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Blackwing (Raven's Mark, #1)

by Ed McDonald (Goodreads Author)

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Reading for the 2nd time

read in December 2022

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Craig said: " “Time for anger, time for vengeance, the treacherous bastards were about to understand why you do not, not with the backing of princes, not with the backing of darlings, or kings or with the spirits of hatred themselves, FUCK with Ryhalt Galharrow.” “Time for anger, time for vengeance, the treacherous bastards were about to understand why you do not, not with the backing of princes, not with the backing of darlings, or kings or with the spirits of hatred themselves, FUCK with Ryhalt Galharrow.”

“Blackwing” by Ed McDonald is the dark and gritty fantasy novel that I have been looking. We follow Ryhalt Galharrow, who like everyone else in this world hasn’t had a very good or enjoyable life. He is beat down to a cynic of man, who finds little joy outside a bottle. He is part of a special group called the Blackwings. These soldiers are essential people picked by the deity called Crowfoot. Crowfoot is one of the Nameless, a being so powerful that they view humanity as ants. Only there to serves them and their ever going war against the evil godlike beings none as the Deep Kings. Galharrow while on a bounty hunt is told by Crowfoot, through the means of his tattoo splitting open and crow crawling out of his skin, that he is suppose to detour to an outpost and save a girl. This unfortunately will lead Galharrow down a path of mystery and corruption that if left unsolved could result in the destruction of all mankind.

“Blackwing” is an excellent first novel. It is grimdark at its absolute finest. Not only is the story dark and ruthless, just everything feels dark and depressing. If you have played the game Bloodborne and walked through Old Yarnham you know the feeling. If you have not just google dark gothic cities. This is what the story feels like. It is just such and interesting vibe. This is only complimented by the unique weapons, creatures and magic. Speaking of magic, I’d like to point out this is one of the most unique magic systems. Magic users called Spinners can gather light from the three moons that circle the planet. This light is placed into a battery to be drained. Princes have managed to commercialize this trade, but Battles Spinners will strap themselves with batteries and go to war pulling the light to let them do just about anything. The problem becomes the more the magic is used the more the blow back will be. Making this magic system highly volatile. Sometimes knocking out or even killing the user.

There is a lot to break down, but if you are looking for a great Grimdark fantasy I highly suggest checking this one out. The characters while not nice people are deeply engaging and absolutely great. This was seriously a shock. I thought I may enjoy it, but I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do. “Ravencry” is up next, let’s see if McDonald can surprise me again ...more "

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(page 300 of 360)
— Dec 08, 2022 07:11PM

Dec 09, 2022 10:14AM · see review