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Blackwing

The Raven's Mark Book One
Series: Raven's Mark
4.08 goodreads logo

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( 8,207 ratings, 1,157 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Blackwing by Ed McDonald is set in a gritty, post-apocalyptic world overshadowed by a region known as the Misery. The story follows bounty hunter Ryhalt Galharrow as he navigates a landscape filled with magic and danger, hunting fugitives and dealing with dark sorcery. As he uncovers grave threats, Galharrow must confront powerful forces that could alter the fate of the world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
Elsewhere:
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this gripping tale if you're drawn to dark, gritty fantasy worlds with complex characters and intricate storytelling. Set in a land ravaged by war and powerful magic, it offers thrilling battles, surprising twists, and a protagonist tasked with impossible missions that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Blackwing

You think you know Misery? You've not seen anything yet . . .

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
You think you know Misery? You've not seen anything yet . . .

The republic faces annihilation, despite the vigilance of Galharrow's Blackwings. When a raven tattoo rips itself from his arm to deliver a desperate message, Galharrow and a mysterious noblewoman must investigate a long dead sorcerer's legacy. But there is a conspiracy within the citadel: traitors, flesh-eaters and the ghosts of the wastelands seek to destroy them. If they cannot solve the ancient wizard's paradox, the Deep Kings will walk the earth again, and all will be lost.

The war with the Eastern Empire ended in stalemate some eighty years ago, thanks to Nall's 'Engine', a wizard-crafted weapon so powerful even the Deep Kings feared it. The strike of the Engine created the Miseryβ€”a wasteland full of ghosts and corrupted magic that now forms a No Mans Land along the frontier. But when Galharrow investigates a frontier fortress, he discovers complacency bordering on treason; the walls are stormed, and the Engine fails to launch. Galharrow only escapes because of the preternatural magical power of the noblewoman he was supposed to be protecting. Together, they race to the capital to unmask the traitors and restore the republic's defences. Far across the Misery, a vast army is on the move, as the Empire prepares to call the republic's bluff.

Blackwing is a gritty epic fantasy for fans of Mark Lawrence, Scott Lynch and Daniel Polansky.

Readers can't get enough of Blackwing:

'A splendid debut that is brilliantly written and I found it amazingly difficult to put down. It superbly presents a completely original, complex and epic fantasy world with incredible and believable characters' - Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Blackwing is, simply put, awesome. It's gritty, edgy, suspenseful, and often poignant' - Nicholas Eames

One of the greatest fantasy books I've read in my life. Perfect in every possible way. Ed McDonald is on a par with Joe Abercrombie and Brandon Sanderson' - Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Quickly gained the rare distinction of being one of those books that felt as if it had been written especially for me . . . A remarkably assured fantasy debut that mixes the inventiveness of China Mieville with the fast-paced heroics of David Gemmell' - Anthony Ryan

Blackwing is a new entry into the Grim Dark Fantasy realm, and a well-written one . . . Venture in if you dare' - Robin Hobb

'From start to finish, I was excited to read this book! . . . The story is continuously in motion

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book offers vivid characters and visceral combat, culminating in a twist ending that is both surprising and satisfying. It features a brilliant blend of magic and technology, showcasing excellent gender representation. Many reviewers found it to be gritty and immersive, akin to both post-apocalyptic fiction and traditional fantasy, earning comparisons to works by Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781473222038

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 April 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 277g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Ed McDonald studied ancient history at the University of Birmingham and holds an MA in medieval history from the University of London. He lives and works in London, is a keen martial artist and specializes in the Italian longsword.

Learn more at edmcdonaldwriting.com.

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