Blackwing: The Raven's Mark Book One

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, but 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 Misery - 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: then 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 of the inventiveness of China Mieville with the fast pace 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<

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.

Vivid characters, visceral combat and a twist of an ending that I really should have seen coming and didn't (wizards are bastards and here's the proof). Brilliant use of magic as technology, too, like lightbulbs and water heaters. Excellent gender representation . . . Suffice to say, I bloody loved it and I am officially an Ed McDonald fan. He deserves to go far. - Elspeth Cooper, author of THE SONGS OF THE EARTH One of the best books of the year - Fantasy Book Review Gritty and immersive, Blackwing is a hugely enjoyable tale - Edward Cox, author of The Relic Guild Blackwing walks the line between post-apocalyptic fiction and fantasy, but still manages to inject a sense of wonder amongst all the grit. I hope Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch aren't resting on their laurels because there's a new blade in town - Gavin Smith, author of The Age of Scorpio