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Raven's Shadow #0.7
Many Are the Dead
“The Faith requires all we have.”
New York Times bestselling author Anthony Ryan returns to the Raven’s Shadow world in this prequel novella set ten years before the events in Blood Song.
For decades the brothers of the Sixth Order have fought a savage war against the Lonak clans amidst the frozen peaks of their Dominion.
When word reaches the north of a fresh outbreak of the dreaded Red Hand, Brother Sollis, the finest swordsman in the Order, leads a small band to a long-abandoned castle in search of a potential cure but discovers a far greater threat lurking in the mountains.
Enemies become allies as Sollis leads an increasingly desperate fight against an inhuman enemy steeped in the power of the Dark.
New York Times bestselling author Anthony Ryan returns to the Raven’s Shadow world in this prequel novella set ten years before the events in Blood Song.
For decades the brothers of the Sixth Order have fought a savage war against the Lonak clans amidst the frozen peaks of their Dominion.
When word reaches the north of a fresh outbreak of the dreaded Red Hand, Brother Sollis, the finest swordsman in the Order, leads a small band to a long-abandoned castle in search of a potential cure but discovers a far greater threat lurking in the mountains.
Enemies become allies as Sollis leads an increasingly desperate fight against an inhuman enemy steeped in the power of the Dark.
115 pages, ebook
First published November 2, 2018
100 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Ryan
89 books9,969 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 73 reviews
October 25, 2018
I received a review copy of Many are the Dead in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Anthony Ryan and my good friend Adrian Collins at Grimdark Magazine.
This tale is set approximately ten years before the action that takes place in Blood Song. The gentleman who becomes Master Sollis, the dude who trains Vaelin Al Sorna is at the forefront of this narrative. This story is only approximately 120-pages but it is pretty excepti0nal. Anyone who has read Blood Song will adore this and honestly, it probably works amazingly as a standalone.
The brothers of the Sixth order, alongside a lady who's been looking for an age to find a cure to this worlds equivalent of the plague venture forth. We have Sollis, the mute Smentil, Oskin, and his pet Red Ears, and the healer Elara amongst others. The cast is very well fleshed out for such a short tale.
It commences with a bloody battle with the Sixth Order fighting their enemies the Lonak's. As trained warriors they succeed but not without casualties. This Lonak warrior nation has a vendetta against our Blue-Cloaked pals.
They travel, a group of 5 including Elera and our bloodhound friend Red Ears to find the necessary weed for the curing of this plague but things don't work out that simply. They meet creatures such as giant apes, shadow-cats and undescribable beasts. These creatures aren't very accommodating... if anything it is the opposite.
I won't say too much more about the story. I don't normally rate short stories high but this is pretty exceptional. Within the 100 or so pages we get to know and care about all of the characters. There are a few deaths and twists which left me shellshocked and absolutely speechless.
Sollis is a brilliant main character. You may remember him from Blood Song as Vaelin's brutal and experienced trainer. Him alongside mute Smentil control the narrative and it is great to see things from their point of view. Sollis was a bit of an arse in Blood Song so it's nice to find out about his roots. Young and talented with a name to gain before he was a master.
The Lonak's and the Sixth order join forces to fight against the Dark and it's brilliant. The shaman character who can make water explode is useful when human's bodies are made up of 55% water. That's a nice skill in a war zone. There are an exceptional few set-pieces that are featured towards the finale. It's brilliantly written and great to be back in this world. To be honest. I adore this and finished it in a day. Highly recommend. x
This tale is set approximately ten years before the action that takes place in Blood Song. The gentleman who becomes Master Sollis, the dude who trains Vaelin Al Sorna is at the forefront of this narrative. This story is only approximately 120-pages but it is pretty excepti0nal. Anyone who has read Blood Song will adore this and honestly, it probably works amazingly as a standalone.
The brothers of the Sixth order, alongside a lady who's been looking for an age to find a cure to this worlds equivalent of the plague venture forth. We have Sollis, the mute Smentil, Oskin, and his pet Red Ears, and the healer Elara amongst others. The cast is very well fleshed out for such a short tale.
It commences with a bloody battle with the Sixth Order fighting their enemies the Lonak's. As trained warriors they succeed but not without casualties. This Lonak warrior nation has a vendetta against our Blue-Cloaked pals.
They travel, a group of 5 including Elera and our bloodhound friend Red Ears to find the necessary weed for the curing of this plague but things don't work out that simply. They meet creatures such as giant apes, shadow-cats and undescribable beasts. These creatures aren't very accommodating... if anything it is the opposite.
I won't say too much more about the story. I don't normally rate short stories high but this is pretty exceptional. Within the 100 or so pages we get to know and care about all of the characters. There are a few deaths and twists which left me shellshocked and absolutely speechless.
Sollis is a brilliant main character. You may remember him from Blood Song as Vaelin's brutal and experienced trainer. Him alongside mute Smentil control the narrative and it is great to see things from their point of view. Sollis was a bit of an arse in Blood Song so it's nice to find out about his roots. Young and talented with a name to gain before he was a master.
The Lonak's and the Sixth order join forces to fight against the Dark and it's brilliant. The shaman character who can make water explode is useful when human's bodies are made up of 55% water. That's a nice skill in a war zone. There are an exceptional few set-pieces that are featured towards the finale. It's brilliantly written and great to be back in this world. To be honest. I adore this and finished it in a day. Highly recommend. x
May 25, 2023
“Many are the dead
Who stand in witness
To our crimes.”
Segundo relato antes de la saga principal Blood Song de Anthony Ryan. Cronológicamente sucede diez años antes de los acontecimientos de The lady of the crows e igual veinte años de Blood Song. Por este motivo yo diría que es el 0.5
“Something stirs, brother, something Dark and terrible. We will be needed. All other needs, or wants, must be set aside”.
Esta es la historia de aquellos hombres de la Sexta Orden (la orden de la Fe) que están en la frontera del norte para vigilar los Lonak (norteños salvajes e infieles). Aquí conocemos (si empiezas por los relatos como yo) a una serie de personajes que una vez que entremos en la historia principal tendrán un rol secundario pero importantísimo en la vida del protagonista.
“What is the point of Faith if it is to be abandoned in the face of adversity. ”
¿Qué puedo decir que no haya dicho ya? El autor escribe de lujo, te sumerge en una historia llena de oscuridad, sangre, compañerismo aventuras y sobre todo personajes grises. He de admitir que al final la historia se me hizo un poco hasta corta y me pareció que podría haberse desarrollado de otra manera, pero estoy satisfecha con lo que he leído y ha provocado que vaya directa al primero de la saga.
“Destiny is a lie. Our lives are what we make of them. ”
Who stand in witness
To our crimes.”
Segundo relato antes de la saga principal Blood Song de Anthony Ryan. Cronológicamente sucede diez años antes de los acontecimientos de The lady of the crows e igual veinte años de Blood Song. Por este motivo yo diría que es el 0.5
“Something stirs, brother, something Dark and terrible. We will be needed. All other needs, or wants, must be set aside”.
Esta es la historia de aquellos hombres de la Sexta Orden (la orden de la Fe) que están en la frontera del norte para vigilar los Lonak (norteños salvajes e infieles). Aquí conocemos (si empiezas por los relatos como yo) a una serie de personajes que una vez que entremos en la historia principal tendrán un rol secundario pero importantísimo en la vida del protagonista.
“What is the point of Faith if it is to be abandoned in the face of adversity. ”
¿Qué puedo decir que no haya dicho ya? El autor escribe de lujo, te sumerge en una historia llena de oscuridad, sangre, compañerismo aventuras y sobre todo personajes grises. He de admitir que al final la historia se me hizo un poco hasta corta y me pareció que podría haberse desarrollado de otra manera, pero estoy satisfecha con lo que he leído y ha provocado que vaya directa al primero de la saga.
“Destiny is a lie. Our lives are what we make of them. ”
May 16, 2023
Great story in this universe, set a few years before Vaelin joined the Sixth Order, featuring brothers Sollis and Smentil, as well as Sister Elera and a few other familiar characters. Masterfully crafted, follows their quest in the Lonak dominion, which by that time were their ultimate enemies. Loved it!
June 29, 2025
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this novella! Not that I would be surprised by Anthony Ryan writing a good story, because I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Song and have been eager to return to his gritty, bleak military fantasy world. But novellas tend to be hit or miss for me. And this one was mostly a hit!
Instantly recognizable character archetypes and some classic fantasy vibes alongside the grim setting and conflict. Suspense, action, and high stakes.
Great read for anyone interested in a bit of a prequel to his Raven's Shadow series.
Instantly recognizable character archetypes and some classic fantasy vibes alongside the grim setting and conflict. Suspense, action, and high stakes.
Great read for anyone interested in a bit of a prequel to his Raven's Shadow series.
April 17, 2023
This is the second of two prequel novellas in the Raven's Shadow series.
Events here take place a decade before those focused on in the first full-length series instalment. Details of the war and plague ravaging the land are provided, as is a focus on one of the orders, the Sixth, charged with protecting it. Brother Sollis, the finest swordsman in this Order, leads a mission for a prospective cure but comes across new enemies as he gets nearer to it.
This was an intricate and entertaining read which I tore through it one sitting. It was more detailed than anticipated, given that it was a prequel, so may have been understood more if read at a later date but I was enthralled with all I did understand, now. I loved learning about the mission and all the elements that arose to stall it. It, as already mentioned, was rather complex but the pacing never suffered for it.
Events here take place a decade before those focused on in the first full-length series instalment. Details of the war and plague ravaging the land are provided, as is a focus on one of the orders, the Sixth, charged with protecting it. Brother Sollis, the finest swordsman in this Order, leads a mission for a prospective cure but comes across new enemies as he gets nearer to it.
This was an intricate and entertaining read which I tore through it one sitting. It was more detailed than anticipated, given that it was a prequel, so may have been understood more if read at a later date but I was enthralled with all I did understand, now. I loved learning about the mission and all the elements that arose to stall it. It, as already mentioned, was rather complex but the pacing never suffered for it.
November 4, 2018
4.5 out of 5. I rarely read novellas, finding them to be barebones and straightforward to the point of boredom. And, while Many Are the Dead was fairly straightforward, it was extremely well-written and well-characterized.
I enjoyed seeing some old friends, and appreciated the similar feel with the full series, particularly Blood Raven. Sollis, the POV character, had always been one of my favorites, and hearing about his adventures was a good time. For fans of Blood Raven, I'd highly recommend this short read.
I enjoyed seeing some old friends, and appreciated the similar feel with the full series, particularly Blood Raven. Sollis, the POV character, had always been one of my favorites, and hearing about his adventures was a good time. For fans of Blood Raven, I'd highly recommend this short read.
December 4, 2018
3.5 ⭐️ roundup. Review to follow
October 26, 2018
This is more like Blood Song than the other two books in the Raven's Shadow trilogy, so it's damn good.
December 8, 2018
Actual rating: 3.50
February 12, 2019
3.5 stars. A solid enough story, it definitely brought (back) the Raven's Shadow's world to a more positive light, at least for me. I like most of the characters, especially the Brothers and obviously the hound. The plot is simple, yet it's still unclear to me about the purpose of one of the macguffins. Moreover, there's a tad bit too many animal deaths here. However, it was an easy read, action-packed, and most importantly, has the same feel as the excellent Blood Song. I would welcome more stories about the Sixth Order.
Many thanks for Anthony Ryan for the copy!
Many thanks for Anthony Ryan for the copy!
December 11, 2018
This is a story about a borderland outpost with a quest to find help in the shape of a plant. Action packed in each paragraph. A must read for Anthony Ryan's fan.
April 10, 2019
"Destiny is a lie," Sollis Said. "Our lives are what we make of them."
A wonderful novella about Brother Sollis the stern Swordmaster of the Sixth Order during his younger years.
This little novel reminded me the awesomeness The Raven's Shadow; I'll maybe reread those books in the near future. Anthony Ryan is a great author and I totally recommend his books.
Seriously, Blood Song is one of the best fantasy books I've ever read, and I think that every fan of fantasy novels should read it.
Thank me later (?)
A wonderful novella about Brother Sollis the stern Swordmaster of the Sixth Order during his younger years.
This little novel reminded me the awesomeness The Raven's Shadow; I'll maybe reread those books in the near future. Anthony Ryan is a great author and I totally recommend his books.
Seriously, Blood Song is one of the best fantasy books I've ever read, and I think that every fan of fantasy novels should read it.
Thank me later (?)
July 1, 2020
3.5*. Decent story. Terrible (paltry) baddies.
June 17, 2021
Fun addition to the world
Enjoyable little novella that was a good side story in this world. Would be anxious to read more about these characters and that woman who used the Dark.
Enjoyable little novella that was a good side story in this world. Would be anxious to read more about these characters and that woman who used the Dark.
November 13, 2021
Beautiful, engaging, enthralling
….as you’d expect from a master storyteller — and you can read it in an evening.
It’s so long since I read the books this pertains to that I don’t remember the details, but the characters have a life of their own, the world is intact in and of itself and the arc is tightly beautiful. Magical stuff. Well worth a read.
….as you’d expect from a master storyteller — and you can read it in an evening.
It’s so long since I read the books this pertains to that I don’t remember the details, but the characters have a life of their own, the world is intact in and of itself and the arc is tightly beautiful. Magical stuff. Well worth a read.
December 3, 2018
A nice prequel, an easy enough read and sticks with one POV which works well
September 8, 2025
It was ok. one thing that has nothing to do with the quality of the book and is probably due to a lack of an editor is the fact that the author uses the wrong pronouns for characters multiple times in this novel, to the point where I was questioning if it was a deliberate choice. Is Anthony Ryan just completely blind to gender? how progressive of him, or something, lol.
July 18, 2023
pretty good book, lots of action, interesting characters and story. Maybe because it's a short prelude to the series but I felt I was missing some information. Hopefully that will clear up in Blood Song
Read
July 5, 2025No rating because this was a short story/novella set in a larger universe. I didn’t really know what was going on but the plot was interesting. Apparently this takes place 10 years before the events in book 1 so I’ll probably reread after I finish it.
March 16, 2019
3.5 Stars
November 26, 2025
3 Stars★★★☆☆
For a full review on the prior full length novel, Blood Song, check out: https://medium.com/hooked-on-books/bl...
As a big fan of Anthony Ryan's other novellas (Fire Wings and The Seven Swords series), I was excited for a novella set in the Raven's Shadow's wider world that I'd just finished the first book of. Having it recommended to read after Blood Song definitely seemed like the right placement in reading order as it takes information from the first book while alluding to future entries.
Regarding the story itself, many elements that make up the story are fantastic: a smaller-scale adventure taking place in treacherous mountains, lots of threats and perils plaguing the protagonists, and a quest to find a plant all aid to the overall enjoyment of this shorter story. But beyond this setup, the actual tangibility of the characters is less so. While learning about Sollis and Sister Elara is warranted and welcomed, we definitely get very little in terms of actual progression or interesting exploration. If the cast had just included Sollis, Elara, Verkehla, and the main antagonist, I think the character work would've been there to fill the page count justifiably. As is, the wider cast felt like it took away from the main attraction and left it hanging a bit more than necessary. This is an enjoyable tale, but it doesn't satisfy like many of Ryan's other works.
For a full review on the prior full length novel, Blood Song, check out: https://medium.com/hooked-on-books/bl...
As a big fan of Anthony Ryan's other novellas (Fire Wings and The Seven Swords series), I was excited for a novella set in the Raven's Shadow's wider world that I'd just finished the first book of. Having it recommended to read after Blood Song definitely seemed like the right placement in reading order as it takes information from the first book while alluding to future entries.
Regarding the story itself, many elements that make up the story are fantastic: a smaller-scale adventure taking place in treacherous mountains, lots of threats and perils plaguing the protagonists, and a quest to find a plant all aid to the overall enjoyment of this shorter story. But beyond this setup, the actual tangibility of the characters is less so. While learning about Sollis and Sister Elara is warranted and welcomed, we definitely get very little in terms of actual progression or interesting exploration. If the cast had just included Sollis, Elara, Verkehla, and the main antagonist, I think the character work would've been there to fill the page count justifiably. As is, the wider cast felt like it took away from the main attraction and left it hanging a bit more than necessary. This is an enjoyable tale, but it doesn't satisfy like many of Ryan's other works.
February 11, 2023
4.5 in a category that I’m not trying to collect, but my friends at GR all seem to enjoy. Certainly fantasy and war is preferable y romance IMHO, so keep recommending, you may win me over yet! :-)
February 19, 2019
It was wonderful to revisit the characters and world from Mr. Ryan's debut series THE RAVEN'S SHADOW.
In this tale, the character who becomes Master Sollis, trainer to Vaelin Al Sorna in THE RAVEN'S SHADOW series is the main character. Grumpy, a bit sullen, and cares so much about everything!
It's a short story and excellent, as I've come to expect of Mr. Ryan's work. If you read Blood Song, you'll probably love reading this one too, it takes place a bit earlier than the goings on in Blood Song, so it's technically a prequel novella, though it's fantastic as a standalone or even an introduction to Mr. Ryan's work.
Bloody battles, hard choices, tortured characters, inter-cultural misunderstandings and conflicts, epic journeys, voracious beasts, it's all here in this novella.
As always, Mr. Ryan made me care about his characters, and made me really feel for who Sollis was (considering I didn't like him much in Raven's Shadow, that's a feat in and of itself.)
Highly recommend.
In this tale, the character who becomes Master Sollis, trainer to Vaelin Al Sorna in THE RAVEN'S SHADOW series is the main character. Grumpy, a bit sullen, and cares so much about everything!
It's a short story and excellent, as I've come to expect of Mr. Ryan's work. If you read Blood Song, you'll probably love reading this one too, it takes place a bit earlier than the goings on in Blood Song, so it's technically a prequel novella, though it's fantastic as a standalone or even an introduction to Mr. Ryan's work.
Bloody battles, hard choices, tortured characters, inter-cultural misunderstandings and conflicts, epic journeys, voracious beasts, it's all here in this novella.
As always, Mr. Ryan made me care about his characters, and made me really feel for who Sollis was (considering I didn't like him much in Raven's Shadow, that's a feat in and of itself.)
Highly recommend.
November 2, 2018
Many are the Dead is a phenomenal prequel extension of the Raven’s Shadow world extending the tale of brother Sollis, the sixth order’s sword master. I found this tale an action packed page turner that did much to add to the lore of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy, including many nods to that story arc that made me smile. I’d recommend this book to any fan of Anthony Ryan as well as any who are looking for a quick read and want to try mister Ryan’s work.
November 10, 2018
I really enjoyed it.
just before reading this I read the Lord Collector/Duel of Evils novellas and I have to say I saw an overall improvement, not saying the other ones were bad, I just like the flow and setting of this book a lot more.
It gives a nice background to the characters and it makes it more clear why they are the way they are (sorry for butchering the english language) in the ravenshadow saga.
I can highly recommend reading it, its an quick and easy read without being boring.
just before reading this I read the Lord Collector/Duel of Evils novellas and I have to say I saw an overall improvement, not saying the other ones were bad, I just like the flow and setting of this book a lot more.
It gives a nice background to the characters and it makes it more clear why they are the way they are (sorry for butchering the english language) in the ravenshadow saga.
I can highly recommend reading it, its an quick and easy read without being boring.
February 5, 2019
Many Are the Dead, is the second chronological novella set 10 years before Raven’s Shadow.
This 132-page self-contained story really worked for me. I found the story compelling, the characters interesting, each step of the way, I wanted to find out more about what was going to happen next. The plot is straight forward and quickly paced. This was a satisfying way to spend a few hours. Highly recommend.
This 132-page self-contained story really worked for me. I found the story compelling, the characters interesting, each step of the way, I wanted to find out more about what was going to happen next. The plot is straight forward and quickly paced. This was a satisfying way to spend a few hours. Highly recommend.
September 4, 2020
A great short story by a fantastic author, Anthony Ryan. His style and descriptive story with amazing characterization of the character are top notch.
I look forward to starting on his new series, The Wolf’s Call, Book One of The Raven’s Blade that features the ongoing character, Valen Al Sorna.
I highly recommend this writer to fantasy lovers.
I look forward to starting on his new series, The Wolf’s Call, Book One of The Raven’s Blade that features the ongoing character, Valen Al Sorna.
I highly recommend this writer to fantasy lovers.
November 16, 2018
As a fan of Blood Song, indeed I do love this novella. Now I want to marry Brother Sollis, too.
November 19, 2018
Great experience returning to a much-loved, fully realized world with well-developed characters in a descriptive, action-packed narrative.
April 3, 2019
I like Sollis's story line - wish we had a little more of it in Blood Song - or even a full length prequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews