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A Tide of Black Steel

the bloody first novel in a blockbuster epic fantasy series with a strong Norse flavour
By Anthony Ryan
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4.27 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,867 ratings, 258 reviews)
Brief Description
'Sprawling in scope, forged with depth of lore and living history, full of betrayals and deaths and twists and epic battles' Grimdark Magazine A NEW AGE HAS DAWNED. AN AGE OF BLOOD AND STEEL. AN AGE OF WRATH. The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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A Tide of Black Steel begins a new blockbuster epic fantasy series with a Norse flavour, from international bestseller Anthony Ryan, perfect for fans of John Gwynne's Bloodsworn series

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
'Sprawling in scope, forged with depth of lore and living history, full of betrayals and deaths and twists and epic battles' Grimdark Magazine

A NEW AGE HAS DAWNED. AN AGE OF BLOOD AND STEEL.

AN AGE OF WRATH.

The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of bloodied steel and epic sagas, has been ruled by the Sister Queens for centuries. No one has dared question their rule.

Until now.

Whispers speak of longships of mysterious tattooed warriors, sailing under the banners of a murderous cult of oath-breakers long thought extinct. A tide of black steel that threatens to vanquish all in its path.

Thera of the Blackspear, favoured servant of the Sister Queens, is ordered to uncover the truth. As Thera sails north, her reviled brother, Felnir, sets out on his own adventure. He hopes to find the Vault of the Altvar - the treasure room of the gods - and win the Sister Queens' favour at his sister's expense.

Both siblings—along with a brilliant young scribe and a prisoner with a terrifying, primal power—will play a part in the coming storm.

The Age of Wrath has begun.

A Tide of Black Steel begins a new blockbuster epic fantasy series from international bestseller Anthony Ryan, whose books have sold more than a million copies worldwide.

Praise for Anthony Ryan

'A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance' John Gwynne

'The Pariah is Anthony Ryan at his best. A fast-paced, brutal fantasy novel with larger-than-life characters and a plot full of intrigue and suspense' Grimdark Magazine

'This is Anthony Ryan's best book yet' Michael Fletcher

'Fantastic writing, an amazing world, a plot that won't quit, and an unforgettable character . . . Anthony Ryan is one of the best epic fantasy authors out there' Bookworm Blues

'Gritty and well-drawn, this makes a rich treat for George R. R. Martin fans' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Books by Anthony Ryan

Raven's Shadow

Blood Song
Tower Lord
Queen of Fire

Raven's Blade

The Wolf's Call
The Black Song

Draconis Memoria

The Waking Fire
The Legion of Flame
The Empire of Ashes

The Covenant of Steel

The Pariah
The Martyr
The Traitor

Writing as A. J. Ryan

Red River Seven

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356522821

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 July 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 40.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 370g

Pages: 560

Collections

Anthony Ryan Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Anthony Ryan lives in London and is the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven's Shadow and Draconis Memoria series. He previously worked in a variety of roles for the UK government, but now writes full time. His interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.

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