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The Seven Swords #4
To Blackfyre Keep
GUYIME—DEMON CURSED WIELDER OF THE NAMELESS BLADE—FOLLOWS THE TRAIL OF THE FABLED SEVEN SWORDS INTO THE TROUBLED NORTHLANDS, A REALM WHERE HE WAS ONCE CALLED KING…AND RAVAGER.
Magically guided to enlist in the retinue of a lovesick knight, Guyime and his companions journey to the haunted ruin of Blackfyre Keep, a castle legend tells cannot be held. But a far deadlier threat than mere ghosts awaits. An ancient evil has been conjured and to defeat it Guyime may be forced to become the monster he used to be—the Ravager reborn.
Continuing the epic adventure of The Seven Swords, To Blackfyre Keep is an enthralling tale of creeping menace and pulse pounding action from New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and Draconis Memoria trilogies.
Magically guided to enlist in the retinue of a lovesick knight, Guyime and his companions journey to the haunted ruin of Blackfyre Keep, a castle legend tells cannot be held. But a far deadlier threat than mere ghosts awaits. An ancient evil has been conjured and to defeat it Guyime may be forced to become the monster he used to be—the Ravager reborn.
Continuing the epic adventure of The Seven Swords, To Blackfyre Keep is an enthralling tale of creeping menace and pulse pounding action from New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and Draconis Memoria trilogies.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
106 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Ryan
89 books9,960 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 72 reviews
January 21, 2024
RELECTURA
+4
“These people follow my path for their own reasons. I do not compel them, not could if I wished it, for they are all powerfull, as are you,my lord”.
Poco tengo que decir que no haya dicho ya de este autor ni esta saga.
Me ha gustado incluso más que la primera vez y cada vez le voy cogiendo más cariño a los personajes.
Una gozada.
I LECTURA
+4
“Some who claim wisdom will advise that we must embrace death For death is but a part of the eternal circle.
They are wrong.
Death must be shunned.
Death must be denied.
Death must be despised and fought with every last mote of strenght we possess.
For in embracing death, you reject life, the only true gift you will ever receive.”
Cuarta parte de esta mini saga de Anthony Ryan. Yo me he convertido ya en su fan (tanto que en este momento estoy leyendo su primera saga con historias cortas y estoy enamorada).
En cuanto a esta novela tengo poco que decir sin destripar la historia. Solo diré que cada vez se pone más interesante, aunque yo me quedo con el argumento del tercer libro, lo siento ha sido mi punto débil y es mi favorito hasta la fecha.
Tengo demasiadas ganas de leer el quinto, necesito respuestas. Hasta entonces tengo más libros que catar de él.
“Why win when you can run?”
+4
“These people follow my path for their own reasons. I do not compel them, not could if I wished it, for they are all powerfull, as are you,my lord”.
Poco tengo que decir que no haya dicho ya de este autor ni esta saga.
Me ha gustado incluso más que la primera vez y cada vez le voy cogiendo más cariño a los personajes.
Una gozada.
I LECTURA
+4
“Some who claim wisdom will advise that we must embrace death For death is but a part of the eternal circle.
They are wrong.
Death must be shunned.
Death must be denied.
Death must be despised and fought with every last mote of strenght we possess.
For in embracing death, you reject life, the only true gift you will ever receive.”
Cuarta parte de esta mini saga de Anthony Ryan. Yo me he convertido ya en su fan (tanto que en este momento estoy leyendo su primera saga con historias cortas y estoy enamorada).
En cuanto a esta novela tengo poco que decir sin destripar la historia. Solo diré que cada vez se pone más interesante, aunque yo me quedo con el argumento del tercer libro, lo siento ha sido mi punto débil y es mi favorito hasta la fecha.
Tengo demasiadas ganas de leer el quinto, necesito respuestas. Hasta entonces tengo más libros que catar de él.
“Why win when you can run?”
December 10, 2022
As pilgrim moves across the country looking for the Seven Swords, he also has more people in his following. For ever sword he finds some one new holds that sword. This story was well put together. Ready for the next in line.
November 9, 2025
This book continues on and we find our group scaling the northern peaks and on to their next destination to claim another sword and perhaps save a daughter.
The characters are by now a unit and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses which is easy to see in the way the story begins. I liked the camaraderie that the group has with each other and also the sarcasm of the blade. The world is very rich and imaginative as is the action and sword play.
I’m really enjoying this series of books. There’s so much action and adventure crammed into a short amount of time it’s a testament to the author’s skill that it’s never predictable but full of surprises at each turn. I eagerly look forward to the next.
The characters are by now a unit and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses which is easy to see in the way the story begins. I liked the camaraderie that the group has with each other and also the sarcasm of the blade. The world is very rich and imaginative as is the action and sword play.
I’m really enjoying this series of books. There’s so much action and adventure crammed into a short amount of time it’s a testament to the author’s skill that it’s never predictable but full of surprises at each turn. I eagerly look forward to the next.
November 13, 2022
Ratings:- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 31, 2022
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
I like this book a lot more than the previous 3, maybe because the storyline was pretty straightforward, but also because our (un)merry band of curse sword bearers got a lot more character development here. I admit that I hadn't been particularly impressed when I had picked up the first book in the series, but this is getting better and better with each installment.
The world is what fascinates me the most here. It's complex and layered, with countries and regions that have a very distinct feeling. I enjoyed exploring them in each consecutive book. And the purpose of the seven cursed swords is more and more intriguing.
I also liked how Guiome is evolving from book to book. He starts to care about people who journey with him and not just his quest anymore. He also got a dose of humility in this book when he discovered just how much he actually came to rely on the power of his cursed sword over the years. Curse as he may their arrangement, without the magic of the sword to keep him alive, he is just a man. Still strong and formidable, but ultimately killable.
I am also very sad for Seeker if what is hinted about her daughter is true. It would destroy her if she finally catches up to her child only to discover that she is just a shell inhabited by a demon. Having to kill that demon would probably shred her soul as well.
I'm also happy we learned a bit about why the druid decided to join our band of adventurers. And he was a lot less annoying (and a lot more helpful) in this story.
And of course the addition of a new traveling companion, the Cursed Knight. I can't wait to see how that plays out in the next book.
Yes, I am loving this series better and better with each book and I can't wait to pick up the next one once it comes out.
PS: I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like this book a lot more than the previous 3, maybe because the storyline was pretty straightforward, but also because our (un)merry band of curse sword bearers got a lot more character development here. I admit that I hadn't been particularly impressed when I had picked up the first book in the series, but this is getting better and better with each installment.
The world is what fascinates me the most here. It's complex and layered, with countries and regions that have a very distinct feeling. I enjoyed exploring them in each consecutive book. And the purpose of the seven cursed swords is more and more intriguing.
I also liked how Guiome is evolving from book to book. He starts to care about people who journey with him and not just his quest anymore. He also got a dose of humility in this book when he discovered just how much he actually came to rely on the power of his cursed sword over the years. Curse as he may their arrangement, without the magic of the sword to keep him alive, he is just a man. Still strong and formidable, but ultimately killable.
I am also very sad for Seeker if what is hinted about her daughter is true. It would destroy her if she finally catches up to her child only to discover that she is just a shell inhabited by a demon. Having to kill that demon would probably shred her soul as well.
I'm also happy we learned a bit about why the druid decided to join our band of adventurers. And he was a lot less annoying (and a lot more helpful) in this story.
And of course the addition of a new traveling companion, the Cursed Knight. I can't wait to see how that plays out in the next book.
Yes, I am loving this series better and better with each book and I can't wait to pick up the next one once it comes out.
PS: I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
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For more reviews, go to www.wolfmantula.com/book-reviews
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
I really enjoy that Ryan continues to give a different fantasy style of story with each addition of the series. With book 4, he introduces a perilous siege against an army of the dead, aka dire-wights. The more I read this, the more it feels like a quest video game. As I’ve been playing Elder Scrolls Online quite a bit, I find myself constantly putting these two together. With Ryan’s story telling and the vivid imagery of the games, this is just clear as day to see in my head.
“To love fiercely and not be loved in return is a more terrible curse than anything a demon could conjure.”
The character development was the best so far in the series, almost taking center stage. Watching Guyime evolve in each novella, particularly this one, has been terrific story telling. The banter between Guyime and Lakorath continues to be great, as well as the banter between Guyime and the other characters. Getting to know each one of them a little more along with an action packed story made me love this story. Seeker and her story of searching for her daughter is starting to tie in into the broader story which is also made this so much better!
Something that I didn’t mention in previous reviews is that I like how Ryan keeps adding to the group with each sword comes a new bearer of a sword and a new member of the group as they continue to collect all seven. And finally, the narration by Steven Brand also continues to be a bright spot in this dark fantasy world of Mr. Ryan’s!
For more reviews, go to www.wolfmantula.com/book-reviews
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
I really enjoy that Ryan continues to give a different fantasy style of story with each addition of the series. With book 4, he introduces a perilous siege against an army of the dead, aka dire-wights. The more I read this, the more it feels like a quest video game. As I’ve been playing Elder Scrolls Online quite a bit, I find myself constantly putting these two together. With Ryan’s story telling and the vivid imagery of the games, this is just clear as day to see in my head.
“To love fiercely and not be loved in return is a more terrible curse than anything a demon could conjure.”
The character development was the best so far in the series, almost taking center stage. Watching Guyime evolve in each novella, particularly this one, has been terrific story telling. The banter between Guyime and Lakorath continues to be great, as well as the banter between Guyime and the other characters. Getting to know each one of them a little more along with an action packed story made me love this story. Seeker and her story of searching for her daughter is starting to tie in into the broader story which is also made this so much better!
Something that I didn’t mention in previous reviews is that I like how Ryan keeps adding to the group with each sword comes a new bearer of a sword and a new member of the group as they continue to collect all seven. And finally, the narration by Steven Brand also continues to be a bright spot in this dark fantasy world of Mr. Ryan’s!
June 24, 2023
This book was worth the wait! After the "we're stuck in the city" and "we're investigating" scenes in the previous one, this book was full of excitement, fighting, mystery and horror. It reminded me of the A Pilgrimage of Swords book. And there was no shortage of humor alongside the seriousness.
The series is getting more and more exciting, because more and more things are revealed about the demons of the swords. But Guyime's past is also getting more and more interesting. I felt that the friendship between the characters developed more and more in this one. It became my absolute favorite. I'm glad that only the previous one was a bit boring for me.
The series is getting more and more exciting, because more and more things are revealed about the demons of the swords. But Guyime's past is also getting more and more interesting. I felt that the friendship between the characters developed more and more in this one. It became my absolute favorite. I'm glad that only the previous one was a bit boring for me.
November 26, 2025
3.5 Stars★★★✯☆ - The 4th book takes the ongoing story in a new direction
For the full review (and the other entries' reviews), check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
As is the case with the three previous entries in this series, Anthony Ryan's mainstay elements are equally present here. It is a fun new task that showcases a significant threat for the ever-growing party to defeat. A sense of adventure, peril, and mystery surrounding the characters, circumstances, and swords they all use and are bound to. A story that builds effectively to a crescendo of action and a climax that is exciting and wonderfully engrossing to finish. Basically, if you like refined and far-more intelligent DnD campaigns, this series will just work for you. It's not epic per say, but it knows what it is and stays firmly in its lane. By book four, it firmly keeps the attention and effectiveness of storytelling at the top. This is a series that you just have to hold on and enjoy the ride with!
To Blackfyre Keep is a wonderful fourth entry in my favorite ongoing novella series. While it doesn't reach the heights of the previous two entries mostly due to less character work, it is still a fantastically enjoyable entry that progresses the greater story in satisfying ways and unfolds a smaller narrative that is equally compelling. I really enjoyed getting to see Guyime's relationship with Orsena and Lorweth develop and also see a bit of Guyime's ashamed historical characteristics come to the forefront. I do think that the story spent a few too many pages outlining a mystery that you know is coming due to the cover, it handles this trope in a way that is still original enough to enjoy the implementation. Without doubt it maintains my excitement for the next entry and continues the high quality episodic adventures that are now familiar. By this point, it's just so fun to see what comes next.
For the full review (and the other entries' reviews), check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
As is the case with the three previous entries in this series, Anthony Ryan's mainstay elements are equally present here. It is a fun new task that showcases a significant threat for the ever-growing party to defeat. A sense of adventure, peril, and mystery surrounding the characters, circumstances, and swords they all use and are bound to. A story that builds effectively to a crescendo of action and a climax that is exciting and wonderfully engrossing to finish. Basically, if you like refined and far-more intelligent DnD campaigns, this series will just work for you. It's not epic per say, but it knows what it is and stays firmly in its lane. By book four, it firmly keeps the attention and effectiveness of storytelling at the top. This is a series that you just have to hold on and enjoy the ride with!
To Blackfyre Keep is a wonderful fourth entry in my favorite ongoing novella series. While it doesn't reach the heights of the previous two entries mostly due to less character work, it is still a fantastically enjoyable entry that progresses the greater story in satisfying ways and unfolds a smaller narrative that is equally compelling. I really enjoyed getting to see Guyime's relationship with Orsena and Lorweth develop and also see a bit of Guyime's ashamed historical characteristics come to the forefront. I do think that the story spent a few too many pages outlining a mystery that you know is coming due to the cover, it handles this trope in a way that is still original enough to enjoy the implementation. Without doubt it maintains my excitement for the next entry and continues the high quality episodic adventures that are now familiar. By this point, it's just so fun to see what comes next.
December 21, 2022
This is a great novella series, on par with Dunk & Egg, Penric and Desdemona and Murderbot. Nice to have another series to keep track of. This tale has our group of cursed sword bearers seek out yet another sword with the help of a Knight seeking to reclaim a cursed castle to win the love of a Lady.
July 15, 2024
Anthony Ryan dedica este libro a George A. Romero y es un gran homenaje a las historias de zombies, pero en clave de fantasía grimdark.
Fue el que menos me gustó de esta saga de novelas cortas porque en las demás estos homenajes a otros creadores no enlentecen la historia principal relacionada con la búsqueda de las siete espadas malditas.
En este libro, los peregrinos pasan casi todo el libro defendiendo un castillo en ruinas que es atacado por zombies y recién en el último capítulo se retoma la trama principal de la saga.
No me aburrió y es un libro corto, pero no me encantó como las novelas anteriores.
Fue el que menos me gustó de esta saga de novelas cortas porque en las demás estos homenajes a otros creadores no enlentecen la historia principal relacionada con la búsqueda de las siete espadas malditas.
En este libro, los peregrinos pasan casi todo el libro defendiendo un castillo en ruinas que es atacado por zombies y recién en el último capítulo se retoma la trama principal de la saga.
No me aburrió y es un libro corto, pero no me encantó como las novelas anteriores.
April 22, 2023
The Fourth Book in Seven Swords series proved to be the best of the lot, so far. It had a linear plot, with minimum politics, some introspection and past, while making us sit straight with maximum horror.
And now we wait for the fifth book.
In the meanwhile, this one is highly recommended to followers and fellow pilgrims of the Ravager.
And now we wait for the fifth book.
In the meanwhile, this one is highly recommended to followers and fellow pilgrims of the Ravager.
November 4, 2025
8 / 10
Another great book in this series of novellas. This time it's about defending a castle while surviving against really awful odds. To Blackfyre Keep reads like a modern perfect blend of Robert E. Howard's Conan stories and David Gemmell's Druss books.
I can't wait to continue with this series and see where the next adventure takes our characters! Needless to say, if you liked the first three books, you should continue with this one! Highly recommended!
8 / 10
Another great book in this series of novellas. This time it's about defending a castle while surviving against really awful odds. To Blackfyre Keep reads like a modern perfect blend of Robert E. Howard's Conan stories and David Gemmell's Druss books.
I can't wait to continue with this series and see where the next adventure takes our characters! Needless to say, if you liked the first three books, you should continue with this one! Highly recommended!
8 / 10
December 24, 2022
4 Stars!
I'm really enjoying these novellas. To Blackfyre Keep is action packed and kept the pages turning.
I'm really enjoying these novellas. To Blackfyre Keep is action packed and kept the pages turning.
August 1, 2025
Wat een vervolg weer! een geweldig avontuur voor Heer Guyime en zijn reisgenoten. Geen bladzijde is saai. Ook deze is een echte aanrader.
November 15, 2025
de beste tot nu toe 😎
December 24, 2022
3.5
This series continues to be quite entertaining. I enjoyed this installment. I kind of wish we got to spend a little more time exploring like death magic and the sword, but I do not feel like we really got that. This one felt almost rushed compared to the previous books in the series.
This series continues to be quite entertaining. I enjoyed this installment. I kind of wish we got to spend a little more time exploring like death magic and the sword, but I do not feel like we really got that. This one felt almost rushed compared to the previous books in the series.
November 30, 2022
Fourth book in the Seven Swords series, excellent story telling, great characters and plenty of action. Just brilliant and I can wait to read the next book.
July 20, 2025
3.5✨️
November 4, 2025
More action in this story. A bit darker than the last installment but they are all pretty dark. I missed having the demon around for a good portion of the story but liked getting a little more background to the hero.
October 4, 2022
Note - When is this going to be available in ebook/audio format? I cannot locate any information on those release dates and I'd love to have my digital edition and my husband and friends really want to read this? Does anyone at all know?!
Source: NetGalley! Many thanks to the publisher as always!
TL;DR: Honestly, if you're keeping up with this series this is a must read. Stronger than the third for sure.
Plot: Very interesting, tense, and keeps you reading
Characters: I wish we had more of a few of our established characters, but our newest addition to the 'party' has me very intrigued.
Setting: Super creepy, very different from the other books
Magic: The newest sword has a predictable magic (just based on that cover) but I love it all the same.
Thoughts:
Pilgrim and Seeker are continuing their journey chasing down the Seven Swords in To Blackfyre Keep. This book takes place a short time after the ending of City of Songs, and our party has grown to a group of fourth (plus a fuzzy kitty) and opens with a bang. I can't give too big a summary of this book or the previous ones if you haven't read it but I recommend them greatly. It's a series of short novellas in the classic quest format of a man and his compatriots seeking seven demon possessed swords.
To Blackfyre Keep is an excellent addition to the series. In fact it may be one of my favorite so far, which I do chalk up to the fact that's very action and tense where the past two have seemed a bit more city set and had a hair more politics. Pilgrim and the crew get themselves hired on as 'mercenaries' to help a young lord take back a Keep that they also need to investigate. Quickly it becomes obvious there is dark magic at work here, at the Blackfyre Keep of the title. I'll give you a hint - the cover is pretty literal.
One of the highlights of this book for me was there were far more displays of power by the one sword in particular we hadn't seen much of (the most recent addition to the group from the last book). The abilities the demon within it has are fascinating and the snips of it's personality we hear about are also fun (and the flexibility of the gender of this demon immediately made it a favorite of mine). Additionally we find out about another sword, that is borne by the character the group is chasing - and it sounds horrifying. The tension is raised with this knowledge drop and we see the toll this takes on one particular person in particular.
Finally the conclusion of this story introduces us to a new party member - one who may have far more secrets than they started out with. This was the strongest book for me since the first one, which is hard to say since I have genuinely loved all these short books. Keep in mind all of these are roughly under 200 pages so everything is a fast drop or punch of information by Mr. Ryan handles it beautifully and the end story feels vivid and real.
5 Demon Cursed Blades out of 5
Source: NetGalley! Many thanks to the publisher as always!
TL;DR: Honestly, if you're keeping up with this series this is a must read. Stronger than the third for sure.
Plot: Very interesting, tense, and keeps you reading
Characters: I wish we had more of a few of our established characters, but our newest addition to the 'party' has me very intrigued.
Setting: Super creepy, very different from the other books
Magic: The newest sword has a predictable magic (just based on that cover) but I love it all the same.
Thoughts:
Pilgrim and Seeker are continuing their journey chasing down the Seven Swords in To Blackfyre Keep. This book takes place a short time after the ending of City of Songs, and our party has grown to a group of fourth (plus a fuzzy kitty) and opens with a bang. I can't give too big a summary of this book or the previous ones if you haven't read it but I recommend them greatly. It's a series of short novellas in the classic quest format of a man and his compatriots seeking seven demon possessed swords.
To Blackfyre Keep is an excellent addition to the series. In fact it may be one of my favorite so far, which I do chalk up to the fact that's very action and tense where the past two have seemed a bit more city set and had a hair more politics. Pilgrim and the crew get themselves hired on as 'mercenaries' to help a young lord take back a Keep that they also need to investigate. Quickly it becomes obvious there is dark magic at work here, at the Blackfyre Keep of the title. I'll give you a hint - the cover is pretty literal.
One of the highlights of this book for me was there were far more displays of power by the one sword in particular we hadn't seen much of (the most recent addition to the group from the last book). The abilities the demon within it has are fascinating and the snips of it's personality we hear about are also fun (and the flexibility of the gender of this demon immediately made it a favorite of mine). Additionally we find out about another sword, that is borne by the character the group is chasing - and it sounds horrifying. The tension is raised with this knowledge drop and we see the toll this takes on one particular person in particular.
Finally the conclusion of this story introduces us to a new party member - one who may have far more secrets than they started out with. This was the strongest book for me since the first one, which is hard to say since I have genuinely loved all these short books. Keep in mind all of these are roughly under 200 pages so everything is a fast drop or punch of information by Mr. Ryan handles it beautifully and the end story feels vivid and real.
5 Demon Cursed Blades out of 5
July 23, 2022
I've enjoyed this book more than the previous three. I'm not sure if it's because of the simple storyline, but the world and the plot is always captivating. I wished I've paid more attention to the characters in the previous 2 books since they became more prominent in this. I always imagined this book as a video game filled with quests and adventures, where every landscape offers a different kind of trouble. Having watched the Witches series on Netflix, Guyime also reminded me so much of Geralt.
The writing was also exceptionally well-done, and I've enjoyed most of the action sequences. The words just flowed smoothly with the story and the pacing. I've yet to experience reading other Anthony Ryan's books.
I'm already looking forward for the 5th book. I think we have 3 more swords to find. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an eARC copy of this book.
The writing was also exceptionally well-done, and I've enjoyed most of the action sequences. The words just flowed smoothly with the story and the pacing. I've yet to experience reading other Anthony Ryan's books.
I'm already looking forward for the 5th book. I think we have 3 more swords to find. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an eARC copy of this book.
January 5, 2023
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
The fourth installment in the 'Seven Swords' novella series finds our increasing group of characters (with the addition of Ultria, the living statue from City of Souls) still on the trail of Seeker's daughter Ekiri - and getting closer as evidence of her passing is becoming more and more clear.In the story our group travels to Blackfyre Keep, a supposedly cursed castle that a young knight has promised to hold for a year in order to win his lady love. Our characters join his group as evidence of the location of Ekiri and the next blade points to the same location.
Of the four stories so far, this one is perhaps the most traditional and in-style of Anthony Ryan. There's no mystery to speak of and the action based more on army combat and siege rather than individual battles. The one trope of Ryan that I do not enjoy - armies of zombie-like (brainless, evil, unthinking) fodder makes an appearance, which I hope will stay in a small role. That type of action I've read about all too much already.
As before, we learn a bit more of Guyime and his history. While a bit of his charm is the mysterious grim character we met in book one, so far this exposition has not made him boring or unlikable.
At its core, the series is still a travel story of a group moving through a diverse world with new places, cultures and people around every corner. I love that the world feels large and diverse and that action always takes place in a new setting. It is still my favorite series by Anthony Ryan, even if this installment is perhaps a bit weaker than the earlier three. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
June 7, 2022
To BlackFyre Keep by Anthony Ryan(Seven Swords #4)- In this fourth novella in the Seven Swords Saga, Guyime and his followers have joined up with a young knight and his men-at-arms, who are traveling to an ancient castle know as Blackfyre Keep. Since they were directed to go this way by their magical map, the adventurers fall in with the soldiers. Upon reaching their destination, nothing but ruins can be found and the area is empty of any signs of life. This all changes when the former inhabitants come streaming out of the nearby lake with green fire in their eyes and death on their breath. A perilous siege occurs and the adventurers and soldiers are forced to fight for their lives. A little darker, no more violent than the first three entries, but pulse-pounding and filled with dread. I enjoy these short but vibrant books of Anthony Ryan as well as his longer works, and am looking forward to the next three installments of this series. Thanks to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for this exciting ARC!
November 30, 2022
Death awaits everyone, and for Guyime, Seeker, and the rest of the band, it eagerly awaits in the high mountain passes and muddy tracks of the Northlands. But they're not going to let it claim any life.
To Blackfyre Keep starts with the crew hiking up the northern mountains, but the view when they reach the fortress isn't as they expected. Guyime anticipated seeing men, but what he sees are stragglers at the end of their rope. It seems destruction has come to the recently peaceful North, and the nexus seems to be Seeker's daughter.
And though the signs point towards evil, the party has to go on. They trudge past the fortress to enter a land that's cold and desolate as far as the eye can see. And the map wants the party to go past that area of knowingness. It wants them to go to Blackfyre Keep, which was dangerous and evil even hundreds of years ago when Guyime ruled. And it is even more dangerous now.
Honestly, To Blackfyre Keep was the best installment in the whole series. I loved the glimpse into Guyime's life, the Northlands, the lovestruck, hell-bent knight and squire, the quell of swords, and the humanity Guyime seemed to gain. I also loved how each character grew even more. For instance, Orsena experiences the life of a normal person; she sees the world as she wanted it to, and she finds it both wanting and more than she expected. Guyime's hatred and rage for servants of a religion he tried to destroy are purged from him; he also realizes that his demon is not the reason he was a murderous bastard centuries ago. The new characters like Anselm, who isn't (probably) what he looks like, are also an added fun element.
But the characters are only the tip of the iceberg. Why? Because everything about the book is great. The plot is tight-woven and unpredictable. The world-building is even richer. And the prose is gorgeous. I truly love this book so much, especially the snow bears and contagious zombies. Those were wow! Hats off to the author! I can't wait for the next installment.
"Some who claim wisdom will advise that we must embrace death for death is but part of the eternal circle. They are wrong. Death must be shunned. Death must be denied. Death must be despised and fought with every last mote of strength we possess. For in embracing death, you reject life. The only true gift you will ever receive."
To Blackfyre Keep starts with the crew hiking up the northern mountains, but the view when they reach the fortress isn't as they expected. Guyime anticipated seeing men, but what he sees are stragglers at the end of their rope. It seems destruction has come to the recently peaceful North, and the nexus seems to be Seeker's daughter.
And though the signs point towards evil, the party has to go on. They trudge past the fortress to enter a land that's cold and desolate as far as the eye can see. And the map wants the party to go past that area of knowingness. It wants them to go to Blackfyre Keep, which was dangerous and evil even hundreds of years ago when Guyime ruled. And it is even more dangerous now.
"You were never just my burden, were you?" he asked the demon. "You were my leash. The muzzle on a raging monster that might have murdered all the world."
Honestly, To Blackfyre Keep was the best installment in the whole series. I loved the glimpse into Guyime's life, the Northlands, the lovestruck, hell-bent knight and squire, the quell of swords, and the humanity Guyime seemed to gain. I also loved how each character grew even more. For instance, Orsena experiences the life of a normal person; she sees the world as she wanted it to, and she finds it both wanting and more than she expected. Guyime's hatred and rage for servants of a religion he tried to destroy are purged from him; he also realizes that his demon is not the reason he was a murderous bastard centuries ago. The new characters like Anselm, who isn't (probably) what he looks like, are also an added fun element.
But the characters are only the tip of the iceberg. Why? Because everything about the book is great. The plot is tight-woven and unpredictable. The world-building is even richer. And the prose is gorgeous. I truly love this book so much, especially the snow bears and contagious zombies. Those were wow! Hats off to the author! I can't wait for the next installment.
September 22, 2022
9 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Guyime, once named “The Ravager”, once famed king of the Northern Realms, carries on his search for the Seven Swords—for by uniting them as one he hopes to free himself from their curse, and save Seeker’s daughter while doing so.
Advised to aid the cause of a lovesick knight, the party ventures to Blackfyre Keep, a cursed ruin amidst the Northlands, where war and famine rage, and something even more dangerous lurks. This knight has been tasked with taking and holding the cursed keep for a year to win the hand of his lady love—a task that is thoroughly unfeasible even with the involvement of three of the demon blades.
But Guyime doesn’t plan on sticking around.
Only in finding and mastering the fourth sword can his quest continue, and he has a very strong suspicion that the blade he seeks is somewhere in the depths of Blackfyre Keep. They’ll just have to live long enough to claim it.
—
Cursed I am, but it was always a useful curse.
—
So, by Book #4 we pretty much know what we’re going to get from this series. There’ll be a demon-cursed sword, some amazing locale to house it—like a hidden tomb, a cursed keep, a stratified city, a god’s chamber—someone to wield it, and a competition to claim it. If you were expecting something different—well, you’re out of luck.
What you see is what you get. Though not everyone might survive to see it.
There’s something quite nice about that, if I’m honest. I don’t have to worry overly about my favorite characters dying, I don’t have to worry about catching every aspect of the plot, I can just sit back and take it all in. Because I absolutely adore the world of the Seven Swords, and would read pretty much any story set in it. With such a simple and straightforward plot that’s basically episodic by now, it frees up Anthony Ryan to dream up new and more fantastical elements of his world than ever before. If you’ve accompanied me to Book #4 then you’ll know what I mean.
So, we have an episodic book and the expectation of another sword by the end of it. What’s next?
I’d argue the adventure itself takes priority. And the adventure here is a good one. It’s not perfect, by any means (one can only bottle lightning so many times, after all), but it’s another entertaining episode, where our heroes journey to a cursed keep and confront an ancient evil. Again, there’s some travel time in the beginning, so we get yet another glimpse at the incredible world the author has dreamt up. There is mystery, there is tension, there are military and horror and supernatural elements threading through a wonderful fantasy tale.
As with the other Seven Swords installments, Blackfyre Keep is light on details (the review copy I received was only 147 pages), which—while you’d expect that from a novella—I found just a bit more shallow than the others in sequence. The title “To Blackfyre Keep” is telling, as that’s the destination. In the other installments our party spent time searching upon the way, but here (apart for a single brief exception) we head straight to the keep before the story really begins.
TL;DR
If you’ve arrived at this point in the Seven Swords, you should know how this works. A place, an enemy, a sword to claim. A challenge in claiming it. It’s pretty much that simple. While episodic, it’s another investing adventure with an entertaining story and interesting characters. Though the world doesn’t feel as interactive as in past installments, the world around remains as detailed and immersive as before, with wondrous locations and terrifying scenes. Not much more I can say about this. If you’ve reached this point of the series, you’re sure to enjoy this one. If you haven’t—I guess you won’t be reading it anyway. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to pick up the series—I’d say yes, but I guess you could always just wait it out and binge them all at once. Got another 2-4 years wait, in that case. Easier to just start now, eh?
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Guyime, once named “The Ravager”, once famed king of the Northern Realms, carries on his search for the Seven Swords—for by uniting them as one he hopes to free himself from their curse, and save Seeker’s daughter while doing so.
Advised to aid the cause of a lovesick knight, the party ventures to Blackfyre Keep, a cursed ruin amidst the Northlands, where war and famine rage, and something even more dangerous lurks. This knight has been tasked with taking and holding the cursed keep for a year to win the hand of his lady love—a task that is thoroughly unfeasible even with the involvement of three of the demon blades.
But Guyime doesn’t plan on sticking around.
Only in finding and mastering the fourth sword can his quest continue, and he has a very strong suspicion that the blade he seeks is somewhere in the depths of Blackfyre Keep. They’ll just have to live long enough to claim it.
—
Cursed I am, but it was always a useful curse.
—
So, by Book #4 we pretty much know what we’re going to get from this series. There’ll be a demon-cursed sword, some amazing locale to house it—like a hidden tomb, a cursed keep, a stratified city, a god’s chamber—someone to wield it, and a competition to claim it. If you were expecting something different—well, you’re out of luck.
What you see is what you get. Though not everyone might survive to see it.
There’s something quite nice about that, if I’m honest. I don’t have to worry overly about my favorite characters dying, I don’t have to worry about catching every aspect of the plot, I can just sit back and take it all in. Because I absolutely adore the world of the Seven Swords, and would read pretty much any story set in it. With such a simple and straightforward plot that’s basically episodic by now, it frees up Anthony Ryan to dream up new and more fantastical elements of his world than ever before. If you’ve accompanied me to Book #4 then you’ll know what I mean.
So, we have an episodic book and the expectation of another sword by the end of it. What’s next?
I’d argue the adventure itself takes priority. And the adventure here is a good one. It’s not perfect, by any means (one can only bottle lightning so many times, after all), but it’s another entertaining episode, where our heroes journey to a cursed keep and confront an ancient evil. Again, there’s some travel time in the beginning, so we get yet another glimpse at the incredible world the author has dreamt up. There is mystery, there is tension, there are military and horror and supernatural elements threading through a wonderful fantasy tale.
As with the other Seven Swords installments, Blackfyre Keep is light on details (the review copy I received was only 147 pages), which—while you’d expect that from a novella—I found just a bit more shallow than the others in sequence. The title “To Blackfyre Keep” is telling, as that’s the destination. In the other installments our party spent time searching upon the way, but here (apart for a single brief exception) we head straight to the keep before the story really begins.
TL;DR
If you’ve arrived at this point in the Seven Swords, you should know how this works. A place, an enemy, a sword to claim. A challenge in claiming it. It’s pretty much that simple. While episodic, it’s another investing adventure with an entertaining story and interesting characters. Though the world doesn’t feel as interactive as in past installments, the world around remains as detailed and immersive as before, with wondrous locations and terrifying scenes. Not much more I can say about this. If you’ve reached this point of the series, you’re sure to enjoy this one. If you haven’t—I guess you won’t be reading it anyway. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to pick up the series—I’d say yes, but I guess you could always just wait it out and binge them all at once. Got another 2-4 years wait, in that case. Easier to just start now, eh?
December 15, 2022
This is the 4th installment in The Seven Swords series. While I did enjoy this part of the overall tale, much more than its predecessor, I am still not sure if it saved the series for me. This current portion of the story hardly resembles the first book, A Pilgrimage of Swords, aside for the main charater. I understand, for the most part, where the author is going or aiming for with this series. But I recognize that the overall story has evolved a bit. I will probably read the next part when it is released, however if the overall story continues to differ from my expectations, I may be done. I can only hope. I did love the book cover. The best part of To Blackfyre Keep took place in the area it displays on the cover. And that was the saving grace for me with Book 4, as I really like the idea of a building, whether castle, keep, or some other edifice, and it is tainted by some great evil with the main characters or others need to enter for some reason. Stories like this pull me way faster than others do.
June 2, 2023
Guyime and his companions find themselves journeying to the infamous Blackfyre Keep--a desolate ruin of a castle rumored to be cursed for generations. Realizing that it would be foolish to venture to the keep unaided, they work their way into the employ of a knight named Anselm and his retinue who dreams of taking and holding the castle in order to win the hand of a woman whom he is in love with.
When they arrive, they find nothing but death and destruction. The curse is indeed real, but its source is the groups very quarry. First, they must survive long enough to claim it.
The quest continues and is still as fun as before. The story in this volume is straightforward, but the worldbuilding is just as interesting as in the previous books. Guyime's character develops as he begins to care for the members of his group and more elements of his past are revealed. Orsena and Lorweth are also given some a bit more space to stretch, but everyone else is sort of in the background for this one. I am, once again, looking forward to the next volume.
When they arrive, they find nothing but death and destruction. The curse is indeed real, but its source is the groups very quarry. First, they must survive long enough to claim it.
The quest continues and is still as fun as before. The story in this volume is straightforward, but the worldbuilding is just as interesting as in the previous books. Guyime's character develops as he begins to care for the members of his group and more elements of his past are revealed. Orsena and Lorweth are also given some a bit more space to stretch, but everyone else is sort of in the background for this one. I am, once again, looking forward to the next volume.
March 3, 2023
TBK pomalo pati od sindroma nastavka/filera. Istina da smo dobili još jednog od očito sedmoro nosioca mačeva, ali za razliku od prethodnih novela, koje su širile svet, TBK ga namerno sužava i čitaocu nudi kamernu priču, što naravno ide ruku pod ruku sa motivom navale zombija (koji se vidi i na naslovnici, te ovo nije spojler). Rajan uspeva da u meni inače dosadnoj tropi izvede malo dodatne karakterizacije glavnog lika ovog serijala i da nas podseti na njegove motive, kao i da unese tračak dileme i nesigurnosti u konačni cilj protagoniste, pa samim tim i završnicu serijala. U svakom slučaju, ova novela je ugrubo polovina onoga što je planirano - očigledno, jer sumnjam da će u serijalu koji se zove "Sedam mačeva" biti više od sedam ovakvih novela, što je taman jedan pozamašan fantazijski samostalan roman - koji vrlo rado preporučujem domaćem izdavaču Entonija Rajana.
Sve u svemu, 4*
Sve u svemu, 4*
December 24, 2024
Best one yet
To Blackfyre Keep is probably the best entry in the series up to this point. It sees our band of protagonists forced to hole up in the ruins of the titular keep, as they are assaulted by a legion of undead creatures.
To Blackfyre Keep is a mashup of a Romero movie, and the Alamo. And now that I think about it, is very reminiscent of a short story Anthony Ryan wrote for his Raven’s Shadow series. Only better.
Highly recommended, will absolutely be reading the next book in the series.
To Blackfyre Keep is probably the best entry in the series up to this point. It sees our band of protagonists forced to hole up in the ruins of the titular keep, as they are assaulted by a legion of undead creatures.
To Blackfyre Keep is a mashup of a Romero movie, and the Alamo. And now that I think about it, is very reminiscent of a short story Anthony Ryan wrote for his Raven’s Shadow series. Only better.
Highly recommended, will absolutely be reading the next book in the series.
February 11, 2023
Another Short Masterpiece by Anthony Ryan
The tale of the Seven Swords continues to build momentum as herein we encounter the fourth Sword, The Necromancer’s Glaive. Ryan doesn’t disappoint, and if anything the quality of writing in this series of novellas continues to improve. We learn more about the Ravager as a person, but we also discover some surprising things about the personality of the demon inhabiting his blade.
The tale of the Seven Swords continues to build momentum as herein we encounter the fourth Sword, The Necromancer’s Glaive. Ryan doesn’t disappoint, and if anything the quality of writing in this series of novellas continues to improve. We learn more about the Ravager as a person, but we also discover some surprising things about the personality of the demon inhabiting his blade.
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