonists' quest along with some important background/world-building information.
Anyway, I'm sure as we return to land for the next and penultimate one, it will be very exciting once again! I can't wait to find out what happens next so I will continue straight the the final 2 volumes and finish this series before the end of the year!

6 / 10

[Adam K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guyime and his company feel they are close to acquiring long sought answers to the curses that afflict them. Rather than blindly following the map which got them into Blackfyre Keep last time, Lakorath brings them to The Sorrow Sea. Here, they seek the shifting island of Calvius Arkelion, the most powerful sorcerer who has ever lived--the very sorcerer who bound Lakorath to the unnamed blade. But first, they must hire a ship and crew to take them there, which they find at one of the last ports before the Sorrow Sea. Captain Shavalla of the Wandering Serpent will take them for a high price. So begins yet another journey filled with peril, accursed creatures, and sights that inspire awe and horror as they head for this island amidst a tempestuous sea.

This story finally provides the travelers with some answers as to the purpose of the swords. Once revealed, it feels a little "Lord of the Ringsy," but I don't mind that. The adventures themselves bear little resemblance to that monumental world, and the stories are still fun and filled with adventure. I also appreciate the fact that each of the party members have a well-defined role within the group and each play their part. It certainly feels like we're nearing the end. I await the next installment.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across the Sorrow Sea is an e-novella, which is a publishing format I really came to love. In fact, I would love if more authors would publish their work in a serialized manner such as this. Anthony Ryan continues his series The Seven Swords set in its own secondary world, and provides very entertaining and easy to read old school sword and sorcery fix to his readers. His character work is excellent, which is his trade mark after all, but he manages to incorporate a huge amount of world-building into such a tight format. In fact, every one of the novellas in this series has been set into different scenery, a different locale, which serves to strengthen even more the Conanesque Howardian vibe of these stories. Across the Sorrow Sea is a pirate tale, essentially, and although I tend to dislike them in principle, Ryan used the constraints of novella format to keep the story progressing efficiently and tightly and he didn't bog it down with superfluous details. As I was reading this, I was mostly reminded of Roy Thomas' take on Conan's adventures on the Black Coast and similar sword and sorcery tales. Anyway, this series remains solidly entertaining and a shining example to other successful authors that I hope they will follow. 4/5*

[Christian Galano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always wished the stories in these novellas are a bit longer because I really enjoyed the setting, the world building, and the characters in the series. As in all the other Seven Swords novellas, this story introduced us with a new character and setting, and builds upon its predecessors on this quest to find the seven cursed swords. This 5th installment really explained more about the reason of this quest and the impending dangers that will soon follow. However, I felt like this book lacked the nuances that were evident in the previous books, and the interaction between the characters were a bit short. The climax in the last 3 chapters were a bit rushed, and I wished the fight scenes with the pirates were expanded a bit more. Overall, I still enjoyed the story, the prose and writing were beautifully crafted, and I can't wait to read more for the next book!

Big thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this book.

[Petra De Rechter · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨✨✨recensie ✨✨✨

Na hun avontuur in Fort Swartfuyr zijn Guyime en zijn gezellen op weg in de Zee Der Zuchten, de meest woeste zee van de vijf gekende zeeën . Ze zoeken naar het mythisch, immer bewegend eiland van de tovenaar Calvijn Arkelion. Op dit eiland zou Arkelion de Zeven Zwaarden gesmeed hebben en er Lakorath en de andere demonen in gevangen hebben. Omdat het gerucht gaat dat het eiland vol schatten ligt, is er menig piraat naar op zoek en met de hulp van de kaper Shavalla proberen ze de piraat der piraten, De Zwarte Rover, te ontlopen.
Onderweg roepen ze onbedoeld uit de diepste troch van de zee nog een gigantisch allesverslindend zeemonster op. En dit zeebeest is uit op een hapje.

In dit verhaal volgt er actie na actie zonder enige vertraging in snelheid en komen we te weten waarom de zeven zwaarden zijn gesmeed. Een zeer oud plan wordt duidelijk. Dit boek wil je lezen zonder onderbreking.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Thus Kvothe The Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five in “The Seven Swords” saga has just as much adventure as you would expect in this series. Anthony Ryan again delivers his trademark cast of troubled souls and their troubling demon-possessed blades. Their mission continues as they seek one of the remaining weapons and gain some insight into why they were created.

Four stars for this installment in the series. A lot of character development is still evident and the plot of this tale weaves nicely into the overarching plot of the saga. My thanks to Subterranean Press and the author. Opinions I have expressed are strictly my own and freely offered.

#acrossthesorrowsea #netgalley #kindlesallthewaydown #thesevenswordssaga

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across the Sorrow Sea

Oh my goodness, Book 5 was awesome, the creatures the crew ran into was scary, Guyime, Seeker, Lexius, Ultria Orsena, Master Druid Lorweth, Sir Anselm Challice board Shavalla’s ship to go to Arkelion’s spectrail Isle to find another blade, The crew got some treasures, Lexius, got all of Arkelion’s ancient books.( Arkelion is a ancient sorcerer who put the demons in all of the bldes ) I enjoyed reading this book. Now we get to see where the adventures of Guyime, Seeker, Lexius, Ultria Orsena, Master Druid Lorweth, Sir Anselm Challice, Shavalla, looking for Ekiri

[Ralph Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the fifth installment in this quest for the fabled Seven Swords. I was a little disappointed it was so short, but truly loved being able to re-visit this world. I feel like there is going to be seven tales to finish this quest, but I could be wrong. Either way, I really enjoyed characters getting more background filled in, and though the story's world seems vast, it is like discovering just a section of it each time a story in this series comes out. Looking forward to the future stories.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4

Another very good entry in this series.
This story was more of a nautical tale to begin following guyime and the other members of his group trying to reach an island that has something to do with the origins of the enchanted blades.
The ending was okay but did feel more like a prologue or teaser to the next novella.
Not sure how many more there supposed to be but I did wonder if it the story could be wrapped up satisfactorily in less than 3 entries. Don’t want the story to be strung out too far but still ….

Overall a definite recommendation

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the peculiar pilgrimage of swords continue, the team of demon-haunted desperados led by Guyime venture into the terrifying waters of the Sorrow Sea. Action follows, along-with intrigue and suspense. Horrors are unleashed, while nature showers all her fury upon the team.
And through all these, they approach the destination, seeking answers and freedom.
What happens after that?
This was another breathtaking tale, that practically compels one to start looking for the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.

[Graeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Ryan delivers again.

Across the Sorrow Sea is another excellent edition to the Seven Swords series. This time out, our band of protagonists set to sea, in order to find a mythical island and an answer to what the Desecrator is after.

Across the Sorrow Sea felt a little short, and will leave you wanting more. But saying that, it is an excellent read, and well worth the read. Based on the first five stories in this series, I have no problem recommending it to both veteran fantasy readers, and newcomers alike.

[Ralph Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across The Sorrow Sea by Anthony Ryan(The Seven Swords #5)-This entry in the Seven Swords series finds Guyime and his motley crew of adventurers traveling by boat to the Fifth sea and the Crescent Islands. Pirates are about as are sea monsters and the travelers are tested dearly for their efforts. I think with this chapter, the story is becoming a bit slow and predictable, though still an enjoyable read. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC

[W. Boal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seven Swords has become one of my favourite ongoing series. Across the Sorrow Sea continues to grow Guyime's band of sword wielders as they seek a mysterious island in their quest to unite the seven swords. Creatures of the deep, demons and pirates all collide in what is a brilliant tale of fantasy adventure.

[Paul Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9 stars.

Swashbuckling adventure on the 5th sea. Another entertaining novella in The Seven Swords series.

The adventuring party gathers yet another blade and companion, and their purpose is revealed at last. The road ahead will be perilous, but I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun.

On to novella 6!

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.8/5

Review: My highest rating, ever, for a novella. This author needs to join the full length epic fantasy series crowd. So good but so short.

Ima gunna have to go back and get the first four in this series.