Zrádce

Covenant of Steel #3

by Anthony Ryan, Tomáš Jeník (Translator)

Závěrečný díl drsné a nelítostné trilogie Úmluva oceli od mistra epické fantasy Anthonyho Ryana

Alwyna Písaře čeká rozhodující bitva a těžká volba mezi loajalitou a svědomím.

Alwyn urazil velký kus cesty. Narodil se jako levoboček v bordelu a nikdy nepoznal vlastního otce, vyrostl v lese mezi zbojníky a nyní je rytířem a nejbližším rádcem lady Evadine Courlainové. Společně vybojovali již bezpočet bitev a pomohli obnovit řád v roztříštěném království.

Jenže Evadine už není tou ženou, kterou Alwyn znal. Puritánská zuřivost v ní čím dál častěji nahrazuje laskavou víru a Alwyn začíná pochybovat o jejích skutečných motivech.

Schyluje se k poslední, rozhodující bitvě a Alwynovo svědomí svádí lítý boj s jeho srdcem. Teď se bude muset doopravdy rozhodnout, na čí straně stojí.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Audiobook, High Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

591 pages, Hardcover

First published July 11, 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

[Khalid Abdul-Mumin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Ryan's epic and sprawling continuation of his superb analog-medieval fantasy is sprinkled throughout with court intrigue and very good battle scenes.

Dire villainous machinations abound from both the Crown and Council of Luminants in this final installment to the Covenant of Steel series as the premier spy master, Sir Alwyn Scribe, purports to understand and possibly stem all the tragedy and bloodshed that'll follow from his Anointed Lady's crusade, now claiming upon herself the title Ascendant Queen.

“I’m a lord now,” I muttered back, which earned me a waspish, snorting laugh.
“Let me tell you something, oh my wayward cub.” Her voice became an urgent hiss as she leaned closer. “The sum of what I’ve learned about lords, ladies, and all others who claim nobility in this realm: it’s all shit, and they know it. Titles mean nothing. Blood and kinship mean nothing. There are three things that matter in this realm: coin, land, and the ability to summon soldiers to fight those who would seek to take the first two from you. Everything else is a farce played by folk born into their role or come late to the stage, like me and you. Your divinely ordained bitch may have the most complex role of all. But it’s still just that, Alwyn, an act, even if she doesn’t know she’s playing.”

The writing is quite engaging and the world-building gets much better as the plot unfurls from book one up until this conclusion, while the characterizations are also painted on well and blend with their respective plot threads. The pacing and seemingly endless plot twists are executed with a masterful touch of expertise and a flair for the dramatic.

It's a sordid tale about the lengths that uninformed and ignorant nobles, holy clerics and even churls alike are fervently willing to undergo hardship and depredations of the body, soul and mind in order to achieve their blessed, divine and holy crusade. Whereupon further pondering, they'd have soon seen it revealed that all is to be a grim and macabre filled farce and lure of a spectacle to their staunch belief systems just so that the feudalistic nobles can keep enjoying the fruits of their greedy hold on power from their mostly unworthy and cruel endeavor.

So, I suppose although lacking in my favorite tropes in fantasy, the meticulously researched writing and plot within and the thoughtful sociopolitical laments about our current era in this series provides ample analogical food for thought. A heart-pounding and interesting ride that'll leave one rooting for both the heroes and villains from start to finish. I highly highly recommend the whole trilogy for fans of epic fantasy set in a medieval universe.

Book I review: The Pariah
Book II review: The Martyr

2023 Read

[MagretFume · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me the best part of a fantastic trilogy.
I felt a real sense of wonder and was highly invested in the story

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
https://youtu.be/dIMYGPyfWHs

While I struggled a bit with the second book, I was interested to see how this came together. However, getting into this book, I found myself disappointingly disengaged. The writing and story remain consistent with the first two books but I have read so many similar fantasy stories. This story does not have any specific faults but it also didn't do anything new. It did what it was doing well, but I still didn't find it as interesting as I wished.

This is very much the case of a series not being entirety for me. I understand why this will appeal to other fantasy readers who cannot get enough of the genre and don't mind a very traditional narrative.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Those who thought themselves brave and faithful often find they are neither.”

I knew
I KNEW
I knew it was coming
I was waiting for this from the second book
I knew it
But still
It HURT
So much...

"This portion of my testament is now at an end, ...
The tale of Alwyn Scribe, outlaw, murderer, sometime knight and, I like to think, scholar of some renown, would have been told."

I read the three books of Covenant of Steel this year and I can honestly say that this was one of the best fantasy series I ever read! Alwyn Scribe is a rare character I think I know him, became like a friend to me.

“You and women, Alwyn. It was never a good mix.”

The tale of Alwyn starts with The Pariah, as a name can talk this was exactly what it is, then we company The Martyr, and I still wonder at what happened to The Traitor.

“knowing I should feel guilty, but didn’t. To face what lay ahead I would need all my friends. The guilt came later, and the weight of it still brings me low so many years on.”

The last tale of Alwyn Scribe is now beyond vengeance, many are not here anymore to see what he's going to do, at heart, he is still an outlaw and, among outlaws, betrayal has but one punishment.
“I used to do a lot of things better, like not getting my friends killed. Not as much, anyways.”

I think anything I would say becomes spoilers in one way or another for those who didn't read this book or the entire series.
This series became better and better with each book, the testimony of Alwyn the outlaw who became a scribe, then a knight is genuine and his journey is more tragedy than triumph.

“Would there be any point to it, if I did?” I asked her. “For I fancy hating you would be like hating the rain or the wind. You simply are.”

My huge thanks to Orbit via NetGalley for giving me a chance to read The Traitor, Book Three of the Covenant of Steel by Anthony Ryan. I have given my honest review.

1 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Orbit books, Anthony Ryan and Netgalley.
After what was initially a difficult and hesitant start to this final book, I can say that I'm happy as a pig 🐖 in a hog waller! I loved, loved, loved this long assed, complicated story!
Watching Alwin from the young boy he was in book one, and seeing his growth into this final was , in a word...good.

[Wick Welker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is up there.

I'm a big fan of Anthony Ryan. His Blood Song is one of my favorite fantasy books of all times. I think Ryan has accomplished something special with this series, Covenant of Steel because he's not only told an engaging fantasy epic but I think has really carved out a new style of writing for himself. This series started out okay for me. The Pariah wasn't what I was expecting. I wasn't disappointed but I found that the pacing was slow and the lore was very obscure and seemed almost inconsequential. It was after I finished The Martyr that I realized the first installment was carefully detailed set up. Everything matters including every character. After I finished The Martyr I was hooked on this series and read The Traitor immediately upon its release and I was not disappointed.

This series does pretty much everything really well. The first person POV works really well because Alwyn is such a compelling character. He has a wonderful character arc from outlaw to many, many different things all which flow into one another in a natural way with the overall plot changes. Ryan is seriously a witty writer in a really understated way. The prose is funny and so is the main character. Alwyn is incredibly shrewd and knowing which makes his POV highly engaging. The overall world is typical victorian fantasy fare with all of the royal politics you'd assume and that's all very well done. There is some really cool lore mixed in and the arcane stuff makes the reader know there is a lot of stuff beneath the surface driving the plot as well. My only complaint is I would've liked to see a little more resolution with the main character particular is role in the greater scheme of things but I think there will be more from this series. Ryan has a lot to work with and he clearly leaves the door open for a follow up series which I will devour. At any rate, I think this series probably fits in my top 10 favorite fantasy series.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Traitor is the final volume in the Covenant of Steel trilogy and brings together all the disparate storylines from the first two volumes. The Traitor here is Alwyn whose love for Evadine has blinded him to what she has become, a host for the forces of evil. In her name, her religious zealots, now controlling the entire kingdom, are laying waste to entire cities and burning all who could be heretics. And, she has turned her eye toward the Caerith in their ancient primitive land.

The first glimpse of the divide between Alwyn and Evadine is a scroll setting forth the true story of her healing by a Caerith witch, meaning she was never as claimed a Risen Martyr. The second is the child she is carrying, who she claims was created by divine conception. Alwyn is declared a traitor fir he is at the heart of the truth of these things, but she cannot bear to kill him as she still loves him.

Alwyn escapes with his life, something his friends and Allies don’t escape with. With barely a score of men, he head to the woods, once again an outlaw. From there, though hunted, he begins to gather the free world of pirates, royals, and Caerith to begin one final battle between good and evil to save the world from the Dark Mistress who is known widely as the madwoman. Amidst it all, Alwyn is stuck in a cycle of fate and foretelling.

Absolutely terrific conclusion to a top-notch fantasy series.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third instalment in The Covenant of Steel series.

Anthony Ryan consistently proves himself a king in the fantasy genre and the conclusion to this epic trilogy is another example of just why that is. Without giving away any spoilers know this brings together each facet that defies traditional fantasy and yet still consistently delivers thrills and unseen plot twists that leave the reader as reeling as the fates of each of these beloved characters do.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Anthony Ryan, and the publisher, Orbit, for this opportunity.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 The Pariah
5/5 The Martyr
5/5 The Traitor

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit books for giving me the privilege of reading this ARC.
Link to my video is here! https://youtu.be/lm3PxbzdT2Q

I love this series so much. I wish I would have reread the first two before this one but luckily there is a brief reminder of what happened in the first two books as a prelude to this book. I like how this prelude is written as well, it is written as if it is past history and it is history that Alwyn passed down and the narrator is analyzing/relating Alwyn’s story. I have really enjoyed the way this series is written. It is written from Alwyn’s point of view in past tense and Alwyn’s future self is relating his story as history. I really enjoyed this writing style, I especially loved when the narration would break to where future Alwyn would point out a certain moment and indicate it’s historical importance. Sometimes when there was an important moment Alwyn would describe how such moment was described by other historians or how artists depicted the moment. I enjoyed these comments because it points out how our own histories/artwork of history can be influenced to depict a certain feel or message that may not have been accurate. (Think of the glorified George Washington crossing the Delaware River painting).

The beginning of the book starts immediately where the second book left off which is nice because I hate when the next book in a series starts with this huge time gap from the last book. If you haven’t read the first two books I highly recommend starting ASAP, they are amazing. I love the way Ryan has written these books, Alwyn a new favorite fictional character, I love the side characters, I love the battles, the politics, the moral/ethical questions being presented.

I love Alwyn’s character, he is everything I want in a book character, he is good at almost everything he does and he does whatever is needed, whether that be leading, fighting, negotiating, writing (he is a historian and scholar), and being an outlaw. I know a lot of people do not like characters who are good at everything (similar to a chosen one—which he also is in a way) but I love it. Alwyn is still following Evadine but he is starting to see her corruption. She is not who she used to be, she is not as merciful or passive, rather she has declared herself a supreme Queen over everyone. Alwyn (as noted in the last book) has started having relations with Evadine, but he is starting to realize that her motives are going to be the downfall of everyone and the country. He notices changes to her leadership and character, she is now willing to present a lie to the people and is now on the offensive rather than defensive; she has shunned all Caerith from Albermaine. He now has a choice to make—does he continue to blindly follow Evadine or does he become a Traitor?
Throughout the book, Alwyn is facing moral and ethical questions and is constantly trying to figure out what the right thing is to do. His heart and mind are split in different directions, but he is always trying to make the right decision.

Similar to the previous two books, this book has a lot of fighting and politics; and it is done flawlessly. I love all the fight scenes/battles in this series. Ryan does an amazing job of making every battle and fight unique; each battle is memorable. There is more exploration of the world in this book. Alwyn is going to new places and there is a lot more of the Caerith in this book as well—I always enjoy their characters/culture. There is a lot of politicking involved as well. Alwyn seems to always know the right thing to say and he is always at the center and is influential wherever he is leading—this helps you never feel like you are missing any essential part of the story.

Overall, I loved this book. This book was everything I was hoping for and looking forward to for the past year. It ended in a bittersweet way, but it left me content.

Honestly, I am really going to miss this world and Alwyn. I loved this series so much. It has become a new top favorite series of mine and it will be one that I plan to reread again, and again. I would highly recommend this to any fantasy lover, especially those who love epic fantasy series with a strong main character who changes history, amazing battle scenes and lots of politics/political maneuvering. I just cannot express how excited I am to have read this series and I am just so happy that this book lived up to my expectations.

[Fabiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Il Traditore” è il terzo e ultimo volume della trilogia “L’Alleanza d’Acciaio” di Anthony Ryan.

Non aggiungerò molto rispetto a quanto scritto per i due libri precedenti, “Il Traditore” è la conclusione perfetta di una storia magnifica. Ogni colore impresso sulla tela acquista un senso, il disegno finale è ricco e appagante.

Non posso non soffermarmi su Alwyn, protagonista e voce narrante, il cui arco narrativo si completa definitivamente. L’abbiamo conosciuto nel primo libro e ora lo salutiamo con la consapevolezza di aver assistito a una crescita profonda e complessa. Altrettanto ottimo è stato il lavoro svolto sui personaggi femminili. “Il Traditore” segue le vicende di molte donne, donne comuni, donne potenti, donne fragili e donne coraggiose. Donne diverse tra loro, tutte “costruite” in maniera solida e credibile.

Continua l’esplorazione del worldbuilding e questa porta a far luce su alcuni misteri che avvolgono il sistema magico, il credo religioso e le sue oscure origini. Come in tutti i romanzi di Anthony Ryan, l’ambientazione si rivela essere variegata e suggestiva, un innegabile punto di forza.

Lo stile di scrittura si mantiene dinamico e scorrevole, caratterizzato da descrizioni affascinanti ed evocative, intrise di realismo. I combattimenti, gli assedi, la violenza della guerra, il sangue delle battaglie... è tutto così vero, tutto così EPICO!

Chi è Athony Ryan? Uno dei migliori autori Adult Fantasy contemporanei. Imperdibile.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5*


Did you finish first book with the question:"Alwyn, what are you doing?"
And then spent the entire second book asking the same question?
Good.
That means that Alwyn's gift for gab didn't render you blind to his shortcomings nor made t(his) story a heroic one.

Bare bones:
Evadine Courlain, the Risen Martyr- in her divine-spirited wisdom- decided that she is to become the Ascendant Queen, the new ruler of Albermaine. The only thing standing in her way is Princess Regent Lorraine, who rules in stead of her underage son, Alfric and his infant betrothed Lady Ducinda Cohlsair. And Alwyn, Evadine's Spymaster, most trusted adviser and now, her lover, would use all of his skills to deliver her the throne whether it's fighting, strategizing or negotiating for support with Albermaine Lords.
But, there is something bothering him about Evadine, her followers and her war, something creeping on him that will lead him to make the hardest decisions of his life.


So, on the surface Covenant of Steel is the story of how Alwyn, the outlaw from Shavine Forest became Alwyn the Scribe, one of the key figure in the rise of Evadine Courlaine and her march to the throne. But in reality, this story boils down to this:
How can the cleverest guy on the page be so stupid about certain things?

The answer, at least for me, lies in understanding idolization and cult of personality-something that has a very intriguing connection with religion and religious fervor throughout history- and these are the themes Ryan decided to explore through fantasy setting. Alwyn knows the truth behind Evadine's resurrection. He is not really a believer- he is pragmatic more than anything, the result of his upbringing. He knows the difference between good and evil and more than not lands on the side of good, again result of the time spend with Sihlda in the mines and strategically and politically he knows her actions are neither smart nor longterm. So why is he in her corner? When following someone is rendered simply to a blind faith into that person, that doesn't really explain why someone stays devoted to the cause despite knowing that this elevated image of is manufactured, not real. This is the more complex question, in terms of characterization about the whole thing and this is what Ryan did so well through Alwyn's first person point of view narration.
You see, Evadine Cuorlain was always this mythical figure in Alwyn's memories, someone who, when you dig deeper, doesn't have much of a personality beside her role of Risen Martyr. It's how he described her: from her ethereal beauty, "the peerless strength she exuded", to the constant mention of how she keeps the crowd enthralled with her sermons, how she inspires others so much they follow her into war. It's always something he is surprised so many people do because he knows she is charismatic and thus, knowing it thinks he's immune, but his actions says otherwise.
And another layer of that is the fact Alwyn is recounting and thus many things are clearer to him in hindsight and foreshadow his main conflict from this book. I was waiting for so long for Alwyn's shift,and when it finally happened, it turned into a straight-forward epic fantasy quest with a singular goal, a soap-opera addition to the story and some fine battle scenes and magical shenanigans.
Female characters, especially Lorine and Lorraine, were great and I felt like Ryan did a very good job with bringing more depth to them. When it comes to Evadine, though, she remains the most detached character, more the object of worship than the person and one I think was kind of left surface-level. We got a conclusion to the story and and an explanation, but, in a sense, it's a perfect Alwyn explanation and he is too good at saving his hind to be considered a perfectly reliable narrator and too skilled of a storyteller not to leave us intrigued. :)

This is my favorite trilogy from Ryan and I hope he revisits the world because he mentioned so many interesting things like Sister Queens of Ascarlia or Ishtakar incident. Recommended.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Anthony Ryan for an advanced copy of The Traitor. All opinions are my own.

.....................................................................................
Ok, let's do this again:

...in which I hope to see Toria coming back as a pirate queen to kick some sense into Alvyn.

But seriously, the title suggests he's going to need any help he can get.

[Algernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hero’s legend arises mostly by happenstance, a confluence of events that leaves no avenue for retreat.

The legend of Alwyn Scribe, of his meteoric rise from orphan and highway robber to lord of the realm who holds the fate of nations at his sword tip, concludes with this third volume. I find the quick publication schedule and the classic trilogy format serves me better than some extremely long epic fantasies series, some of which I am losing hope of ever seeing finished [ASOIAF, Sword of Shadows], others I have given up on halfway through [Malazan, Wheel of Time].
What is so special about this Covenant of Steel books? The dedication for the last episode holds a good clue, I believe: Anthony Ryan honors here David Gemmell, an author almost ignored today, but one who established a more streamlined, character driven and dark tinted hero’s journey in a period where most fantasy writers were trying to copy Tolkien with fellowships on epic quests to save the world from some uber-powerful evil entity.

Alwyn Scribe never wanted to become a hero. A confluence of events pushed him into the orbit of one Evadine Courlain, leader of a mercenary band in a time of civil war in the kingdom of Albermaine.
In the previous volumes, Alwyn helped his captain rise in power until she becomes a real challenger to the twin powers of Monarchy and Church. Evadine offers herself to her followers as the Risen Martyr, inflaming the passions of her followers with inspired speeches and warnings of an impending second apocalypse. Her eloquence is almost uncanny and the devotion she inspires in her thralls downright scary.
As one of her close advisors, Alwyn knows the dark truths that are hidden from the masses about his Lady’s visions and ruthlessness. Yet even he is a willing victim of her wiles, strung up with the bonds of passion and forbidden love.

“Words have power,” I agreed with a shrug. “Especially when you write them down. As for lies, I learned long ago that you can only really sell them to a willingly gulled audience.”

The title is quite suggestive of the direction the epic will take in this final volume.
This has been from the start the story of one man in times of trouble. As the atrocities committed in the name of the Risen Martyr multiply, and as the Lady Evadine becomes more volatile and more obsessed with her visions of doom, Alwyn has no choice but to become the Traitor.

>>><<<>>><<<

I have read ‘The Raven’s Shadow’ by the same author on publication date, and I liked the first book a lot more than the final one: I thought the project was too ambitious and somehow got out of hand as it grew too big.
The Covenant of Steel is handled with a lot more control and literary flair, a marked improvement I believe in characterization, pacing and prose. The world building is, similar to David Gemmell, a little bit standard medieval sword and sorcery, but Ryan somehow makes it feel fresh with his unusual magic and religious system that balances the expected political and family betrayals between warring kingdoms.
Even the ubiquitous prophecy of all fantasy epics is sort of working well here, as Alwyn Scribe sets out to search for a stone feather that will unlock all lies , a journey that will take him deep into the Caerith realm and into the lore of the first apocalypse. This section provided me with a welcome respite from too many fields of battle and besieged castles.

What’s next? Maybe give David Gemmell another chance ... Or go back to an old favorite: Robin Hobb, a writer who can do very well character driven fantasy and who can often wrap up the story in three books.

[Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When book one of this trilogy, The Pariah, was published in 2021 I made the decision to wait until the entire trilogy was published before I started it. This turned out to be a smart decision. Although I'll admit that when I read The Pariah, I wasn't all that sold on this trilogy. But I think that with each book it got better and better. I absolutely flew through this book and found myself almost wanting to slow down as to not finish the book too quickly, something which I don't do very often. That's just the magic of an Anthony Ryan book. Can't wait for whatever he writes next.


4.75 stars rounded up because I feel like being nice. Shocking, I know.

(Goodreads doesn't say how many pages the hardcover edition was, but it was 515 pages)

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid series, liked it a lot.

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did love this book, there were a few things I didn't like about it. One it felt a little too stretched out making some of the book feel like it was dragging. The other would be that the ending felt a bit anticlimactic.

That being said, I do feel like a lot of people will love this series. It's very much on par with the fantasy everyone seems to adore. There is adventure, war, friendships, betrayals and magic.

As always, the things I love about Anthony Ryan's works remain true for this book. Fantastic writing, characters that I love to follow, deliberate description and a story that is engaging.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was about half-way through book 2, The Martyr, I was questioning if I should even continue this series. It seemed to be bogging down into pedestrian no-magic military fantasy. The back half completely saved book 2 for me and really set up what I wanted from this series in book 3. It definitely delivered. It's hard to say much without spoilers, but this book, more than the first 2, leaned into the super natural aspects of this series in a pretty big way. It plays with themes of fate, destiny, and free will in ways that were pretty interesting. Is Alwyn following what has been written or is it just one of many possible paths? One criticism I can level is that what happens in this book kind of makes a lot of what happens in book 2 feel pretty pointless in some ways and the justifications for Alwyn doing what he does in following a certain person seem fairly weak. That being said I enjoy where the story went and I was rivetted and couldn't stop reading. Also, I thought the way the story concluded was excellent with a satisfying conclusion and good reveals while leaving plenty of room if the author wants to tell more stories in this world. Definite recommend from me.

[Omar · Rating 2 out of 5]

My actual evaluation of the Traitor is 2.5 stars and we can jump right in:

The Traitor picks up where we left off in the Martyr with Evadine and the rest of the Covenant army saving Alwyn from being captured. The story then follows their return to the holy city which they take over and the subsequent campaign to crown Evadine not just an Ascendant Martyr, but now an Ascendant Queen who will overthrow the royal family. The rest of the story basically shows us how Alwyn slowly comes to the realization that she truly is evil and how he turns away from her in the end.

Unfortunately, this book was a major let down for me. The previous installments had great world building, political intrigue, complex character motivations; all of that seems to be missing in this book. There is the rare exceptionally well written scene (like when Alwyn meets with one of the lords they are wooing to their cause and they have a great talk filled with subtle insinuations) but on the whole, most of the book seems very contrived. Alwyn sees all these terrible signs that Evadine is becoming a terrible tyrant but he ignores them and justifies it (in his recollection) because he LOVES her..... ugghh....

Another issue with the book is that once Alwyn turns away from her, he goes on several journeys that seem kind of pointless. The author sends him to the Caerith lands to retrieve some items, gather allies and comeback to defeat Evadine which they eventually do but it was all very boring as if we were in an RPG where you have to do all the quests before you can face and beat the final boss. What is worse is that all the mysteries and foreshadowing and worldbuilding was basically let down by this approach because none of the revelations about the Caerith and the magic hit home. I do not know why the author likes these side journeys; I feel like he is trying to say something or establish some kind of theme but it just is not working...

Anyway, an unfortunate weak conclusion to what was an excellent first 2 books. Anthony Ryan, as he has showed before with Blood Song, can be a masterful worldbuilder and storyteller, but sometimes has trouble sticking the landing and making his later books live up to his first ones.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my review here! https://youtu.be/td8JuZCwRw8?si=13vbO...

[Shauna Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Covenant of Steel trilogy is truly an excellent series.



I recently finished The Traitor, which was an excellent conclusion to the series, and I’m very much hoping to see more readers find the series now it is completed.

It’s always hard to review a book 3 of a series. How can you talk about it without giving spoilers to books 1 & 2? You can’t, is the answer.

The truth is people only want to know one thing. Did it get the ending right? Did the story carry you through to the end?

The answer is, yes, it did. The ending was excellent. The story was unexpected. Tense. Magical. Dark.



The Pariah and The Martyr were so good, I expect most readers who’ve finished the first two to read The Traitor.

So then, I will write this review more as a series overview so that new readers can ponder if this is for them.



In terms of genre, this is very much low fantasy. The world feels like the dark ages in Europe. Joan of Arc inspires the story. So does Robin Hood (don’t be expecting any men in tights though). The kingdoms are restless, constantly at war, or agitating. And the religion – which worships the seraphile, has a strong hold on the people and the monarchy.

What happens then when a woman preacher begins to find a following? What happens when her voice and sermons cause huge numbers of people to follow her? What happens when a man in her company has a gift that tells him when people lie?

The magic is subtle. No wands. No dragons. But it is there. Ancient and almost forgotten, but not by all. And this made for an intriguing melting pot. We meet both paupers and kings. Warriors and pirates. The cast is eclectic and characters weave in and out of the story.

The story is always Alwyn’s. A lowly forest bandit whose talents cause him to rise high in a world that has never cared for him. He has a great voice and through his eyes, we see chaos unfold. The story isn’t in a rush though, and as such Anthony Ryan is able to ratchet up the tension chapter by chapter.



In short, I think this is the best finished series of the 2020s so far. It is a series I will read again. And I have to say, given how seldom I reread books, that there can be no higher compliment than this.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The traitor is the most epic and spectacular ending I ever read. Anthony Ryan delivered and delivered he did big.
The covenant of steel trilogy is a sweeping tale that takes you and it’s an unforgettable and unforgiving ride.

The beginning was classic and orphan boy raised among outlaws and the lost of the only family he had set him on a path. Usually the young boy learned to be a mighty warrior and takes revenge to those who ruined his life. But in the covenant of steel young Alwyn borrowed a path to a faith he had always scorned in his past. Under the patient tutelage of a mentor he became someone else guiding by his new faith.

This new path leads him to the one who will become the center of his life, a woman who can capture the hearts of the beings with only her voice. She said to be plagued by visions of apocalypse and that’s she’s the only rampart who can prevent that.

Alwyn Scribe will follow Evadine Courlain to help her saving the world but the important question is what are you ready to do for your faith? For love?

Between grand battles, political schemes , royal shifts surrounded by a great mystical l the covenant of steel is clearly the best work to this day by Anthony Ryan.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Traitor is the final book in Anthony Ryan’s epic fantasy trilogy Covenant of Steel. Sir Alwyn Scribe, confidant, spymaster and now lover to the Living Martyr Evadine Courlain, must contend with his growing realization that he has been blinded by love and devotion to Evadine. And the time has come for him to make a choice to fight for the woman he loves or to fight for what is right.

I thought The Traitor was the best entry in the trilogy. The book starts off at Alwyn’s highest as the companion to Evadine while she reaches for her new ambition of being the Ascendant Queen and drags him back low after he finally betrays her after having his eyes opened. One thing I would have liked to see though was for him to have decided to do so on his own rather than having had his hand forced to do so after that reveal.

It’s always a more compelling read to see characters struggle and grow. After his betrayal, he once again needs to gather new allies, now among all those he defeated while being Evadine’s agent. We see Alwyn forced use all the tools in his arsenal—his wit, street smarts, and drive to survive—to defeat the woman he had a hand in building up.

From personal struggles to epic battles, the book offers it all. I was invested in Alwyn’s personal journey, but not just him alone. Some supporting characters shined too in this one, despite never getting the spotlight. I do begrudge Anthony Ryan though for that one character’s death that truly pained me who deserved a better death than what they ultimately got.

The Traitor is a fantastic concluding chapter in the Covenant of Steel trilogy that brings Alwyn’s journey to close while leaving it open enough for more.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quando ho iniziato questa trilogia, non avevo il minimo dubbio sul fatto che mi sarei divertita e appassionata (perché Ryan è comunque Ryan); semmai, l'unica piccola riserva riguardava il protagonista, visto che, dopo cinque libri su Vaelin, un pezzo nel mio cuore era stato comunque già occupato a durata indeterminata.

Eppure, pur non scalfendo il primato di Valin, devo dire che Alwyn lo Scrivano è riuscito a ritagliarsi uno spazio tutto suo grazie a un'evoluzione incredibile, graduale ma sempre più convincente; partito figlio illegittimo, allevato come fuorilegge e scampato una prima volta alla morte, e poi di nuovo catturato e condannato alle miniere, ha continuato a risollevarsi, apprendendo la storia, la politica, l'arte della diplomazia e la fede; e via dicendo, sempre inseguito dalla sorte (e forse da una maledizione), sempre nel partito di minoranza, in un saliscendi di trionfi, tradimenti, vittorie e delusioni.

Se il secondo volume era servito per farlo maturare ulteriormente e cominciare a fare luce sulle sue scelte, anche qui abbiamo quasi tre romanzi in uno, con ben tre fasi diverse, con battaglie, fughe, assedi, affrontando persino il mistero ancestrale dei Maleciti.
Con lui tornano i comprimari e tutte le grandi passioni e debolezze umane, dall'invidia all'orgoglio, dall'amore alla lealtà, dall'onore all'egoismo.

Un grande arazzo tessuto con destrezza, un romanzo magnificamente scritto e tradotto.
Una trilogia che rileggerei anche domani.

NB. Mi sono già segnata in wish list "A Tide of Black Steel", il primo volume della nuova serie "Age of Wrath", dopo aver letto mitologia norrena + sorelle regine di Ascarlia. Scommettiamo che ritroviamo qualcuno?

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor for providing me the arc in exchange for a review.

Following the first two books of the series, Alwyn realises he is completely wrapped around Evadine’s finger. Now he must decide between peace, deception, lies, and ruin. Where does his own beliefs and values fit in? Can they?

”To save all I must risk all. I must be queen, the Ascendant Queen. In me, Crown, commons and Covenant will be unified and the Second Scourge averted. Only then can this realm know peace."

"She was always mad. We just didn't see it. Or perhaps we were mad too and sanity dawned only when we beheld what she is."

Alwyn doesn’t embark upon such a difficult and taxing journey alone. He is joined by semi-loyal, questionably honourable, and a particularly humorous cast of characters.

Ryan’s characterisation of his protagonists has always captured my attention and taken him to a whole new level in the fantasy genre.

”Such a mass of contradictions you are. A cut-throat outlaw of savage reputation who can wield a quill as well as he can a blade. A man of great knowledge matched only by his facility for deceit. He has done the foulest deeds in service to a woman who's as mad as the most rabid bitch, yet he harbours concern for a little girl he once saved.”

The attention Ryan pays to the influence one can wield over people, and the power of words over weapons is one of the most engaging and clever ventures in upcoming fantasy! Despite, or perhaps enchanted by, Alwyn’s disbelief of martyrdom, he demonstrates how powerful both faith and belief can be.

”Words have power," I agreed with a shrug, "Especially when you write them down. As for lies, I learned long ago that you can only really sell them to a willingly gulled audience."

Ryan has such an alacrity in writing battle scenes. He is one of the few authors who manages to capture my attention for lengthy times, similar to John Gwynne. Expect gruesome descriptions, dark comedy, and gritty, bloody deaths.
However, I admittedly did find myself skimming as I am not too fond of battle heavy books. Especially when it comes to book three of wars done in the name of nobles, royalty, and religion.

Ryan twists fate and foreshadowing in such a masterful manner that I was left stunned with anticipation, regret, and shock. I keenly felt characters’s shame, guilt, and musings, putting me right alongside them in wondering what-ifs, should-they, and mayhaps.

I do feel like the ending was slightly a let down as it leaves you on a bit of a teaser, a bit of a cliffhanger. Not something you necessarily want at the end of a trilogy.
If you pay careful attention, you may see the patterns Ryan weaves with his other stories and books. Mayhap you’ll notice past histories, or future possibilities.
If anyone does figure out the nameless, please drop me a message!

If you enjoyed The Justice of Kings or the First Law trilogy, I would recommend this!

Bookstagram

[Solseit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed my travels through the world of the Covenant of Steel with a pretty exceptional ending; this book is a journey of redemption and plenty of times it was a rough path; consequences for the choices made.

I reviewed the book over on my website: https://www.solseit.com/blog-2-2/the-...

Let me know your thoughts!

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude should’ve just rubbed one out fr fr

[Wontstopreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was brilliant, grim dark, immersive, bingeable. I loved all the characters and was very distraught at times in this book 😭 Anthony Ryan is an autobuy author now and I really hope he writes a companion series to this because I want MORE

[Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow… coming into this book I was both excited and a bit worried. I liked book two a lot but felt it took a step down from the first, and as a result I was unsure of how much I would like this final book. I’m pleased to say that this is by far the best book in the trilogy, but not only that it has cemented itself as possibly my favorite fantasy book of all time. I stayed up several nights reading this and have absolutely no regrets. This book elevated almost everything I loved from the other two books, and has a new depth to it that I had yet to see from the first two books. Ryan truly wrote the perfect conclusion to this trilogy, and I’m aware this review sounds like a bunch of gushing and there’s a reason for that. I felt this book was as close to perfect as a book can be, and as a result don’t have a single negative thing to say. Actually there may be one… this book may lead to a book hangover.

[Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covenant of Steel 3/3✅️

10/10, easily my top 1 series.
i cannot describe what i feel all i know is my life changed for the better.

[Dan (ThatBookIsOnFiyah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!!

I have enjoyed this trilogy immensely. Following Alwyn from the life of a young outlaw to become a scholar and a knight of great renown. What a wonderful story with outstanding characters, some dark moments, and tropes flipped on their heads. This series has battles, mysticism, magic, a martyr, and an outlaw from a woodland band. So good!! Recommended highly!!

[Dezideriu Szabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelent trilogy from Anthony Ryan, maybe his best by now!