An Aria for Ragnarok

Slab City Blues #5

by Anthony Ryan

The fifth and final story in the SF Noir series from Anthony Ryan, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raven's Shadow Series.

Alex McLeod has a score to settle. Back on the Slab and newly promoted to head of Special Homicide, Alex decides it’s time to finally bring down Mr Mac - his longest-standing enemy and the most powerful criminal kingpin in the Confederation of Autonomous Orbiting States. But, before the hunt can begin he finds himself lumbered with the inconvenient and spectacularly bloody murder of a famous industrialist. A swift but violent resolution to the case raises more questions than it answers and Alex’s inability to tolerate a mystery soon uncovers a far greater threat than he has ever faced before. Ragnarok is coming. To stop it, Alex must call on the help of both friends and foes, as well as placing himself in an alien and hostile environment: it’s time for a return visit to Planet Earth.

Genres: Science Fiction, Cyberpunk

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Cheruv · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 This was a fantastic addition to his sci-fi world. I would say this was the best of the Slab City stories.
All the other stories tied into this conclusion, and it was fabulous.

[Gary Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been awed by this fantastic series of small novels. Ryan's ability to move from Fantasy to Science Fiction seems effortless. The world building is staggering to have been described in so few words.

Pick up this series, you won't be disappointed.

Bladerunner-esque, detective fiction with lots of action.

[Frank Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to see another installment in this excellent sf/noir series of novellas. Whilst the author seems to want to mostly write middling (imo) fantasy these books are a cut above that and I feel this is more where his muse should take him. You can see my reviews of two of his fantasy books to get a sense of what I am saying.
These are fast-paced with a crystalline edge but still a hint of heart in the middle. This slightly longer installment to end out the sequence is a fine capstone. I devoured it in two sittings as it was very much my jam. I would heartily recommend these to anyone though.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Ryan... erm, Alex McLeod returns! And what a form he displays in this one!
This novel had the best of both worlds. We had crime & detection against a suitably noirish post-utopian backdrop. We had thrilling action and unfurling of truth.
Above all, we had closure (to the extent achievable) through retribution & redemption.
Simply brilliant. Highly recommended.

[Ryan Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Awesome great book even better than the last I t was awesome. W h y do y o u do this.

[Dainis Mazkaļķis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the series. I was desappointed in the ending. The ending was like the author did not care for the characters and was tired of them. He ended the series without any wrap up. I don't think the author realized how rich the characters were and that even if the stories were short they had value.

[Darryl Fortunato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to be disappointed by anything Anthony Ryan has written.