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Age of Wrath #3
Upon the Forge of Battle
The epic conclusion to Anthony Ryan's Age of Wrath trilogy—a gripping fantasy saga of bloody retribution, deadly intrigue, and soaring heroism.
As the Age of Wrath reaches its bloody conclusion, the world will be reforged in steel and fire ...
Thera Blackspear was once champion to the Sister Queens. Now she's a queen herself, with Elvine as her spear maiden, wielding a weapon forged by the gods. But while the traitorous Sister Lore plots in the shadows, Ascarlia will never be safe.
Felnir has won a crown of his own and forged a kingdom at the tip of his divine blade. Yet his dreams are troubled by visions of the brother he thought long dead. A brother who needs his help, and whom Felnir would give anything to save—even his hard-won kingship.
Ruhlin's many victories have made him a hero to the Morvek, who believe he is the prophesied saviour who will overthrow their Nihlvarian enemies. But now he finds himself a prisoner of the Vortigurn, the King of Nihlvar, who has secrets and schemes of his own. Secrets that could unmake the world.
As the Age of Wrath reaches its bloody conclusion, the world will be reforged in steel and fire ...
Thera Blackspear was once champion to the Sister Queens. Now she's a queen herself, with Elvine as her spear maiden, wielding a weapon forged by the gods. But while the traitorous Sister Lore plots in the shadows, Ascarlia will never be safe.
Felnir has won a crown of his own and forged a kingdom at the tip of his divine blade. Yet his dreams are troubled by visions of the brother he thought long dead. A brother who needs his help, and whom Felnir would give anything to save—even his hard-won kingship.
Ruhlin's many victories have made him a hero to the Morvek, who believe he is the prophesied saviour who will overthrow their Nihlvarian enemies. But now he finds himself a prisoner of the Vortigurn, the King of Nihlvar, who has secrets and schemes of his own. Secrets that could unmake the world.
Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Anthony Ryan
118 books10.2k followersAnthony 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
For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an absolute banger of an ending! Anthony Ryan knows how to stick his endings for sure.
This entire series is full of action and incredible battles, especially in this book. Great character development and interactions. I've been waiting since book one for all our main characters to meet back up together and it was great to see it finally happen here. I loved how you got the feeling that anyone could die at any time in this story.
Anthony Ryan is one of the most consistent authors in the fantasy genre. I really loved his last trilogy the Covenant of Steel. After finishing this book, I can definitely say I loved this series even better.
If you've enjoyed other Ryan books or are looking for an action packed norse inspired series, definitely pick this up!
This entire series is full of action and incredible battles, especially in this book. Great character development and interactions. I've been waiting since book one for all our main characters to meet back up together and it was great to see it finally happen here. I loved how you got the feeling that anyone could die at any time in this story.
Anthony Ryan is one of the most consistent authors in the fantasy genre. I really loved his last trilogy the Covenant of Steel. After finishing this book, I can definitely say I loved this series even better.
If you've enjoyed other Ryan books or are looking for an action packed norse inspired series, definitely pick this up!
August 25, 2026
5/5 stars!!
Such a fabulous conclusion! I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this, as I've read and loved every one of Anthony Ryan's 14 works (at least the ones published by Orbit, I need to explore his backlog!!!). Upon the Forge of Battle did not disappoint. This has been my favourite world and trilogy of Ryan's so far, and all I can hope is that we get more in this universe, which is simply incredible. The world-building is magical and fascinating, with some really dark moments that serve to up the stakes at every turn. The characters (especially Elvine) are a treasure and I loved reading their POVs and how they reached their conclusions.
The epilogue made me tear up a little, I won't lie. Please publish more books in this universe, I am BEGGING. Now to go create shelf-talkers for this series at my bookstore so everybody can experience the joy that is the Covenant of Steel/Age of Wrath world.
Such a fabulous conclusion! I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this, as I've read and loved every one of Anthony Ryan's 14 works (at least the ones published by Orbit, I need to explore his backlog!!!). Upon the Forge of Battle did not disappoint. This has been my favourite world and trilogy of Ryan's so far, and all I can hope is that we get more in this universe, which is simply incredible. The world-building is magical and fascinating, with some really dark moments that serve to up the stakes at every turn. The characters (especially Elvine) are a treasure and I loved reading their POVs and how they reached their conclusions.
The epilogue made me tear up a little, I won't lie. Please publish more books in this universe, I am BEGGING. Now to go create shelf-talkers for this series at my bookstore so everybody can experience the joy that is the Covenant of Steel/Age of Wrath world.
September 2, 2026
And now, what you’ve all been waiting for…BOOK THREE!
Anthony Ryan is one of my favorite authors. “Blood Song” is marvelous, and he has continued to knock it out of the park pretty consistently. The “Age of Wrath” trilogy is set in the same world as his “Covenant of Steel” trilogy, but some decades later, and you can read this trilogy without having read the former (although I imagine you’d miss some easter eggs). I plan on reading “Covenant of Steel” when I get the chance, and my reading of the “Age of Wrath” certainly wasn’t hindered in any way.
“Upon the Forge of Battle” contains a ton of action, and I do mean ACTION. Ryan focuses less on the slower moments in between skirmishes and battles, although we do still get some character development.
Word to the wise, the multiple POVs are still in play here, even going so far as to add yet another POV. If that tends to bother or annoy you, it will continue to do so. I personally prefer less points of view, since I currently don’t have oodles of free time in which to read a book cover to cover like I used to, and it’s more difficult to find my pace and rhythm with a lot of characters involved.
I won’t say much else, because I think you should just dive back into this world and see for yourself how Ryan has brought the trilogy to an end. All three books are well worth your time.
Between Anthony Ryan and John Gwynne, I am living my best life reading epic fantasy based on Norse mythology. Please keep it coming, sirs!
4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for an eARC! I am writing this review voluntarily.
Anthony Ryan is one of my favorite authors. “Blood Song” is marvelous, and he has continued to knock it out of the park pretty consistently. The “Age of Wrath” trilogy is set in the same world as his “Covenant of Steel” trilogy, but some decades later, and you can read this trilogy without having read the former (although I imagine you’d miss some easter eggs). I plan on reading “Covenant of Steel” when I get the chance, and my reading of the “Age of Wrath” certainly wasn’t hindered in any way.
“Upon the Forge of Battle” contains a ton of action, and I do mean ACTION. Ryan focuses less on the slower moments in between skirmishes and battles, although we do still get some character development.
Word to the wise, the multiple POVs are still in play here, even going so far as to add yet another POV. If that tends to bother or annoy you, it will continue to do so. I personally prefer less points of view, since I currently don’t have oodles of free time in which to read a book cover to cover like I used to, and it’s more difficult to find my pace and rhythm with a lot of characters involved.
I won’t say much else, because I think you should just dive back into this world and see for yourself how Ryan has brought the trilogy to an end. All three books are well worth your time.
Between Anthony Ryan and John Gwynne, I am living my best life reading epic fantasy based on Norse mythology. Please keep it coming, sirs!
4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for an eARC! I am writing this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One thing that struck me about this series compared to the previous one set in the same world is how Ascarls are firmly sticking to traditions and their old Gods, scoffing at modern ways of their neighbors in Alebermaine as something foolish and whimsical with no lasting power. They accept magic, but they will not touch something coming from outside. That's why we don't really see Ascarls measuring time in years- important events in history are encompassed in Ages instead. There is the Age of Gods, mythical time when gods walked the Earth, the Age of Kings- the time of great monarchs of Ascarlia of whom Velgrad was the greatest. The Age of Discord followed when scattered Ascarls fought among themselves and against Volkrath until they finally united and banished them from the realm... but at the center of what would be known as the Age of Wrath there are three siblings, a scholar and a berserker.
Felnir's quest for kingship is interrupted by the visions of his brother being alive so he is trying to hasten his hold on Vorunvahl and go to his help, but the sword is fickle and it wants things to be done its own way. Across the sea, Elvine is also directed by the ancient weapon from the Vaults she claimed and the spear is taking her in pursuit of the treacherous sister Lore. Thera, being crowned the new Queen of Ascarlia is establishing her court in Oversahl with an understanding that for her country to persist she has to take the fight to Nihlvarians. Ruhlin is captured and taken back to the sands of arena fighting in Vortigurn’s Meidvang, the gladiator games for Vortigurn's captives with special powers. And the allies he left behind are determined to get him back.
Anthony Ryan has a way of depicting the scale of a vast empire and Ascarlia is no different in that regard, so at times it seemed almost impossible these characters, who are all on a different quest, will ever meet again. But there is a pattern to all of it as their path are converging and leading to the same place and a final confrontation with Vortigurn and Nihlvarians. Just like in previous two installments, I enjoyed some of the chapters more then others and, surprisingly, this time it was newly added chapters written from Guthnyr's point of view that stuck with me the most. Guthnyr is Felnir's and Thera's baby brother who was freed by Ruhlin from Nihlvarian slave ship, so now he is determined to return the favor and save Ruhlin back from the clutches of Vortigurn. He leads the united Morovek and tries to recruit free people of the land to join him on a march to the capital. He is at his best when he surprises you with a deep observation about others, but especially about his siblings. There was something grounded about his arc that resonated the most with me, because everyone else was going through something otherworldly. I like when Ryan sprinkles the magic in his books leaving it as something of factor in events that are happening, but in this one he delved deeper into realm of Seraphiles and Malecites we first saw in The Covenant of Steel series. Ruhlin's arc was neevr too far from magical, but even Elvine comes face to face with fantastical. Felnir is still my favorite character overall, but even his arc was swamped down (heh!) with a magical quest that read both like a frenzied dream and survival horror track, but I think that the thing that annoyed me most about it was that there was too much of Felnir asking Wohtin what the hell is happening and him keeping mum and I just don't enjoy when authors are using that writing tool- when character is keeping an important information that would solve a lot of problems ~ for a reason. Aside from that, the thing about Felnir is that, unlike his sister Thera who is just brilliant at everything and who steps effortlessly and naturally into the roll of queen, he is just one of those people to whom nothing comes easy and who has to fight for everything. He is risking his life, he fight battles, grinds for this kingship. At one point Guthnyr says about his brother is that his only true flaw is his need for greatness- which is one of those profound Guthnyr moments- and I liked that there at the end Felnir proves that his biggest strength was greater than his biggest flaw. Relationship between brothers was the highlight for me int his novel. I liked the duality of character of antagonist and I kind of wished we got more into how much the long life span brought onto his personality switch.
Anthony Ryan's books just work for me and this trilogy is no different. He wrote such a well imagined and realized world where nothing happens in vacuum and big things have consequences on other places as well. Ascarlia, as much as it sticks to tradition, still ends up with a new system in place and map of that part of the world changed.
So, where do we go from here? I have some wishes, hopefully predictions.
Considering we saw some familiar characters from The Covenant of the Steel series and from the way he tied in both series I think we are going to Ishtan, "an empire as rich in gold as it is in sand" where we will finally get to know more about infamous Saluhtan's army. It's pure speculation and wish because I am intrigued by this part of the world since first time it was mentioned, but I even think that thematically it would be really great with first trilogy being kind of medieval European, the second having Viking vibe and this one can be a desert fantasy. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Anthony Ryan for an advanced copy of Upon the Forge of Battle. All opinions are my own.
___________________
Synopsis: "It's time for the final battle with Nihlvarians!"
Me: "So... hopefully, we are getting a messy family reunion in this one?"ssy family reunion in this one?"
Felnir's quest for kingship is interrupted by the visions of his brother being alive so he is trying to hasten his hold on Vorunvahl and go to his help, but the sword is fickle and it wants things to be done its own way. Across the sea, Elvine is also directed by the ancient weapon from the Vaults she claimed and the spear is taking her in pursuit of the treacherous sister Lore. Thera, being crowned the new Queen of Ascarlia is establishing her court in Oversahl with an understanding that for her country to persist she has to take the fight to Nihlvarians. Ruhlin is captured and taken back to the sands of arena fighting in Vortigurn’s Meidvang, the gladiator games for Vortigurn's captives with special powers. And the allies he left behind are determined to get him back.
Anthony Ryan has a way of depicting the scale of a vast empire and Ascarlia is no different in that regard, so at times it seemed almost impossible these characters, who are all on a different quest, will ever meet again. But there is a pattern to all of it as their path are converging and leading to the same place and a final confrontation with Vortigurn and Nihlvarians. Just like in previous two installments, I enjoyed some of the chapters more then others and, surprisingly, this time it was newly added chapters written from Guthnyr's point of view that stuck with me the most. Guthnyr is Felnir's and Thera's baby brother who was freed by Ruhlin from Nihlvarian slave ship, so now he is determined to return the favor and save Ruhlin back from the clutches of Vortigurn. He leads the united Morovek and tries to recruit free people of the land to join him on a march to the capital. He is at his best when he surprises you with a deep observation about others, but especially about his siblings. There was something grounded about his arc that resonated the most with me, because everyone else was going through something otherworldly. I like when Ryan sprinkles the magic in his books leaving it as something of factor in events that are happening, but in this one he delved deeper into realm of Seraphiles and Malecites we first saw in The Covenant of Steel series. Ruhlin's arc was neevr too far from magical, but even Elvine comes face to face with fantastical. Felnir is still my favorite character overall, but even his arc was swamped down (heh!) with a magical quest that read both like a frenzied dream and survival horror track, but I think that the thing that annoyed me most about it was that there was too much of Felnir asking Wohtin what the hell is happening and him keeping mum and I just don't enjoy when authors are using that writing tool- when character is keeping an important information that would solve a lot of problems ~ for a reason. Aside from that, the thing about Felnir is that, unlike his sister Thera who is just brilliant at everything and who steps effortlessly and naturally into the roll of queen, he is just one of those people to whom nothing comes easy and who has to fight for everything. He is risking his life, he fight battles, grinds for this kingship. At one point Guthnyr says about his brother is that his only true flaw is his need for greatness- which is one of those profound Guthnyr moments- and I liked that there at the end Felnir proves that his biggest strength was greater than his biggest flaw. Relationship between brothers was the highlight for me int his novel. I liked the duality of character of antagonist and I kind of wished we got more into how much the long life span brought onto his personality switch.
Anthony Ryan's books just work for me and this trilogy is no different. He wrote such a well imagined and realized world where nothing happens in vacuum and big things have consequences on other places as well. Ascarlia, as much as it sticks to tradition, still ends up with a new system in place and map of that part of the world changed.
So, where do we go from here? I have some wishes, hopefully predictions.
Considering we saw some familiar characters from The Covenant of the Steel series and from the way he tied in both series I think we are going to Ishtan, "an empire as rich in gold as it is in sand" where we will finally get to know more about infamous Saluhtan's army. It's pure speculation and wish because I am intrigued by this part of the world since first time it was mentioned, but I even think that thematically it would be really great with first trilogy being kind of medieval European, the second having Viking vibe and this one can be a desert fantasy. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Anthony Ryan for an advanced copy of Upon the Forge of Battle. All opinions are my own.
___________________
Synopsis: "It's time for the final battle with Nihlvarians!"
Me: "So... hopefully, we are getting a messy family reunion in this one?"ssy family reunion in this one?"
August 31, 2026
Could not put down this final book in the Age of Wrath trilogy. This Norse inspired novel has chapters landed on a cliffhanger, ensuring you will keep on reading long into the night. Battles on land and sea, Sentient Weaponry, and fabulous characters with scary super powers. What is not to like? Anthony Ryan is one of my "You write it, and I will buy it" authors. If your not sure Anthony Ryan is your cup of tea, try his novella series Seven Swords, all a great buy at $4.99 for the Kindle version.
August 23, 2026
I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.
I have been a big fan of this series and definitely added some Anthony Ryan books to my tbr because of it but…oh man was this anticlimactic. There are obviously some things that saved it because it got three stars from me—I love the characters, the new characters introduced with Ruhlin were interested, some parts really had me hooked—but those are entirely outshone by the ending.
The ending to this entire trilogy that we have been working toward all this time essentially just exists to hint at an upcoming series. We don’t get any meaningful answers to the questions we’ve been wondering for over 1,000 pages. The endings to the major villains? So anticlimactic! Lore gets an entire series worth of build up just to end by dying to a throwaway monster after Elvine spends THE ENTIRE BOOK away from the action just to chase after her. On top of that, her identity and past have been this constant mystery. Do we ever learn about it? Of course not. Do we ever get any meaningful conclusion to her motives? The point of her brother existing at all? I guess! I guess! I’m not happy about it.
I think the most egregious thing about it to me is that this entire series has been following the five different povs just to slowly see their paths converge. Great news. We never get all of the pov characters in one chapter; Elvine and Ruhlin never even met. Guthnyr, Felnir, and Thera get like 5 pgs of reunion in an almost 600 pg book. Guthnyr’s entire motive the entire book was rescuing Ruhlin…they do not have an on page conversation in this entire book? It just felt so underwhelming even if other aspects of the finale were done well. The Vortigurn reveal at the end of the last book was one of the coolest twists so far…but his character completely lost me. It all just felt so rushed and confusing, I feel like I still don’t entirely understand him. There was never really the opportunity to see him or really even Moyirn, thus making the already rushed conclusion feel even worse. It’s supposed to be dramatic and intense, but the Vortigurn still feels like some overarching mystery instead of a villain I’m invested in or really even scared of…there never felt like any real threat that he was going to win everything just got resolved too quickly.
You thought it was only the pov characters? Wrong. Colvyn gets a whole plot set up about someone from his father’s past waiting for him to return with Elvine. Never gets brought up again. It’s like Anthony Ryan just wanted to call back to the previous series and then forgot he still had to resolve that plot point. At least it’s marginally better than characters like Lynnea and Sygna who got cast to the side for the finale. While Sygna not being there at least made sense and she got an ok conclusion…….we just never hear from Lynnea again? Well, she’s having a good life with her gf the queen from here on out I guess.
Overall, I did enjoy some parts, but I feel like the abruptness and incompleteness of the ending just really ruined it for me. I’m going to begrudgingly read whatever follow up series we’re definitely, but I shouldn’t have to? I loved this series overall, I didn’t even really hate this book until the end, the fact that I’m leaving it feeling so ehhhhhhh is so disappointing to me.
I have been a big fan of this series and definitely added some Anthony Ryan books to my tbr because of it but…oh man was this anticlimactic. There are obviously some things that saved it because it got three stars from me—I love the characters, the new characters introduced with Ruhlin were interested, some parts really had me hooked—but those are entirely outshone by the ending.
The ending to this entire trilogy that we have been working toward all this time essentially just exists to hint at an upcoming series. We don’t get any meaningful answers to the questions we’ve been wondering for over 1,000 pages. The endings to the major villains? So anticlimactic! Lore gets an entire series worth of build up just to end by dying to a throwaway monster after Elvine spends THE ENTIRE BOOK away from the action just to chase after her. On top of that, her identity and past have been this constant mystery. Do we ever learn about it? Of course not. Do we ever get any meaningful conclusion to her motives? The point of her brother existing at all? I guess! I guess! I’m not happy about it.
I think the most egregious thing about it to me is that this entire series has been following the five different povs just to slowly see their paths converge. Great news. We never get all of the pov characters in one chapter; Elvine and Ruhlin never even met. Guthnyr, Felnir, and Thera get like 5 pgs of reunion in an almost 600 pg book. Guthnyr’s entire motive the entire book was rescuing Ruhlin…they do not have an on page conversation in this entire book? It just felt so underwhelming even if other aspects of the finale were done well. The Vortigurn reveal at the end of the last book was one of the coolest twists so far…but his character completely lost me. It all just felt so rushed and confusing, I feel like I still don’t entirely understand him. There was never really the opportunity to see him or really even Moyirn, thus making the already rushed conclusion feel even worse. It’s supposed to be dramatic and intense, but the Vortigurn still feels like some overarching mystery instead of a villain I’m invested in or really even scared of…there never felt like any real threat that he was going to win everything just got resolved too quickly.
You thought it was only the pov characters? Wrong. Colvyn gets a whole plot set up about someone from his father’s past waiting for him to return with Elvine. Never gets brought up again. It’s like Anthony Ryan just wanted to call back to the previous series and then forgot he still had to resolve that plot point. At least it’s marginally better than characters like Lynnea and Sygna who got cast to the side for the finale. While Sygna not being there at least made sense and she got an ok conclusion…….we just never hear from Lynnea again? Well, she’s having a good life with her gf the queen from here on out I guess.
Overall, I did enjoy some parts, but I feel like the abruptness and incompleteness of the ending just really ruined it for me. I’m going to begrudgingly read whatever follow up series we’re definitely, but I shouldn’t have to? I loved this series overall, I didn’t even really hate this book until the end, the fact that I’m leaving it feeling so ehhhhhhh is so disappointing to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2026
It is over
It is finally over
It is finally over
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
becomes more determined than ever to finish his conquest and head to his brother. However, after speaking with one more of the long-lived humans he discovers that the only way to Gunthyr is through The Swathe a stretch of land that is rumored to kill everyone who steps a foot on its soil. But nothing will stop him from reaching his brothers side, so he sets off with his menda knowing that he may not make it out alive.
With Ruhlin captured Gunthyr now leads the army of Morvek and freed slaves. Without any way to know that they have been betrayed he continues to wait at the mine for Ruhlin to return, when he finally discovers that they have been betrayed Gunthyr knows that he will do anything to save not just his friend but a man who has become like a brother to him. To that end with the help of Deyna of all people they seek out a band of outlaws who may be willing to add to the ranks of the rag tag army they have assembled. Rapidly agreeing just as this new army of outlaws, Morvek, and freed slaves are preparing to strike out for the capital word comes that somehow The Vortigun army has found them again. Gunthyr knows he must push his menda as quickly as he can if he is going to get ahead of what seems like The Vortigun's all seeing eye, not knowing that the treachery that saw Ruhlin captured is only the tip of the iceberg.
Elvine has realized that Sister Lore seeks something, she has absolutely no idea what but both her and the spear believe that whatever it is she must not find it. To that end she obsessively scans all documents Lore has left behind, enlisting her brother and even her guards to do so. When she finally discovers what it is Elvine knows that if Sister Lore finds it first everything they have done will have been for nothing. Informing Thera that she must stop Lore at all costs, Thera provides her with two of the fastest ships in the menda and Elvine sets off to the frozen North. With no clue what she will find and her brother becoming increasingly worried that the Spear has ulterior motives Elvine finds that she is continuously having to prove that whatever Lore is looking for could destroy not just the peoples of Ascarlia but the entire world.
Thera now the Queen of all of Ascarla, has set her course, assembling the largest fleet the world may have ever seen she sails to the Fire Islands where she will risk everything in order to destroy The Vortigun.
Ruhlin, now a prisoner of The Vortigun, is being forced to compete in battles to the death in order to entertain the Vorath. Initially he was determined to not participate at all, unwilling to kill the innocent, however, after meeting Ohtera, a young woman with a monster of her own, he changes his mind. With her help he opens a line of communication with his monster and finds that together they may just be able to finally kill the Exiled King.
OMFG THIS WAS A ROLLER COASTER!! Yes, it totally deserves bold, italic letters okay. Seriously, up until the very end I was genuinely like "Okay well that's it they all die, there's just no way, things are too far progressed, Elvine will never be able to get to everyone in time!" Anxiety folks, this book is anxiety inducing!!
First of all, I owe Felnir a giant apology. All of the freaking series I absolutely hated this guy. He's just kind of a jerk and even as we go through this book while his determination to get to Gunthyr is kind of heartwarming, he also basically knowingly sentences people to death in his almost obsessive need to get to him. Which is probably not his fault. We find out that Felnir is basically following some chosen one style destiny (to be fair all of three of the siblings appear to be). However, even though he does play the overall role that was set forth by him, he doesn't quite do it the way that he is supposed too. When we discover this it's really difficult to not give the man some grace. Especially when we find out that by the simple act of being him, he ends up saving a rather large chunk of his menda from a curse. Either that or the curse sucked but I'm chosing to believe the former, given what happens at the end of the book. So I apologize for all of the awful things I said about Felnir, he does wholly redeem himself.
Elvine, omfg Elvine, look she goes borderline crazy with this "Must hunt down Sister Lore" at all costs stuff. I mean she was right but even Colvyn is like "Yo, you're acting like dad, knock it off." I mean we really have no idea what is actually trapped in the damn spear so while she's getting guidance from it that is pushing her to take some really insane risks so it's really hard not to see Alwyn's poor life decisions in her decisions. I should have never lost faith though, without Elvine's side quest, literally everyone would be dead.
Thera's still a bad ass, as well as Gunthyr, and while Ruhlin can't really do much being locked up he's the hero of the day.
There are some spoilers here so click at your own risk.
What I really loved about this is, of course, the fact that The Vortigun at the end of the day is taken down for one of my very favorite reasons; He thought he was the smartest guy in the room. But this one is a little bit different, because you do have to admit that he has manipulated things in Arscalia and the surrounding area for centuries, so he is at the very least, smarter than the next guy. However, he's simply a narcissist and because of that while he's bragging to anyone that will listen that everything that is happening is by his design, he can't see how badly he screwed himself by doing this. He is simply lacking the emotional intelligence to see that the only thing his machinations has done is forged a bond between a group of people that is unbreakable. I said at the beginning of this that there was a very real fear that the good guys may actually lose, and that is true. However, as the siblings armies descend upon the Capital, you just know that everything will work out. Our heroes cannot fail, simply because the bad guy couldn't see them. He couldn't see that Ruhlin forged bonds with the others held captive with him. He couldn't see that Elvine and in turn even Sister Lore was actually a threat to him dismissing them both outright. He couldn't see that Gunthyr was dedicated to his mission of freeing the slaves, not slaughtering them. He couldn't see Felnir virtually at all, because it never even crossed his mind that the sword bearer would appear, and even if he had he would have never seen that above all else, Felnir was dedicated to his brother. He couldn't see that in the end the siblings no matter their squabbles would be easily set aside for the greater good. But most importantly, it was simply impossible for him to fathom the sacrifice any of these characters were willing to make in order to save not just each other but the world. So yeah he fails because he thinks he the smartest guy in the world but he mostly fails because he didn't understand what it meant to be human. To care about others, to trust others without reservations, and that the human capacity to put others above themselves is endless. Basically, he got defeated by the power of friendship. Oh yes I said that and at least one character says that at the end of the day it was all worth it for the friends they made along the way. So anyone wants to argue with an MLP reference I am literally taking that straight from the book.
Now, I'm going to say something really weird here; I hope you didn't click on that. Save it until you actually read it. I think there will be parts of this that people will see as plot holes (the fact that The Vortigun seems to not even know that Felnir exists for example) however, I believe that is explained in what is under that link. If you do click on it luckily, it's not very spoiler heavy.
Finally, I have to say that I am genuinely going to miss this world. We are six books in now and this final book has reminded me of just how vast this world truly is and how much I have grown to enjoy being in it. In this book we are still discovering new lands that no one had ever set foot on, at least no one who lived long enough to talk about it. The Caerith have played a significant role in so much of these characters lives for two whole series and yet we still know very little about them. I know that kind of sounds like a complaint, but it's not. If anything, I find it to be a reminder that we live in a truly vast world and yet thanks to chance meetings our decisions can and do create ripples that can span an entire globe. Or maybe it's not chance, it's hard to chalk everything that has happened in the world since the first book in Covenant of Steel as simply chance, and yet to an extent it very much feels like that. I don't believe that anyone knew who the sword bearer would be, however, Alwyn being Elvine's dad seems pre-determined. Kind of a bit like real life to be honest, there is much we want to believe that is simply our fate and yet the idea of chance encounters that are life changing is something that is very much apart of our existence. So whether or not you view this story as fate or chance I think very much rests on who you are.
If you haven't read this series yet, starting with Covenant of Steel I truly can't recommend either enough, and while yes you can read the Age of Wrath stand-alone I simply don't feel that you would get the full effect without reading Covenant of Steel first.
Also, just as an aside on of my favorite characters from Covenant of Steel makes an appearance in here and while it is for a very brief period it was very nice to see them!
As always thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for the eArc!
With Ruhlin captured Gunthyr now leads the army of Morvek and freed slaves. Without any way to know that they have been betrayed he continues to wait at the mine for Ruhlin to return, when he finally discovers that they have been betrayed Gunthyr knows that he will do anything to save not just his friend but a man who has become like a brother to him. To that end with the help of Deyna of all people they seek out a band of outlaws who may be willing to add to the ranks of the rag tag army they have assembled. Rapidly agreeing just as this new army of outlaws, Morvek, and freed slaves are preparing to strike out for the capital word comes that somehow The Vortigun army has found them again. Gunthyr knows he must push his menda as quickly as he can if he is going to get ahead of what seems like The Vortigun's all seeing eye, not knowing that the treachery that saw Ruhlin captured is only the tip of the iceberg.
Elvine has realized that Sister Lore seeks something, she has absolutely no idea what but both her and the spear believe that whatever it is she must not find it. To that end she obsessively scans all documents Lore has left behind, enlisting her brother and even her guards to do so. When she finally discovers what it is Elvine knows that if Sister Lore finds it first everything they have done will have been for nothing. Informing Thera that she must stop Lore at all costs, Thera provides her with two of the fastest ships in the menda and Elvine sets off to the frozen North. With no clue what she will find and her brother becoming increasingly worried that the Spear has ulterior motives Elvine finds that she is continuously having to prove that whatever Lore is looking for could destroy not just the peoples of Ascarlia but the entire world.
Thera now the Queen of all of Ascarla, has set her course, assembling the largest fleet the world may have ever seen she sails to the Fire Islands where she will risk everything in order to destroy The Vortigun.
Ruhlin, now a prisoner of The Vortigun, is being forced to compete in battles to the death in order to entertain the Vorath. Initially he was determined to not participate at all, unwilling to kill the innocent, however, after meeting Ohtera, a young woman with a monster of her own, he changes his mind. With her help he opens a line of communication with his monster and finds that together they may just be able to finally kill the Exiled King.
OMFG THIS WAS A ROLLER COASTER!! Yes, it totally deserves bold, italic letters okay. Seriously, up until the very end I was genuinely like "Okay well that's it they all die, there's just no way, things are too far progressed, Elvine will never be able to get to everyone in time!" Anxiety folks, this book is anxiety inducing!!
First of all, I owe Felnir a giant apology. All of the freaking series I absolutely hated this guy. He's just kind of a jerk and even as we go through this book while his determination to get to Gunthyr is kind of heartwarming, he also basically knowingly sentences people to death in his almost obsessive need to get to him. Which is probably not his fault. We find out that Felnir is basically following some chosen one style destiny (to be fair all of three of the siblings appear to be). However, even though he does play the overall role that was set forth by him, he doesn't quite do it the way that he is supposed too. When we discover this it's really difficult to not give the man some grace. Especially when we find out that by the simple act of being him, he ends up saving a rather large chunk of his menda from a curse. Either that or the curse sucked but I'm chosing to believe the former, given what happens at the end of the book. So I apologize for all of the awful things I said about Felnir, he does wholly redeem himself.
Elvine, omfg Elvine, look she goes borderline crazy with this "Must hunt down Sister Lore" at all costs stuff. I mean she was right but even Colvyn is like "Yo, you're acting like dad, knock it off." I mean we really have no idea what is actually trapped in the damn spear so while she's getting guidance from it that is pushing her to take some really insane risks so it's really hard not to see Alwyn's poor life decisions in her decisions. I should have never lost faith though, without Elvine's side quest, literally everyone would be dead.
Thera's still a bad ass, as well as Gunthyr, and while Ruhlin can't really do much being locked up he's the hero of the day.
There are some spoilers here so click at your own risk.
What I really loved about this is, of course, the fact that The Vortigun at the end of the day is taken down for one of my very favorite reasons; He thought he was the smartest guy in the room. But this one is a little bit different, because you do have to admit that he has manipulated things in Arscalia and the surrounding area for centuries, so he is at the very least, smarter than the next guy. However, he's simply a narcissist and because of that while he's bragging to anyone that will listen that everything that is happening is by his design, he can't see how badly he screwed himself by doing this. He is simply lacking the emotional intelligence to see that the only thing his machinations has done is forged a bond between a group of people that is unbreakable. I said at the beginning of this that there was a very real fear that the good guys may actually lose, and that is true. However, as the siblings armies descend upon the Capital, you just know that everything will work out. Our heroes cannot fail, simply because the bad guy couldn't see them. He couldn't see that Ruhlin forged bonds with the others held captive with him. He couldn't see that Elvine and in turn even Sister Lore was actually a threat to him dismissing them both outright. He couldn't see that Gunthyr was dedicated to his mission of freeing the slaves, not slaughtering them. He couldn't see Felnir virtually at all, because it never even crossed his mind that the sword bearer would appear, and even if he had he would have never seen that above all else, Felnir was dedicated to his brother. He couldn't see that in the end the siblings no matter their squabbles would be easily set aside for the greater good. But most importantly, it was simply impossible for him to fathom the sacrifice any of these characters were willing to make in order to save not just each other but the world. So yeah he fails because he thinks he the smartest guy in the world but he mostly fails because he didn't understand what it meant to be human. To care about others, to trust others without reservations, and that the human capacity to put others above themselves is endless. Basically, he got defeated by the power of friendship. Oh yes I said that and at least one character says that at the end of the day it was all worth it for the friends they made along the way. So anyone wants to argue with an MLP reference I am literally taking that straight from the book.
Now, I'm going to say something really weird here; I hope you didn't click on that. Save it until you actually read it. I think there will be parts of this that people will see as plot holes (the fact that The Vortigun seems to not even know that Felnir exists for example) however, I believe that is explained in what is under that link. If you do click on it luckily, it's not very spoiler heavy.
Finally, I have to say that I am genuinely going to miss this world. We are six books in now and this final book has reminded me of just how vast this world truly is and how much I have grown to enjoy being in it. In this book we are still discovering new lands that no one had ever set foot on, at least no one who lived long enough to talk about it. The Caerith have played a significant role in so much of these characters lives for two whole series and yet we still know very little about them. I know that kind of sounds like a complaint, but it's not. If anything, I find it to be a reminder that we live in a truly vast world and yet thanks to chance meetings our decisions can and do create ripples that can span an entire globe. Or maybe it's not chance, it's hard to chalk everything that has happened in the world since the first book in Covenant of Steel as simply chance, and yet to an extent it very much feels like that. I don't believe that anyone knew who the sword bearer would be, however, Alwyn being Elvine's dad seems pre-determined. Kind of a bit like real life to be honest, there is much we want to believe that is simply our fate and yet the idea of chance encounters that are life changing is something that is very much apart of our existence. So whether or not you view this story as fate or chance I think very much rests on who you are.
If you haven't read this series yet, starting with Covenant of Steel I truly can't recommend either enough, and while yes you can read the Age of Wrath stand-alone I simply don't feel that you would get the full effect without reading Covenant of Steel first.
Also, just as an aside on of my favorite characters from Covenant of Steel makes an appearance in here and while it is for a very brief period it was very nice to see them!
As always thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for the eArc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2026
The Age of Wrath is upon us. Blades will chip and shatter. Blood will spill. Gods will rise. The stories of heroes created Upon the Forge of Battle!
Read this review and more on GrimDark Magazine.
This ARC review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
Along with John Gwynne’s fantastic Bloodsworn Saga, Anthony Ryan’s Age of Wrath trilogy continues to blend Norse/Viking themes with grimdark leanings, giving rise to NorseDark, as I have begun to refer to this flavor of bloody dark fantasy. Set in the neighboring Norse-analog kingdoms of Ascarlia, Anthony Ryan set his Age of Wrath trilogy as a companion and sequel series to his much-celebrated Covenant of Steel trilogy. The final entry, Upon the Forge of Battle reaches the bloodthirsty crescendo set up in Born of an Iron Storm, which was among my top releases in the grimdark genre of its year.
The conclusion to the trilogy follows a similar structure to Born of an Iron Age with its five (FIVE!) point-of-view characters, with plot threads inevitably crashing together in the final chapters. The siblings Thera Blackspear and Felnir Redtooth continue upon their divergent paths of power, one with the crown placed upon their head as savior, the other, fashioning themselves crownbearer as their destiny. Thera, now Queen of Ascarlia, is determined to end the threat to her people before the enemy beyond destroys her new dominion, whereas Felnir pushes on his own path to greatness, by any means necessary!
The berserker Ruhlin, now a captive of the archvillain, Vortigurn, continues to struggle against the literal bonds of captivity and the self-imposed bonds of becoming more beast than man if he succumbs to the power within him. Younger brother to Thera and Felnir, Guthnyr must scramble together the remnants of Ruhlin’s nascent rebellion to free their leader from the clutches of the Vortigurn. Finally, the scholar-turned-spear-maiden, Elvine chases down the treacherous Sister Lore before she can unleash a darkness the world only caught a glimpse of in a different realm (nudge-nudge to Covenant of Steel fans).
The fact that author Ryan was able to craft five storylines with robust main and side characters, give them noble and flawed ambitions, dense enough to be their own standalone stories is a marvel of his storycraft. Unfortunately, as an ensemble, Upon the Forge of Battle struggles under the burden of five parallel stories, even if they expectedly converge in the final action set-pieces. Trying to balance many divergent plotlines is challenging for most authors. While Ryan mostly succeeds at striking that balance, readers will struggle to be deeply invested in each plotline equally, as they ebb and flow with uneven pacing, giving the conclusion a lumbering rather than thundering speed.
For someone steeped in viking-esque bloodshed over many novels from different authors, it is easy to gloss over the “red mist” of constant battle when minor characters are killed en masse. Previous entries in the Age of Wrath series exceled was in its quieter moments, where it expanded the world and delved into the characters’ internal conflict. I particularly enjoyed the scheming and intrigue that previous antagonists portrayed, keeping our protagonists on their toes, not knowing where the blade would come from next.
Sadly, in order to wrap up the trilogy in a coherent way, Upon the Forge of Battle streamlines these exciting elements and gives us a linear, action-driven conclusion, with not much room to breathe for the characters, or the readers. The plot moves from one bloody action set-piece to the next, with more of an RPG questline feel, rather than following a rewarding narrative. Buckling under the weight of so many competing storylines, the concluding chapters felt rushed with the archvillain’s motivations becoming overly trope-laden for veterans of the genre, leaving many readers with an anticlimactic conclusion after such a lengthy build up.
Born of an Iron Storm particularly set up several interesting meta-plotlines, particularly with Felnir’s struggle against the chains of his own ambition, and Elvine displaying darker echoes of her own lineage from across the sea. More intriguing elements like these (and several others) are left by the wayside to wrap the storylines up in a satisfactory way. The scale of magic also grows to its final state, moving further away from the blood-and-sweat, grounded elements that I tend to enjoy in my grimdark more.
While I may believe that Upon the Forge of Battle feels like a step back, especially with a strong foundation laid out in previous entries and Covenant of Steel, there is still much to be enjoyed in this conclusion for grimdark and dark fantasy fans. Anthony Ryan is a dependable author who delivers blood-drenched stories.
I will keep my battle-axe clenched, my sword sharp, and my bow taut, ready the next battle he throws me at next!
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to GrimDark Magazine, Orbit Books, and NetGalley
Read this review and more on GrimDark Magazine.
This ARC review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
Along with John Gwynne’s fantastic Bloodsworn Saga, Anthony Ryan’s Age of Wrath trilogy continues to blend Norse/Viking themes with grimdark leanings, giving rise to NorseDark, as I have begun to refer to this flavor of bloody dark fantasy. Set in the neighboring Norse-analog kingdoms of Ascarlia, Anthony Ryan set his Age of Wrath trilogy as a companion and sequel series to his much-celebrated Covenant of Steel trilogy. The final entry, Upon the Forge of Battle reaches the bloodthirsty crescendo set up in Born of an Iron Storm, which was among my top releases in the grimdark genre of its year.
The conclusion to the trilogy follows a similar structure to Born of an Iron Age with its five (FIVE!) point-of-view characters, with plot threads inevitably crashing together in the final chapters. The siblings Thera Blackspear and Felnir Redtooth continue upon their divergent paths of power, one with the crown placed upon their head as savior, the other, fashioning themselves crownbearer as their destiny. Thera, now Queen of Ascarlia, is determined to end the threat to her people before the enemy beyond destroys her new dominion, whereas Felnir pushes on his own path to greatness, by any means necessary!
The berserker Ruhlin, now a captive of the archvillain, Vortigurn, continues to struggle against the literal bonds of captivity and the self-imposed bonds of becoming more beast than man if he succumbs to the power within him. Younger brother to Thera and Felnir, Guthnyr must scramble together the remnants of Ruhlin’s nascent rebellion to free their leader from the clutches of the Vortigurn. Finally, the scholar-turned-spear-maiden, Elvine chases down the treacherous Sister Lore before she can unleash a darkness the world only caught a glimpse of in a different realm (nudge-nudge to Covenant of Steel fans).
The fact that author Ryan was able to craft five storylines with robust main and side characters, give them noble and flawed ambitions, dense enough to be their own standalone stories is a marvel of his storycraft. Unfortunately, as an ensemble, Upon the Forge of Battle struggles under the burden of five parallel stories, even if they expectedly converge in the final action set-pieces. Trying to balance many divergent plotlines is challenging for most authors. While Ryan mostly succeeds at striking that balance, readers will struggle to be deeply invested in each plotline equally, as they ebb and flow with uneven pacing, giving the conclusion a lumbering rather than thundering speed.
For someone steeped in viking-esque bloodshed over many novels from different authors, it is easy to gloss over the “red mist” of constant battle when minor characters are killed en masse. Previous entries in the Age of Wrath series exceled was in its quieter moments, where it expanded the world and delved into the characters’ internal conflict. I particularly enjoyed the scheming and intrigue that previous antagonists portrayed, keeping our protagonists on their toes, not knowing where the blade would come from next.
Sadly, in order to wrap up the trilogy in a coherent way, Upon the Forge of Battle streamlines these exciting elements and gives us a linear, action-driven conclusion, with not much room to breathe for the characters, or the readers. The plot moves from one bloody action set-piece to the next, with more of an RPG questline feel, rather than following a rewarding narrative. Buckling under the weight of so many competing storylines, the concluding chapters felt rushed with the archvillain’s motivations becoming overly trope-laden for veterans of the genre, leaving many readers with an anticlimactic conclusion after such a lengthy build up.
Born of an Iron Storm particularly set up several interesting meta-plotlines, particularly with Felnir’s struggle against the chains of his own ambition, and Elvine displaying darker echoes of her own lineage from across the sea. More intriguing elements like these (and several others) are left by the wayside to wrap the storylines up in a satisfactory way. The scale of magic also grows to its final state, moving further away from the blood-and-sweat, grounded elements that I tend to enjoy in my grimdark more.
While I may believe that Upon the Forge of Battle feels like a step back, especially with a strong foundation laid out in previous entries and Covenant of Steel, there is still much to be enjoyed in this conclusion for grimdark and dark fantasy fans. Anthony Ryan is a dependable author who delivers blood-drenched stories.
I will keep my battle-axe clenched, my sword sharp, and my bow taut, ready the next battle he throws me at next!
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to GrimDark Magazine, Orbit Books, and NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
’Fear nothing here. For in dreams, the only danger is that which you make for yourself’
Upon the Forge of Battle is the exciting final instalment in Anthony Ryan’s Norse-inspired trilogy, the Age of Wrath. We are once again joined by Thera and Elvine, the newly appointed heroines of Ascarlia, as they seek to hunt down the treacherous Sister Lore, as well as the newly crowned Felnir, on his quest to continue conquering his new land, and of course Ruhlin, captured by the almighty and immortal Vortigurn. However, we also unlock a fifth pov in Guthnyr, Thera and Felnir’s younger, hot-headed brother, as he strikes out on his own mission to unite Nihlvar against their leader and save Ruhlin.
This was a really fantastic conclusion to what was a truly enjoyable trilogy. I think Ryan did a commendable job at tying together each and every plot thread and loose end, and making each characters unique goals and quests culminate into a memorable final battle sequence. This was certainly my favourite book in the trilogy, due to the great fight scenes and unique additions to the story which, despite being introduced in the final novel, were not out of place or rushed at all. The story had great pacing and great writing throughout, and I just had so much fun reading it.
As with the rest of my reviews for this series, I would like to conclude with a deep-dive into my opinions on all five main characters.
꒰ ͜͡➸Thera, Queen of the Ascarls
For the first time in this series Thera did not have my favourite chapters, but this isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy them. A lot of Thera’s time in this book was spent moving the plot along, rather than developing her character, which had mostly been concluded by the end of the previous book. However, I still had an enjoyable time reading about her as queen, and watching her journey from Ascarlia to Nihlvar. She had a suitably satisfying ending, and I am glad she and Lynnea finished this series together.
꒰ ͜͡➸ Felnir, King of Vorunvahl
Unlike with his sister, I think this was actually the book where we see Felnir at his greatest. I found the start of the story with Felnir finishing his conquest of Vorunvahl to be quite bland, as I had in the second book, but once he set out on his journey to find Guthnyr, I began to really appreciate his chapters. The trial that was the Swathe was absolutely a highlight for me, and I loved the pure dread and powerlessness that that part of the story conjured atmospherically - it was incredibly strong writing from Ryan. I think Felnir had by far the best ending (narratively, not literally), and it was absolutely the correct decision to have him make a decision based on his heart for once, and not his ego.
꒰ ͜͡➸ Elvine, the Spear Maiden
Elvine’s chapters did, unfortunately, go back to being slightly mediocre as they were in the first novel. Much like Thera, she began the book as a sort of plot device, rather than character, and by the time she started to regain her own agency I was already invested in other characters and their much more important and entertaining chapters. However, I was glad to see her ‘connection’ with Lore conclude in a meaningful way, and for her to develop her relationship with her brother.
꒰ ͜͡➸Ruhlin, the Chosen One
Ruhlin was, joint with Guthnyr, my favourite character to read from the pov of in this book. Despite being, once again, a captive slave to the Vortigurn, this time he is so surrounded by other Ventra (this world’s magic users) and fighting in a deadly arena. I LOVED that Ryan finally explained to us how Ruhlin’s gifts work, and did so alongside the introduction of two new characters I really liked. Ruhlin was also our way in which to see and hear from the Vortigurn who, while certainly a weak version of the stereotypical ‘dark lord’ cliche, was still an okay villain for the most part. I was really happy that, after so much turmoil, Ruhlin got the quiet ending he deserved.
꒰ ͜͡➸Guthnyr, Bright Blade
Opening up my book and seeing a chapter from Guthnyr’s perspective initially made me a little weary, but I really shouldn’t have been. His chapters were utterly fantastic, and he made for such a welcome and engaging addition to the central cast. I loved watching him come into his own and grow as a leader and warrior, no longer under the shadows of his brother and sister. I really enjoyed his journey in uniting so many differing factions across Nihlvar, and that he ended up having just as much an impact on this story as everyone else.
Overall, Upon the Forge of Battle gets 4/5 stars, and the series as a whole gets the same. I don’t think I will be checking out the Covenant of Steel trilogy as I don’t have much interest in Albermaine, but I will be looking to read other books by Ryan in the future!
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
Upon the Forge of Battle is the exciting final instalment in Anthony Ryan’s Norse-inspired trilogy, the Age of Wrath. We are once again joined by Thera and Elvine, the newly appointed heroines of Ascarlia, as they seek to hunt down the treacherous Sister Lore, as well as the newly crowned Felnir, on his quest to continue conquering his new land, and of course Ruhlin, captured by the almighty and immortal Vortigurn. However, we also unlock a fifth pov in Guthnyr, Thera and Felnir’s younger, hot-headed brother, as he strikes out on his own mission to unite Nihlvar against their leader and save Ruhlin.
This was a really fantastic conclusion to what was a truly enjoyable trilogy. I think Ryan did a commendable job at tying together each and every plot thread and loose end, and making each characters unique goals and quests culminate into a memorable final battle sequence. This was certainly my favourite book in the trilogy, due to the great fight scenes and unique additions to the story which, despite being introduced in the final novel, were not out of place or rushed at all. The story had great pacing and great writing throughout, and I just had so much fun reading it.
As with the rest of my reviews for this series, I would like to conclude with a deep-dive into my opinions on all five main characters.
꒰ ͜͡➸Thera, Queen of the Ascarls
For the first time in this series Thera did not have my favourite chapters, but this isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy them. A lot of Thera’s time in this book was spent moving the plot along, rather than developing her character, which had mostly been concluded by the end of the previous book. However, I still had an enjoyable time reading about her as queen, and watching her journey from Ascarlia to Nihlvar. She had a suitably satisfying ending, and I am glad she and Lynnea finished this series together.
꒰ ͜͡➸ Felnir, King of Vorunvahl
Unlike with his sister, I think this was actually the book where we see Felnir at his greatest. I found the start of the story with Felnir finishing his conquest of Vorunvahl to be quite bland, as I had in the second book, but once he set out on his journey to find Guthnyr, I began to really appreciate his chapters. The trial that was the Swathe was absolutely a highlight for me, and I loved the pure dread and powerlessness that that part of the story conjured atmospherically - it was incredibly strong writing from Ryan. I think Felnir had by far the best ending (narratively, not literally), and it was absolutely the correct decision to have him make a decision based on his heart for once, and not his ego.
꒰ ͜͡➸ Elvine, the Spear Maiden
Elvine’s chapters did, unfortunately, go back to being slightly mediocre as they were in the first novel. Much like Thera, she began the book as a sort of plot device, rather than character, and by the time she started to regain her own agency I was already invested in other characters and their much more important and entertaining chapters. However, I was glad to see her ‘connection’ with Lore conclude in a meaningful way, and for her to develop her relationship with her brother.
꒰ ͜͡➸Ruhlin, the Chosen One
Ruhlin was, joint with Guthnyr, my favourite character to read from the pov of in this book. Despite being, once again, a captive slave to the Vortigurn, this time he is so surrounded by other Ventra (this world’s magic users) and fighting in a deadly arena. I LOVED that Ryan finally explained to us how Ruhlin’s gifts work, and did so alongside the introduction of two new characters I really liked. Ruhlin was also our way in which to see and hear from the Vortigurn who, while certainly a weak version of the stereotypical ‘dark lord’ cliche, was still an okay villain for the most part. I was really happy that, after so much turmoil, Ruhlin got the quiet ending he deserved.
꒰ ͜͡➸Guthnyr, Bright Blade
Opening up my book and seeing a chapter from Guthnyr’s perspective initially made me a little weary, but I really shouldn’t have been. His chapters were utterly fantastic, and he made for such a welcome and engaging addition to the central cast. I loved watching him come into his own and grow as a leader and warrior, no longer under the shadows of his brother and sister. I really enjoyed his journey in uniting so many differing factions across Nihlvar, and that he ended up having just as much an impact on this story as everyone else.
Overall, Upon the Forge of Battle gets 4/5 stars, and the series as a whole gets the same. I don’t think I will be checking out the Covenant of Steel trilogy as I don’t have much interest in Albermaine, but I will be looking to read other books by Ryan in the future!
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC of this book. I am going to preface this by saying Covenant of Steel is my favorite series (I just reread it before reading this book) and Alwyn is one of my favorite characters in the fantasy world.
With that being said, I was disappointed to have no Alwyn in this series, but you could already tell that by the first two books. I was also disappointed with Colvyn. At the end of “Traitor” Alwyn makes a reference that we would learn his child’s name and made it seem like he would be someone important. But in this series he is a side kick guard dog to Elvine. I was just disappointed he became more and more useless throughout this series. When he was first introduced in the first book, I was so excited, but nothing happened with him.
My other problem is a more of a personal issue. But I am not a fan of multiple POVs. Mainly because I have little time to read, I mainly get about ½ hour at night. So having multiple POVs really takes me out of the story since by the time I get to the POV I ended on, I forgot what even was happening to that person. This book has 5 POVs (Elvine, Thera, Felnir, Gunthyr and Ruhlin). And when each POV ended it was when something was finally revealed or happening and unfortunately for me, I would not know what it was until a few days later (again this is a personal problem that probably most will not have an issue with). This is why I loved Blood Song and Covenant of Steel series so much was because of the single POV.
I just honestly did not enjoy this book that much mainly due to the POVs, I also never really liked the characters. Evline was too stuck up and only became worse (using her “Spear Maiden voice”). Thera, I was indifferent too but did not care about her story. I never liked Felnir and did not care about his journey either. The main character and story I liked was Gunthyr and Ruhlin. I would have been happy to have the book only about Ruhlin. He felt the most important and had the more interesting narrative.
Also having loved Covenant of Steel so much, this world feels so much different. The magic and abilities seem to be everywhere, whereas it is rare/non-existent in Albermaine. This contrast was never really explained.
The ending felt very rushed with explaining the Vortigun’s goal. I think this was because it took 80% of the book for everyone to travel where they needed to be. I don’t mind the traveling narrative but it gets a little burdensome when you are reading about traveling in 4 point of views (only Ruhlin stayed interesting). The author does end this series well, as in he does tie up a lot of things (there are a few issues that weren't tied up though)
I do think I would have enjoyed this more if I could have read it in only a few sittings, but unfortunately I could not and even so, I was not interested in 3 out of the 5 POVs. I do still think this is a well written story and I am glad to have read it. I would still purchase the physical copy to have for my library, but would I reread this anytime soon? Probably not.. But I sure will be reading Covenant of Steel again!
With that being said, I was disappointed to have no Alwyn in this series, but you could already tell that by the first two books. I was also disappointed with Colvyn. At the end of “Traitor” Alwyn makes a reference that we would learn his child’s name and made it seem like he would be someone important. But in this series he is a side kick guard dog to Elvine. I was just disappointed he became more and more useless throughout this series. When he was first introduced in the first book, I was so excited, but nothing happened with him.
My other problem is a more of a personal issue. But I am not a fan of multiple POVs. Mainly because I have little time to read, I mainly get about ½ hour at night. So having multiple POVs really takes me out of the story since by the time I get to the POV I ended on, I forgot what even was happening to that person. This book has 5 POVs (Elvine, Thera, Felnir, Gunthyr and Ruhlin). And when each POV ended it was when something was finally revealed or happening and unfortunately for me, I would not know what it was until a few days later (again this is a personal problem that probably most will not have an issue with). This is why I loved Blood Song and Covenant of Steel series so much was because of the single POV.
I just honestly did not enjoy this book that much mainly due to the POVs, I also never really liked the characters. Evline was too stuck up and only became worse (using her “Spear Maiden voice”). Thera, I was indifferent too but did not care about her story. I never liked Felnir and did not care about his journey either. The main character and story I liked was Gunthyr and Ruhlin. I would have been happy to have the book only about Ruhlin. He felt the most important and had the more interesting narrative.
Also having loved Covenant of Steel so much, this world feels so much different. The magic and abilities seem to be everywhere, whereas it is rare/non-existent in Albermaine. This contrast was never really explained.
The ending felt very rushed with explaining the Vortigun’s goal. I think this was because it took 80% of the book for everyone to travel where they needed to be. I don’t mind the traveling narrative but it gets a little burdensome when you are reading about traveling in 4 point of views (only Ruhlin stayed interesting). The author does end this series well, as in he does tie up a lot of things (there are a few issues that weren't tied up though)
I do think I would have enjoyed this more if I could have read it in only a few sittings, but unfortunately I could not and even so, I was not interested in 3 out of the 5 POVs. I do still think this is a well written story and I am glad to have read it. I would still purchase the physical copy to have for my library, but would I reread this anytime soon? Probably not.. But I sure will be reading Covenant of Steel again!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.75 Stars
Like the second book, I really appreciated that this one included a detailed character and plot summary at the beginning. For a trilogy with multiple POVs and a lot of side characters, I love having something to reference and refresh my memory. The author also continues to do an amazing job balancing the different POVs throughout the book. Even though I definitely enjoyed some POVs more than others, none of them felt like they were dominating the story at the expense of the others.
That said, my feelings about the individual POVs haven't really changed since the first book. I still really enjoyed some characters and their storylines, while I really, REALLY disliked one POV in particular. I'm honestly not sure whether this character was intentionally written to be unlikable, but if so, the author succeeded extremely well.
My biggest issue with the book was the ending. It was only somewhat satisfying, and I think part of that comes from how much of the book seemed to be setting up a future series. There are still some loose ends, new plot threads being introduced, and things that feel like they're meant to be explored later. I'm not necessarily against that, but it made the conclusion to this trilogy feel less complete than I was hoping for.
The pacing of the ending also didn't quite work for me. There was a lot of buildup, then we finally got some major reveals and developments, and suddenly, it was over. It felt a little abrupt, especially after everything the story had been building toward.
I was also disappointed by some of the character interactions that had been building throughout the trilogy. A few moments I had been waiting for were incredibly quick, felt somewhat hollow, or didn't happen at all. Those were some of the moments where I really felt like the book was prioritizing setting up what comes next over giving the current storylines the payoff they deserved.
There were also a few characters who felt like they didn't ultimately serve much of a purpose. Colvyn is probably the biggest example for me. He seemed like he was going to be a much more significant character, particularly based on his role in the first book, but by the end I was left wondering what his purpose really was. Maybe he's being set up for the next series, but if that's the case, it unfortunately made his role in this trilogy feel a little pointless.
Overall, I think the author does a lot of things well, particularly when it comes to managing a large cast and multiple POVs. I also appreciate the effort put into making the world and storylines feel interconnected. But for me, the ending didn't quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for after three books of buildup. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, but between the abrupt ending, unresolved threads, and some underwhelming character moments, this ended up being a 2.75 star read for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Orbit in exchange for an honest review.
Like the second book, I really appreciated that this one included a detailed character and plot summary at the beginning. For a trilogy with multiple POVs and a lot of side characters, I love having something to reference and refresh my memory. The author also continues to do an amazing job balancing the different POVs throughout the book. Even though I definitely enjoyed some POVs more than others, none of them felt like they were dominating the story at the expense of the others.
That said, my feelings about the individual POVs haven't really changed since the first book. I still really enjoyed some characters and their storylines, while I really, REALLY disliked one POV in particular. I'm honestly not sure whether this character was intentionally written to be unlikable, but if so, the author succeeded extremely well.
My biggest issue with the book was the ending. It was only somewhat satisfying, and I think part of that comes from how much of the book seemed to be setting up a future series. There are still some loose ends, new plot threads being introduced, and things that feel like they're meant to be explored later. I'm not necessarily against that, but it made the conclusion to this trilogy feel less complete than I was hoping for.
The pacing of the ending also didn't quite work for me. There was a lot of buildup, then we finally got some major reveals and developments, and suddenly, it was over. It felt a little abrupt, especially after everything the story had been building toward.
I was also disappointed by some of the character interactions that had been building throughout the trilogy. A few moments I had been waiting for were incredibly quick, felt somewhat hollow, or didn't happen at all. Those were some of the moments where I really felt like the book was prioritizing setting up what comes next over giving the current storylines the payoff they deserved.
There were also a few characters who felt like they didn't ultimately serve much of a purpose. Colvyn is probably the biggest example for me. He seemed like he was going to be a much more significant character, particularly based on his role in the first book, but by the end I was left wondering what his purpose really was. Maybe he's being set up for the next series, but if that's the case, it unfortunately made his role in this trilogy feel a little pointless.
Overall, I think the author does a lot of things well, particularly when it comes to managing a large cast and multiple POVs. I also appreciate the effort put into making the world and storylines feel interconnected. But for me, the ending didn't quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for after three books of buildup. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, but between the abrupt ending, unresolved threads, and some underwhelming character moments, this ended up being a 2.75 star read for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Orbit in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whatever the secret ingredients are for creating a series like this, I would like to know.
I read the Covenant of Steel series several years ago, with the first two books already out, and the third incoming several months later. Then comes this series. Initially during the first book (A Tide of Black Steel) I did not yet find it special, just there to read. But halfway through the book, something clicked, and I read the remainder of the book within a day. I declared it the best new book of 2024. One year later, I excitedly read the second. And now, for the third...
"Upon the Forge of Battle" is pure excitement, from start to finish, with five perfectly balanced character storylines. Yes, five now, because in Chapter 1, we are introduced to Guthnyr as our newest POV, joining the remaining four (Elvine, Ruhlin, Felnir, and Thera) throughout the story. The five character journeys start out separate, but all roads lead to Nihlvar and the Morvek lands. The author Anthony Ryan is one of the best at writing warbands or armies moving from Point A to Point B, with conflicts and adversity bombarding them in all directions. We readers also witness exciting battles and one-on-one fight scenes, with all five characters having their distinct fighting styles (further credit to the author!).
I think one of the best parts is the characterizations themselves, along with the vast side character cast that truly make you feel for them, rooting for many of them to make it out okay. This was one of the strengths of John Gwynne's writings, something that I craved like catnip from all ten of his novels. This series executes this very well here too, with the close bonds between each of our heroes with their supportive allies, on full show here.
Finally, the ending and epilogue worked itself out very well. I did wonder in the back of my mind how this was going to end after I finished the second book. The author's maneuvering of characters paid off in the finale. Yet, similar to "The Covenant of Steele", the ending also opens the possibility for more spinoffs. I sure would love to see more of this interesting world...and that beyond.
If anyone wants to know if Mr. Alwyn Scrybe makes his appearance in this series, the answer is
I give this book a 5/5 rating.
(I received an ARC through Orbit and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
I read the Covenant of Steel series several years ago, with the first two books already out, and the third incoming several months later. Then comes this series. Initially during the first book (A Tide of Black Steel) I did not yet find it special, just there to read. But halfway through the book, something clicked, and I read the remainder of the book within a day. I declared it the best new book of 2024. One year later, I excitedly read the second. And now, for the third...
"Upon the Forge of Battle" is pure excitement, from start to finish, with five perfectly balanced character storylines. Yes, five now, because in Chapter 1, we are introduced to Guthnyr as our newest POV, joining the remaining four (Elvine, Ruhlin, Felnir, and Thera) throughout the story. The five character journeys start out separate, but all roads lead to Nihlvar and the Morvek lands. The author Anthony Ryan is one of the best at writing warbands or armies moving from Point A to Point B, with conflicts and adversity bombarding them in all directions. We readers also witness exciting battles and one-on-one fight scenes, with all five characters having their distinct fighting styles (further credit to the author!).
I think one of the best parts is the characterizations themselves, along with the vast side character cast that truly make you feel for them, rooting for many of them to make it out okay. This was one of the strengths of John Gwynne's writings, something that I craved like catnip from all ten of his novels. This series executes this very well here too, with the close bonds between each of our heroes with their supportive allies, on full show here.
Finally, the ending and epilogue worked itself out very well. I did wonder in the back of my mind how this was going to end after I finished the second book. The author's maneuvering of characters paid off in the finale. Yet, similar to "The Covenant of Steele", the ending also opens the possibility for more spinoffs. I sure would love to see more of this interesting world...and that beyond.
If anyone wants to know if Mr. Alwyn Scrybe makes his appearance in this series, the answer is
I give this book a 5/5 rating.
(I received an ARC through Orbit and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
The third and final book in the Age of Wrath series wraps up the story but leaves enough open for perhaps another series set in the same world.As before, the book continues exactly where things left off in book two. Ruhlin has been captured, Thera has become Queen, Fenril is undergoing conquest, and Envil is coming into her own power. We are not treated to more viewpoints from Guthnyr who takes up leadership in Ruhlin's absence.
In the main story, things are clearly coming to a head. We now know the great evil and the unknown elements that have been hidden throughout the series are being revealed. As usual this is a bit of a letdown but for the most part it is done well if with few true surprises. If you have enjoyed it so far, you won't be disappointed with the first three quarters of the book.
My gripe begins near the end—the whole ending feels incredibly rushed. Characters make strange decisions just to reach the same conclusion, which feels very deus ex. Some character mysteries turn out to be nothing and are simply discarded. I honestly thought when I reached 90% of the book that there would still be one more in the series.
Also, this book finally includes the element I loathe in Ryan's work: the brainless zombie army of regular people. We get a few glimpses of this earlier but the final confrontation includes the real thing. This may be my personal peeve, but nothing dulls a book more than yet another mindless fearless enemy whose only tactic is being mindless and fearless.
Otherwise, the writing is competent as always and for the most part characters act as expected. Each is capable and there aren't any problems simply because the main cast would be unable to communicate with each other. The bad guys are perhaps a bit dumber than I would like, especially for individuals who have lived for centuries.
Recommended if you read the earlier books. While I didn't like the very final end, it's still a good book. As a series, it is better than the misery of Covenant and ends better than Draconis, but it does not reach the heights of Raven Shadow or my personal favorite, The Seven Swords. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 28, 2026
After I finished the third book Covenant of Steel, I was really looking forward to the sequel that was teased, to seeing how the loose plot threads would resolve themselves in the future.
The final book of Age of Wrath, the sequel series to Covenant of Steel, once again leaves loose threads to tease at another series in this world, but this time it's more annoying than exciting. Not just because of the fact that it's kicking the can of things foreshadowed all the way back in Covenant further down the road, but because in doing so it fails to give a satisfying conclusion to THIS series.
Like the last book, the problem is that there's too many damn characters. I've said it before, Anthony Ryan can write a good book surrounding one central protagonist, but when the POVs start to split the pacing and supporting casts suffer. I felt dread when I opened the book and saw we had five POVs to rotate between now. A lot of side characters who felt like they should have been important were really neglected. Like Sygna, whose only real role in this book is not telling Felnir she's pregnant.
But the book slowly builds up to a climax we can all look forward to, when all these separated POV characters finally meet up and go into battle together. Except... it's anticlimactic. Thera, Guthnyr and Felnir's sibling reunion gets a split second before Felnir decides he must dramatically die to save a country he was given absolutely zero context about. Elvine wasn't even there. And you can only imagine the stiff conversation afterwards when Ruhlin joins the group and they have to ask who he even is. The big final fight is over too fast, and it just feels like it's setting up promises that everything will DEFINITELY be resolved in the next series.
Colvyn and his great destiny? Next series, hope you liked two books of him doing nothing but nagging Elvine!
Ruhlin and the monster? Find out next time!
Sygna and the bow? You'll have to tune in for the next one.
It's not all bad, there's some good stuff and the high point for me personally was the Ayin cameo (I love her so much). But the ending was disappointing, even if I knew another series was coming once Colvyn spent most of book two sitting around. It still feels like everything gets cut off right before the moments we were anticipating (the siblings reuniting, Elvine and Colvyn meeting Alwyn or even just Ayin, Ruhlin meeting the Eithlisch)
So yeah, 2 stars
The final book of Age of Wrath, the sequel series to Covenant of Steel, once again leaves loose threads to tease at another series in this world, but this time it's more annoying than exciting. Not just because of the fact that it's kicking the can of things foreshadowed all the way back in Covenant further down the road, but because in doing so it fails to give a satisfying conclusion to THIS series.
Like the last book, the problem is that there's too many damn characters. I've said it before, Anthony Ryan can write a good book surrounding one central protagonist, but when the POVs start to split the pacing and supporting casts suffer. I felt dread when I opened the book and saw we had five POVs to rotate between now. A lot of side characters who felt like they should have been important were really neglected. Like Sygna, whose only real role in this book is not telling Felnir she's pregnant.
But the book slowly builds up to a climax we can all look forward to, when all these separated POV characters finally meet up and go into battle together. Except... it's anticlimactic. Thera, Guthnyr and Felnir's sibling reunion gets a split second before Felnir decides he must dramatically die to save a country he was given absolutely zero context about. Elvine wasn't even there. And you can only imagine the stiff conversation afterwards when Ruhlin joins the group and they have to ask who he even is. The big final fight is over too fast, and it just feels like it's setting up promises that everything will DEFINITELY be resolved in the next series.
Colvyn and his great destiny? Next series, hope you liked two books of him doing nothing but nagging Elvine!
Ruhlin and the monster? Find out next time!
Sygna and the bow? You'll have to tune in for the next one.
It's not all bad, there's some good stuff and the high point for me personally was the Ayin cameo (I love her so much). But the ending was disappointing, even if I knew another series was coming once Colvyn spent most of book two sitting around. It still feels like everything gets cut off right before the moments we were anticipating (the siblings reuniting, Elvine and Colvyn meeting Alwyn or even just Ayin, Ruhlin meeting the Eithlisch)
So yeah, 2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2026
**ARC Review**
Author: Anthony Ryan
Book: Upon the Forge of Battle
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
“That a captain of a ship can never truly be of the crew. You have to give them space to complain from time to time.”
This is actually the fourth ARC I have received from Anthony Ryan and NetGalley, and the third in this series, and I couldn’t be more thankful. This is my honest review.
Anthony Ryan is one of my all-time favorite fantasy authors, and I feel like, with each book I read from him, he just gets better and better. He is a master at storytelling and delivers some of the best worldbuilding and character development around. He brings the world to life, and then puts you right into the fire of each battle, each struggle, and each outcome as if you are a character yourself.
At the end of book one, the three siblings, Thera, Felnir, and Guthnyr, were separated, each thinking the other might be done. In Book 2, each of them makes their own path, finds their own way, and comes to power of their own accord. As the world gets closer to destruction, each sibling has their own part to play, and the outcome is not what any of them thought would happen.
Anthony Ryan delivers a masterclass in character work and plot development, perfectly woven together across the three Age of Wrath books. Things that were alluded to in book 1 came to fruition in book three, and it was done so seamlessly that it proves the talent that Ryan has.
Some of the best character work I’ve ever read is in Upon the Forge of Battle, and in the trilogy as a whole. Each character feels real; you feel the consequences of each battle; you laugh and cry with all of them. This is a beautiful world, and Ryan brings it to life.
I want to thank the author and NetGalley again for the opportunity to read Upon the Forge of Battle, and I am already eager to read more. If you haven’t tried any of Anthony Ryan’s work, I highly encourage you to. It's some of the best out there.
Author: Anthony Ryan
Book: Upon the Forge of Battle
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
“That a captain of a ship can never truly be of the crew. You have to give them space to complain from time to time.”
This is actually the fourth ARC I have received from Anthony Ryan and NetGalley, and the third in this series, and I couldn’t be more thankful. This is my honest review.
Anthony Ryan is one of my all-time favorite fantasy authors, and I feel like, with each book I read from him, he just gets better and better. He is a master at storytelling and delivers some of the best worldbuilding and character development around. He brings the world to life, and then puts you right into the fire of each battle, each struggle, and each outcome as if you are a character yourself.
At the end of book one, the three siblings, Thera, Felnir, and Guthnyr, were separated, each thinking the other might be done. In Book 2, each of them makes their own path, finds their own way, and comes to power of their own accord. As the world gets closer to destruction, each sibling has their own part to play, and the outcome is not what any of them thought would happen.
Anthony Ryan delivers a masterclass in character work and plot development, perfectly woven together across the three Age of Wrath books. Things that were alluded to in book 1 came to fruition in book three, and it was done so seamlessly that it proves the talent that Ryan has.
Some of the best character work I’ve ever read is in Upon the Forge of Battle, and in the trilogy as a whole. Each character feels real; you feel the consequences of each battle; you laugh and cry with all of them. This is a beautiful world, and Ryan brings it to life.
I want to thank the author and NetGalley again for the opportunity to read Upon the Forge of Battle, and I am already eager to read more. If you haven’t tried any of Anthony Ryan’s work, I highly encourage you to. It's some of the best out there.
September 11, 2026
I listened to the Audible edition of Upon the Forge of Battle, the third and final book in Anthony Ryan's Age of Wrath series. I would give this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Ryan continues to tell the story through four main POVs, each surrounded by a sizable cast of supporting characters. I liked the story and found the characters interesting, and by this point in the series, I was much more comfortable with the different factions, locations, and competing storylines.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the detailed recap Ryan provides at the beginning of the book. Even though I listened to all three books back-to-back, it was still extremely helpful. With a series this complex and a cast this large, the refresher makes it much easier to jump back in without trying to remember exactly where every character and storyline left off. I wish more authors of complex fantasy series would do this.
My biggest criticism with this book and the series remains Steven Brand's narration. With four major POVs and so many supporting characters, this series really needs a narrator who gives the characters more distinctive voices. Unfortunately, Brand's delivery is very monotone, with little variation in tone, cadence, or inflection between characters. At times, especially when the story shifted from one POV to another, I struggled to tell which character and storyline we were following. In a series with this many characters and multiple, shifting perspectives, stronger vocal differentiation would have made a significant difference.
Overall, I enjoyed Upon the Forge of Battle and thought it was a solid conclusion to the series. Ryan's characters and storytelling kept me interested throughout, but the audiobook narration prevented me from enjoying the series as much as I might have in print.
Overall rating for the series remains 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Ryan continues to tell the story through four main POVs, each surrounded by a sizable cast of supporting characters. I liked the story and found the characters interesting, and by this point in the series, I was much more comfortable with the different factions, locations, and competing storylines.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the detailed recap Ryan provides at the beginning of the book. Even though I listened to all three books back-to-back, it was still extremely helpful. With a series this complex and a cast this large, the refresher makes it much easier to jump back in without trying to remember exactly where every character and storyline left off. I wish more authors of complex fantasy series would do this.
My biggest criticism with this book and the series remains Steven Brand's narration. With four major POVs and so many supporting characters, this series really needs a narrator who gives the characters more distinctive voices. Unfortunately, Brand's delivery is very monotone, with little variation in tone, cadence, or inflection between characters. At times, especially when the story shifted from one POV to another, I struggled to tell which character and storyline we were following. In a series with this many characters and multiple, shifting perspectives, stronger vocal differentiation would have made a significant difference.
Overall, I enjoyed Upon the Forge of Battle and thought it was a solid conclusion to the series. Ryan's characters and storytelling kept me interested throughout, but the audiobook narration prevented me from enjoying the series as much as I might have in print.
Overall rating for the series remains 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
August 25, 2026
Full of treachery and visceral action, Upon the Forge of Battle is sure to be a satisfying conclusion for most fans of the Age of Wrath trilogy. At the same time, it doesn’t reach the gripping heights of the first novel.
Logistically, the novel is superb. It expertly handles all the POV perspectives (even with the addition of a fifth perspective). The plot doesn’t stall while it tries to move someone into position. No one behaves out of character for the sake of plot. Unlike the second book, the battles do not become repetitive as they are mixed in with some of the exploration elements from the first book. (Though I suspect some readers will miss the truly grand battle strategies of previous books.) Under author Anthony Ryan’s hand, it seems easy to move large armies across vast distances and have them meet at just the right moment.
At the same time, it’s too clean. In the way of the second book, and a great deal of recent speculative fiction that I’ve read, it doesn’t feel like there’s enough struggle. Pivotal decisions are made relatively easily and quickly once characters are given the correct information. Setbacks don’t feel like setbacks as they put characters right where they need to be. It lacks the messiness and agony that at times brought the first book fully to life.
This is most evident in the finale. It is fully earned as it has been skillfully worked towards and yet, once everything is in place, it feels far too easy for the protagonists. This is an always entertaining trilogy that falls just short of the best of the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC.
Logistically, the novel is superb. It expertly handles all the POV perspectives (even with the addition of a fifth perspective). The plot doesn’t stall while it tries to move someone into position. No one behaves out of character for the sake of plot. Unlike the second book, the battles do not become repetitive as they are mixed in with some of the exploration elements from the first book. (Though I suspect some readers will miss the truly grand battle strategies of previous books.) Under author Anthony Ryan’s hand, it seems easy to move large armies across vast distances and have them meet at just the right moment.
At the same time, it’s too clean. In the way of the second book, and a great deal of recent speculative fiction that I’ve read, it doesn’t feel like there’s enough struggle. Pivotal decisions are made relatively easily and quickly once characters are given the correct information. Setbacks don’t feel like setbacks as they put characters right where they need to be. It lacks the messiness and agony that at times brought the first book fully to life.
This is most evident in the finale. It is fully earned as it has been skillfully worked towards and yet, once everything is in place, it feels far too easy for the protagonists. This is an always entertaining trilogy that falls just short of the best of the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC.
September 5, 2026
3.5 stars
I'm a fan of pretty much Anthony Ryan writes these days, but that also means I'm familiar with trends that start to show up in his series. You can expect the stories to be engaging and well-plotted out. Books 1 and 2 in the series lay out plenty of world and character building, and book 3 will speed to a conclusion that ties all loose plot threads together in the final few chapters of the book. And there will probably be a ravening, mindless hoard of some kind or another thrown in there at some point.
However, there is a nagging criticism I have with his series. By the 3rd book the main focus is on wrapping every thread together in the plot, and in service to that, the characters lose depth and agency. Early in the series each main character is prominent and distinct with different personalities and modes of thought. By book 3 they all start to blend together into a single, more uniform personality with different names and in different circumstances, rather than distinct individuals who wouldn't all respond or think in the same way. And secondary characters lose all dimensionality entirely, remaining present purely to enact the main characters' plans or to agree with what they're saying.
Overall, I'm still very much a fan of the author and his fantasy worlds, but the more I read of his books, the more I see how things start to blend together. For this book specifically, Forge brings a satisfying conclusion to the Age of Wrath trilogy, drawing the disparate threads and character arcs together in a culminating conclusion that ties together much of the story neatly while leaving room for future series in this world.
I'm a fan of pretty much Anthony Ryan writes these days, but that also means I'm familiar with trends that start to show up in his series. You can expect the stories to be engaging and well-plotted out. Books 1 and 2 in the series lay out plenty of world and character building, and book 3 will speed to a conclusion that ties all loose plot threads together in the final few chapters of the book. And there will probably be a ravening, mindless hoard of some kind or another thrown in there at some point.
However, there is a nagging criticism I have with his series. By the 3rd book the main focus is on wrapping every thread together in the plot, and in service to that, the characters lose depth and agency. Early in the series each main character is prominent and distinct with different personalities and modes of thought. By book 3 they all start to blend together into a single, more uniform personality with different names and in different circumstances, rather than distinct individuals who wouldn't all respond or think in the same way. And secondary characters lose all dimensionality entirely, remaining present purely to enact the main characters' plans or to agree with what they're saying.
Overall, I'm still very much a fan of the author and his fantasy worlds, but the more I read of his books, the more I see how things start to blend together. For this book specifically, Forge brings a satisfying conclusion to the Age of Wrath trilogy, drawing the disparate threads and character arcs together in a culminating conclusion that ties together much of the story neatly while leaving room for future series in this world.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An ambitious series for fans of John Gwynne’s The Shadow of the Gods.
Told through four main perspectives, the world is reforged in a bloody culmination of war, dark intrigue, and complicated, stained heroism.
It is an intriguing grimdark, Norse-inspired fantasy with a bloody, gritty, and action-heavy plot featuring murderous cults, longships, divine blades, and crumbling empires.
There is character development across the series and lots of adventuring and reveals.
The main drawback is having so many protagonists which led to weakening of the strong bonds and attachment with their relationships forged, leading to less emotional impact.
Authors I would compare Anthony Ryan in terms of structure and reveals would be John Gwynne and Richard Swan. Without veering into spoilers, it starts at a small, personal level and expands to world-forging consequences.
This instalment was filled with less conspiracy and intrigue than the preceding two, instead opting for action and battles. Whilst this makes sense for a climactic ending, my own tastes veer towards character building and slower moments.
I found the ending quite rushed with left open threads for future books set in this world. This current trend in publishing for related future series does frustrate me as someone who likes the satisfaction of completing series.
3.5 stars.🌟
Physical arc gifted by Orbit.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Told through four main perspectives, the world is reforged in a bloody culmination of war, dark intrigue, and complicated, stained heroism.
It is an intriguing grimdark, Norse-inspired fantasy with a bloody, gritty, and action-heavy plot featuring murderous cults, longships, divine blades, and crumbling empires.
There is character development across the series and lots of adventuring and reveals.
The main drawback is having so many protagonists which led to weakening of the strong bonds and attachment with their relationships forged, leading to less emotional impact.
Authors I would compare Anthony Ryan in terms of structure and reveals would be John Gwynne and Richard Swan. Without veering into spoilers, it starts at a small, personal level and expands to world-forging consequences.
This instalment was filled with less conspiracy and intrigue than the preceding two, instead opting for action and battles. Whilst this makes sense for a climactic ending, my own tastes veer towards character building and slower moments.
I found the ending quite rushed with left open threads for future books set in this world. This current trend in publishing for related future series does frustrate me as someone who likes the satisfaction of completing series.
3.5 stars.🌟
Physical arc gifted by Orbit.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
August 13, 2026
Upon the Forge has been an epic fantasy that I've been waiting for. It's a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy that Anthony had set upon within the first novel. It's coming home, as they would say. And I don't want to leave this world. I'd love it if there was a HBO style adaptation of this show in the future because we need more original fantasy. We need fantasy that evokes, that isn't afraid to show that there's something more than the established franchises out there.
This is a novel that has its own secrets, with Thera Blackspear holding her own dark secrets deep inside as she runs her kingdom. Holding a weapon forged by the Gods is and never will be an easy task. The matters of state are always a difficult one to control. For any King, Empress, or Queen. Yet Felnir goes through such a journey in this story that it is one of hardship, of brutality and confronting what it is to be a man and King. Yet this world is full of mad prophies, of people wanting to showcase that they are better and they can bring peace through strength.
What does it mean however when the greed of humanity takes over? When humanity is forced to confront itself with defying the Gods? When humanity itself is an example of how Gods and humans can't co-exist? When everyone wants to secure their warm thrones and not give it back? That's a lot of questions within this novel. And somehow, I feel like these novel trilogies need to be 4-5 books. 3 books isn't enough any longer. I understand LOTR had the three book structure - but when you have a world so rich as this, I think we need more.
This is a novel that has its own secrets, with Thera Blackspear holding her own dark secrets deep inside as she runs her kingdom. Holding a weapon forged by the Gods is and never will be an easy task. The matters of state are always a difficult one to control. For any King, Empress, or Queen. Yet Felnir goes through such a journey in this story that it is one of hardship, of brutality and confronting what it is to be a man and King. Yet this world is full of mad prophies, of people wanting to showcase that they are better and they can bring peace through strength.
What does it mean however when the greed of humanity takes over? When humanity is forced to confront itself with defying the Gods? When humanity itself is an example of how Gods and humans can't co-exist? When everyone wants to secure their warm thrones and not give it back? That's a lot of questions within this novel. And somehow, I feel like these novel trilogies need to be 4-5 books. 3 books isn't enough any longer. I understand LOTR had the three book structure - but when you have a world so rich as this, I think we need more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'Upon the Forge of Battle' is a prime example of how to stick the landing to an epic fantasy series with a huge cast, and multiple story lines going on simultanously. At the beginning of the book, I really couldn't see how this would ever work out, but after multiple battles, the main characters somehow truly all crossed paths again in the most satisfying way.
With five main POVs, scattered all over the world, there is a lot going on from the very first page. I would certainly recommend reading the books in the intended order, and to not skip ahead, because the number of details and references to previous events is truly staggering, but also incredibly rewarding. Nevertheless,I felt at times a bit overwhelmed by all the names, and side plots, I wish the book would have focused more on just the main characters. Speaking of, I don't know how it happened but, Ruhlin, who I didn't care for much in the first two books, somehow became my absolute favorite character! I was rooting so hard for him and his fellow captives.
The whole worldbuilding Anthony Ryan has done is incredible - it always feels like the reader only gets to see the tip of the iceberg, and I would have loved to explore even more ice caves and narrow sea passages along the way.
In short, it is a great finale to an epic series, which leaves some open questions which I hope to get the answers to in the author's earlier or future(!!) work.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
With five main POVs, scattered all over the world, there is a lot going on from the very first page. I would certainly recommend reading the books in the intended order, and to not skip ahead, because the number of details and references to previous events is truly staggering, but also incredibly rewarding. Nevertheless,I felt at times a bit overwhelmed by all the names, and side plots, I wish the book would have focused more on just the main characters. Speaking of, I don't know how it happened but, Ruhlin, who I didn't care for much in the first two books, somehow became my absolute favorite character! I was rooting so hard for him and his fellow captives.
The whole worldbuilding Anthony Ryan has done is incredible - it always feels like the reader only gets to see the tip of the iceberg, and I would have loved to explore even more ice caves and narrow sea passages along the way.
In short, it is a great finale to an epic series, which leaves some open questions which I hope to get the answers to in the author's earlier or future(!!) work.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with an ARC copy of this book!
Upon the Forge of Battle brings about the war conflict on the horizon at the end of Born in an Iron Storm. A fast paced ending to the Age of Wrath series that delivers on most of the promises given throughout books one and two but does so in a way that makes the third act feel a bit rushed.
Pro’s:
One of the reasons I enjoyed book 3 as much as the others in this series is due to the consistent character work done in all three books as I mentioned in my review of Born in an Iron Storm - unlike most multi-character pov stories each character is equally as compelling while also advancing the story in a satisfying way. Often I find 1 or 2 characters in a multi-POV story that I either really dislike because of their actions or I feel like they were added as an afterthought to create a bridging narrative across the characters or the world. This is not an issue with The Age of Wrath - by the end of this book each characters story arc ended in a way that at the very least made sense to the characters journey.
Cons:
This book introduced quite a bit of new magical elements without a lot of time to flesh them out or ruminate on the impacts on world built.
The third act felt rushed and specifically the last 100 pages lacked the emotional depth and time to ruminate on a characters actions or fate that I came to expect from this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with an ARC copy of this book!
Upon the Forge of Battle brings about the war conflict on the horizon at the end of Born in an Iron Storm. A fast paced ending to the Age of Wrath series that delivers on most of the promises given throughout books one and two but does so in a way that makes the third act feel a bit rushed.
Pro’s:
One of the reasons I enjoyed book 3 as much as the others in this series is due to the consistent character work done in all three books as I mentioned in my review of Born in an Iron Storm - unlike most multi-character pov stories each character is equally as compelling while also advancing the story in a satisfying way. Often I find 1 or 2 characters in a multi-POV story that I either really dislike because of their actions or I feel like they were added as an afterthought to create a bridging narrative across the characters or the world. This is not an issue with The Age of Wrath - by the end of this book each characters story arc ended in a way that at the very least made sense to the characters journey.
Cons:
This book introduced quite a bit of new magical elements without a lot of time to flesh them out or ruminate on the impacts on world built.
The third act felt rushed and specifically the last 100 pages lacked the emotional depth and time to ruminate on a characters actions or fate that I came to expect from this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is it the conclusion of the Age of Wrath with a final clash between Albermaine and Nihlvar.
The lives and struggles of our POV characters finally come together after being weaved in and out between each other. And it was glorious.
I loved how all of our main characters evolved through this arc. Following the obstacles and pain and blood that forced them to adapt and evolve was my favorite thing about the books. From a scholar to Spear Maiden, from a disgraced warrior to King of Ascarlia, from Tielwald to Queen of Albermaine, and a timid fisherman to strong leader. It was expertly done by Anthony Ryan!
But the end was wobbly. There was just something missing. It probably wasn't but it felt too easy in the end. I can't help but compare it to Covenant of Steel and even though the ending was a culmination of centuries of scheming it seemed like a simple conclusion.
The epilogue send a glimmer of a hint that Anthony Ryan might bring us back to this world. I will be back for the next story arc if one is ever written!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The lives and struggles of our POV characters finally come together after being weaved in and out between each other. And it was glorious.
I loved how all of our main characters evolved through this arc. Following the obstacles and pain and blood that forced them to adapt and evolve was my favorite thing about the books. From a scholar to Spear Maiden, from a disgraced warrior to King of Ascarlia, from Tielwald to Queen of Albermaine, and a timid fisherman to strong leader. It was expertly done by Anthony Ryan!
But the end was wobbly. There was just something missing. It probably wasn't but it felt too easy in the end. I can't help but compare it to Covenant of Steel and even though the ending was a culmination of centuries of scheming it seemed like a simple conclusion.
The epilogue send a glimmer of a hint that Anthony Ryan might bring us back to this world. I will be back for the next story arc if one is ever written!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before I even start raving about the excellent conclusion of an exceptional epic series, I want to applaud the inclusion of "What has gone before" section which is great for anyone who read the prior books some time ago, like me and wasn't up for a reread before rushing for the third book of the trilogy. That said, I enjoyed this whole series so much that I may just be binging the entirety sometime in the near future. The last book in the trilogy takes it up a notch, adding another POV character, more drama, conflict, and action, and ending the saga in a way fitting to all the events that came before. Anyone who enjoyed the first two books of Age of Wrath should be quite pleased with this part of the story all the way through the epilogue. Anyone who loves epic high fantasy but waited to start this series until it was complete, your time has come. This was the perfect balance of incredible characters, world, and action and I can't recommend it enough to fans of the genre.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Orbit Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Orbit Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really enjoyable third book in what is a really solid fantasy trilogy.
The story is told from multiple POVs which, for me, works really well and allows the plot to move along at a decent pace, with more world-building and exploration of the various realms our protagonists travail.
There is a lot more action in this book and it's very well done. The character development is another big positive, though admittedly some previous characters faded into the background a bit too much. I love the main characters though, and would love a whole series just on Ruhlin. The ending also felt a little rushed and it did leave things open more than I expected....though maybe that's not bad thing...
Having said that, this was a really good read and I was engaged from start to finish. Anthony Ryan writes to such a high standard and has created a superb series, so a comfortable 4 stars.
A huge thankyou to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group and Orbit for the ARC - much appreciated!
The story is told from multiple POVs which, for me, works really well and allows the plot to move along at a decent pace, with more world-building and exploration of the various realms our protagonists travail.
There is a lot more action in this book and it's very well done. The character development is another big positive, though admittedly some previous characters faded into the background a bit too much. I love the main characters though, and would love a whole series just on Ruhlin. The ending also felt a little rushed and it did leave things open more than I expected....though maybe that's not bad thing...
Having said that, this was a really good read and I was engaged from start to finish. Anthony Ryan writes to such a high standard and has created a superb series, so a comfortable 4 stars.
A huge thankyou to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group and Orbit for the ARC - much appreciated!
September 3, 2026
This one was really an interesting experience. I love Ryan as an author and his stories are always enthralling, yet I did not recall much about the first two books. Nevertheless I dove in. There is a summary at the beginning, but despite how it was dressed up, I found it to be boring-skipping through it bit me in the butt though because I then had a hard time getting into the story. But when I did, like the 2nd time through the characters, I found so much to love. All the main POVs ended up having a special fantasy quality to them. Be it a weapon or an innate ability, it led to a fun read. This was a conclusion to the series and had the Ryan trademark of almost non-stop action, lots of battles big and small, armies, gladiator type battles, etc. It was a fitting conclusion to the series, and I enjoyed the book immensely, even though it functionally was a stand alone for me due to me not recalling much about the earlier books. Great for fans of Ryan, Evan Winter and John Gwynne.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really good end to the triology in some ways but also in some ways not such a good end and felt like a little bit of a filler.
Now don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the book and it definitely wrapped up a lot of lose threads from the previous two books however it almost seemed a little bit of a stepping stone to the next three books and the way the ending ended definitely seemed like there is scope for me and given the way Anthony writes this would not suprise me at all! However that's just my personal opinion and of course I may be totally wrong!
As I said above the pacing was good with a few shocks and surprises along the way. Some scenes I felt were great and some just a bit meh.
So for me this felt like middle boon syndrome but it was the final book which was a little odd but still I'd give it 4 stars and wait to see what's next and if I'm right
Now don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the book and it definitely wrapped up a lot of lose threads from the previous two books however it almost seemed a little bit of a stepping stone to the next three books and the way the ending ended definitely seemed like there is scope for me and given the way Anthony writes this would not suprise me at all! However that's just my personal opinion and of course I may be totally wrong!
As I said above the pacing was good with a few shocks and surprises along the way. Some scenes I felt were great and some just a bit meh.
So for me this felt like middle boon syndrome but it was the final book which was a little odd but still I'd give it 4 stars and wait to see what's next and if I'm right
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The hands of time never stop moving, and neither does the action in this last installment!
Upon the Forge of Battle continues and concludes the Age of Wrath Trilogy. Ryan manages to escalate both the action and emotional stakes of our characters with each volume. As in most Epic Fantasy, our friends have parted ways to embark on their respective quests. In this final volume, time is ticking (you can feel it slipping away, and dread rises consistently throughout), and they race to reunite before it's too late. I genuinely loved the constant sense of dread and anxiety that threaded through every page.
The ending left me immensely satisfied, and I believe this has become one of my favorite trilogies. The characters, the tone, Ryan's overall writing—this is what Epic Fantasy should be. I'm grateful for the chance to take this journey and see it through to its powerful conclusion.
Thank you to Anthony Ryan for this magical ending and to Orbit Books for the opportunity to experience this adventure.
Upon the Forge of Battle continues and concludes the Age of Wrath Trilogy. Ryan manages to escalate both the action and emotional stakes of our characters with each volume. As in most Epic Fantasy, our friends have parted ways to embark on their respective quests. In this final volume, time is ticking (you can feel it slipping away, and dread rises consistently throughout), and they race to reunite before it's too late. I genuinely loved the constant sense of dread and anxiety that threaded through every page.
The ending left me immensely satisfied, and I believe this has become one of my favorite trilogies. The characters, the tone, Ryan's overall writing—this is what Epic Fantasy should be. I'm grateful for the chance to take this journey and see it through to its powerful conclusion.
Thank you to Anthony Ryan for this magical ending and to Orbit Books for the opportunity to experience this adventure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed that Ryan put a prologue that explained what had happened in the story up to this part. I have read the two previous books so I was excited when I was chosen to read this book. Ryan has become a great artist of sorts weaving characters into a story that builds and maintains excitement through out the story. I hope that this is not the ending of the story honestly, there were so many things that were left up in the air. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes Ryan's writing style. It does jump around a lot having one chapter about one character and the next completely different story. It would definitely be adult fantasy.
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