Anthony Ryan is a new fantasy author destined to make his mark on the genre. His debut novel, Blood Song, certainly has it all: great coming of age tale, compelling character, and a fast-paced plot. If his first book is any indication of things to come, then all fantasy readers should rejoice as a new master storyteller has hit the scene.
Michael J. SullivanThere you are!โ he shouted at them. โFather has half the castle turned out looking for you.โ โUs?โ Hadrian asked. โYes.โ Fanen nodded. โHe wants to see the two thieves in his chambers right away.โ โYou didnโt steal the silver or anything, did you, Royce?โ Hadrian asked. โI would bet it has more to do with your flirting with Lenare this afternoon and threatening Mauvin just to show off,โ Royce retorted. โThat was your fault,โ Hadrian said, jabbing his finger at him.
Michael J. SullivanIt was a trap after all,โ Alric said. He turned to Royce. โMy apologies for doubting your sound paranoia.
Michael J. SullivanRoyce turned to Hadrian. โItโs supposed to make them look tough, but all it really does is make it easy to identify them as thieves for the rest of their lives. Painting a red hand on everyone is pretty stupid when you think about it.โ โThat tattoo is supposed to be a hand?โ Hadrian asked. โI thought it was a little red chicken. But now that you mention it, a hand does make more sense.โ Royce looked back at Will and tilted his head to one side. โDoes kinda look like a chicken.
Michael J. SullivanAny chance heโs turned a new leaf and taken up sailing for real?โ โAbout as likely as me doing it.โ Hadrian eyed Royce for a heartbeat. โI put him at the top of the list.
Michael J. SullivanAlric looked up at the thief with a scowl. โI just want to say for the record that as far as royal protectors go, youโre not very good.โ โItโs my first day,โ Royce replied dryly. โAnd already Iโm trapped in a timeless prison. I shudder to think what might have happened if you had a whole week.
Michael J. SullivanHave you ever been in love, Hadrian?โ โIโm not sure. How do you tell?โ โLove? Why, itโs like coming home.โ Hadrian considered the comment. โWhat are you thinking?โ Bulard asked. Hadrian shook his head. โNothing.โ โYes, you were. What? You can tell me. Iโm an excellent repository for secrets. Iโll likely forget, but if I donโt, well, Iโm an old man in a remote jungle. Iโm sure to die before I can repeat anything.โ Hadrian smiled, then shrugged. โI was just thinking about the rain.
Michael J. Sullivan