I couldn't wait to finish this book and am relieved to have done so. It's hard to find a truly great adventure novel and this is not it.

Though the character and plot development were well realized, the book is fragmented into so many sub plots with so many minor characters it was difficult to keep track of exactly what was happening in any particular chapter. Also the lack of establishing vignettes and a proper graphic or map gives the reader little to relate to when it comes to remembering multiple story lines and myriad characters with unfamiliar but somewhat similar names. The writing is good but the whole adds up to an expertly prepared meal with too many courses and far too many ingredients. The main flaw, however was that fully a quarter of the book was unrelieved descriptions of killings and slaughter. I suppose that lovers of this genre expect and enjoy this kind of thing but in real life, even if the reader is a combat veteran I should think the sheer volume of carnage would be more than a little disturbing. Needless to say, I will not be reading more by this author.

I stumbled upon Blood Song and could not put it down once I started reading. The story and characters brought to life a familiar storyline -- holy warrior who questions his faith. As soon as I finished book one, I immediately purchased and downloaded Tower Lord anticipating the storyline to continue.

I was disappointed by the change of writing style in the second book. Although still well written, I found myself left wanting it to be more focused and less fragmented across the character story lines. The conclusion was also not as well done as the first book -- which actually tied everything together -- book two did not accomplish that at all.

I still recommend you get to know the author and read the series. I will definitely read Blood Song again and look forward to book three when it is released.

Just down right amazing. The book from start to finish , is great. And no where in the book is there a character or side story I felt I wanted to skip or over look. It is hands down a great book with a storyline that keeps you wanting more. Can't wait until the 3rd book is released.

I loved the book, the story telling and the characters...

This is a book I heartily recommend. The "Raven's Shadow" books are fascinating and well told. As expected, and beautifully done, the main story-arch of the book is only partially complete, which now makes me wait restlessly for the next installment.

Having said that, allow me to explain why I gave the book a four star rating and the reason for the missing star...

(And the missing star?)

I believe that making the chapters a bit shorter would have created a better reading experience - as so many of us watch tv where the different story-arches, for the different characters, are told while constantly switching between the different story arches.

Also, I felt that Vealin's character and personal evolution was rather under-developed. I found that some of his inner conflicts were only hinted upon after their resolution and that I, as a reader, was not intimate with his inner world and challenges. For me, this was a rather great disappointment, as Vealin was the main character in the first book and he is (together with few others) the main character in this installment as well.

Having said that, get the book - it's great :)

A most excellent example of fiction I've read in some time. Stunning in scope, rich in detail, exquisite in suspense! I anticipate great things to come!!

This second installment has more of the same great characters, plot development and pace. Can't wait for the third book...