Anthony Ryan's Blog, page 2
March 13, 2025
The Infernus Gate – Cover Reveal
I’m delighted to reveal the cover for The Infernus Gate – the seventh and final volume in my Seven Swords fantasy novella series.
Once again the spectacular illustration is by the inestimable Didier Graffet who has provided covers for all instalments in this series. You can see more of his work here: https://www.alanlynchartists.com/didier-graffet
The Infernus Gate will be published in September by Subterranean Press in special edition hardcover and ebook and by Audible in audiobook. Watch out for a pre-order page announcement soon, for now, here’s the book description:
VALKERIS – MOST ANCIENT OF CITIES AND SEAT OF THE FALLEN EMPIRE THAT ONCE RULED THE VASTNESS OF THE FIVE SEAS. HERE THE INFERNUS GATE WILL RISE AND UNLEASH DESTRUCTION UPON THE WORLD, UNLESS THE BEARERS OF THE DEMON CURSED BLADES CAN STOP IT…
Guyime, undying bearer of the Nameless Blade, leads his band of misfit heroes into the dark, haunted ruins beneath ancient Valkeris. There they must survive the deadly traps set for them by the arch demon Kalthraxis as he races to open the Infernus Gate and set its monstrous legions loose. Love, loyalty, and courage will be tested to the extreme and a terrible price demanded for the world’s salvation. But is Guyime willing to pay it?
The Infernus Gate is the thrilling conclusion to the epic saga of The Seven Swords from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and The Covenant of Steel trilogies.
When the pre-order goes live, anyone who orders the lettered and numbered edition will be entered in a draw to win the original frontis illustration drawn by yours truly.
Those new to this series should check out volume one – A Pilgrimage of Swords. Details on the bookpage.
There’s also a free Seven Swords prequel short story you can download from the Subterranean Press website:
https://subterraneanpress.com/tsz-ebook/
February 24, 2025
Announcing ‘Born of An Iron Storm’ – Book Two of The Age of Wrath
I’m happy to report that ‘Born of An Iron Storm’ – Book Two of The Age of Wrath is now available for pre-order in the US and UK.
No cover yet, but here’s the book description:
Born of An Iron Storm continues the epic tale begun in A Tide of Black Steel; a compelling fantasy saga of bloody retribution, deadly intrigue, and desperate courage
The Sister Queens have fallen and Ascarlia lies naked before the storm. A Nihlvarian plan, years in the making, has seen Ascarlia’s enemy seize the capital Skar Magnol. Now the invaders look to the wealthy port city of Olversahl to complete their conquest.
But there is hope.
Elvine is trapped at the heart of the conspiracy, yet her role in the new government offers the chance to plan resistance from within. She must tread a fine line between loyalty and secret disobedience, knowing the smallest mistake will mean her death.
Meanwhile, Thera has secured the Outer Islands, but her loyalist forces alone cannot liberate Skar Magnol. She must seek allies to have any chance of defeating the Nihlvarian threat. But her greater challenge will be to overcome her own doubts and become the leader she needs to be.
If she fails, Ascarlia will fall.
Meanwhile, far away across the ocean, Felnir embarks on a bloody path towards kingship, whilst to the north, Ruhlin seeks escape from the tyrannical realm of Nihlvar where the mysterious Vortigurn holds sway.
Born of An Iron Storm will be released on August 26th.
Pre-order the ebook: Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org – Kobo – Google Play – Apple Books
Pre-order the UK hardcover: Amazon.co.uk – Waterstones – Blackwells
Pre-order the US paperback: Amazon.com – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org
Pre-order the audiobook: Barnes & Noble
I know some of you will be hoping to buy a special edition hardcover from Goldsboro Books or The Broken Binding. These haven’t been confirmed yet. I’ll post store links if and when they become available.
New to this series. Check out Book One – A Tide of Black Steel.
In other news, some pre-orders are now live for The Feeding, my upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller. You can check them out on the book page.
And finally, I’m no longer updating my Twitter account. I’ll be leaving it up to prevent scammers stealing my ID but in future I won’t be posting there or responding to DMs. From now on, the best place for fellow social media addicts to follow me is BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/anthonyryan.bsky.social
February 11, 2025
Announcing ‘The Feeding’ – New Post-apocalyptic Thriller
I’m delighted to finally reveal my next post-apocalyptic thriller The Feeding. No pre-order links yet, but here’s the US cover and book description:
With echoes of The Road, The New York Times bestselling author Anthony Ryan’s The Feeding is a brilliant post-apocalyptic novel that finds the sweet spot between commercial, literary, and creepy. Perfect for fans of Justin Cronin, M. R. Carey, and Alexis Henderson.
Fifteen years ago the feeders rose from the shadows to transform the world into a graveyard. The few survivors exist in fortified settlements surrounded by the empty ruins of a destroyed civilization. For years the citizens of New City Redoubt have relied on an elite cadre of Crossers to navigate the feeder infested wasteland between settlements in order to trade for vital supplies. But the Outside is becoming ever more dangerous, and the ranks of the Crossers grow thinner with every crossing.
Layla, only a child when the Feeding destroyed the old world, spends her days scavenging the ruins for valuable scrap and her nights helping her adoptive family eke a living from the Redoubt’s only movie theatre. Now, with her father slowly dying, Layla resolves to join the Crossers to retrieve the medicine that can save him. Smart, ruthless, and fast on her feet, Layla quickly gains the respect of her fellow Crossers. But, in a world lost to the deadliest predators, can even the most cunning prey survive?
For any book reviewers out there, The Feeding is now available on Netgalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/570508
If you’re a book reviewer/blogger/tuber without Netgalley access, get in touch and I’ll ask my publisher to send you an advance reader copy.
The Feeding will be published in the US by Blackstone Publishing and in the UK by Orbit on August 26th 2025 (UK cover to come). NB – the UK version will be published under my alter ego/pseudonym/nom de plume AJ Ryan, the dark, depraved corner of my psyche that also wrote Red River Seven – details here.
December 2, 2024
The Seven Swords on Sale in Ebook and Audio
The first three volumes in my Seven Swords novella series – A Pilgrimage of Swords, The Kraken’s Tooth, and City of Songs – are currently on sale in ebook at $0.99 (£0.78 in the UK – check your local ebook retailer for pricing).
Also, for UK audiophiles, the entire series is currently on sale on audible.co.uk at £4.80 (less than half the usual price).
Where-to-buy links are on the book pages below:
Also, a reminder that you can download a free Seven Swords prequel short story – The Scarlet Ziggurat – from the Subterranean Press website: https://subterraneanpress.com/tsz-ebook/
The Road of Storms update – I am aware that people have experienced delays in receiving their signed special edition hardcovers of The Road of Storms – Vol. 6 of The Seven Swords – from Subterranean Press. I’m reliably informed that the books are now in Subterranean’s warehouse and should be shipped out this week.
Once I’ve received my author copies for The Road of Storms two copies will be included in this year’s Xmas/Festivus/Midwinter giveaway. I’ll be giving away quite a few books (and bookplates) this time so make sure you’re signed up to the mailing list if you want to have a chance at winning.
In other news, followers of my Twitter account have probably noticed a drop-off in activity recently. This is because I am now spending most of my time on Blue Sky which I find to be a far less toxic, and much more fun, environment, especially for us bookish types. At this stage, I’ll probably continue to limit my Twitter account to updates only with a view to eventually shutting it down. In the meantime, I’ll keep hold of the account to stop imposters using my handle, but going forward, if you want to make sure you don’t miss any of my wittering, Blue Sky is the place to go.
If you’re so minded, feel free to follow me at: @anthonyryan.bsky.social.
September 30, 2024
The Road of Storms – Ebook Now Available
The Road of Storms – the sixth volume in my fantasy novella series The Seven Swords – is now available in ebook.
Thanks once again to the amazing Didier Graffet for a spectacular cover.
Buy here: Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Apple Books
You can also buy the audiobook from: Audible.com – Audible.co.uk
Subterranean Press tell me that the special edition hardcovers will now ship on October 18th. You can still pre-order via the Subterranean Press website.
Book description:
THE ANCIENT KINGDOM OF ALCEDON, THE SUN-BLESSED REALM WHICH HAS KNOWN ONLY PEACE FOR GENERATIONS, NOW BESET BY BLOODY REBELLION SPARKED BY THE EMERGENCE OF AN ANCIENT EVIL…
Into this troubled land comes Guyime, legendary ravager king of the north made immortal by the demonic sword he carries. Leading his band of sword bearers, Guyime must prevent the arch-demon Kalthraxis claiming the Warlord’s Tulwar, the last of the seven demon cursed blades. To do so he is forced to ally himself with the King of Alcedon and lead his army onto the dreaded Road of Storms, to fight a war that may cost all their lives and seal the fate of the world…
Continuing the epic saga of The Seven Swords, The Road of Storms is a compelling adventure of war and intrigue from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and The Covenant of Steel trilogies.
Lettered: 26 signed leatherbound copies, housed in a custom traycase.
Limited: 1000 signed numbered hardcover copies.
Anyone who pre-orders the hardcover will be entered into a draw to win the fronts illustration drawn by yours truly.
Anyone new to this series should start with A Pilgrimage of Swords, which is available in ebook and audio. Details on the book page.
In other news, you probably know that A Tide of Black Steel, Book One of The Age of Wrath, was released last week. Many thanks to everyone who bought a copy. For those that haven’t, see the book page.
If you missed out on my mailing list signed books giveaway and would like another chance to win one, there are two giveaways currently ongoing for the Broken Binding special hardcover, sprayed edges edition. One is being run by the Broken Binding themselves and the other by the Beard of Darkness podcast which I’ll be appearing on at 7pm UK time on October 6th. Check out the relevant social media posts for details on how to enter:
It's giveaway time! We are giving away a signed, lined and dated copy of our special edition of A Tide of Black Steel! @writer_anthony was kind enough to line and date two copies during his signing session – thank you again
— The Broken Binding | Bookstore (@binding_broken) September 27, 2024
To enter, follow us, @writer_anthony and retweet! pic.twitter.com/m0XidICruE
*GIVEAWAY*
— Beard of Darkness Book Reviews (@BeardofDarkness) September 27, 2024
THE AMAZING @writer_anthony will be with me LIVE for an interview and to announce the WINNER. The prize is the INCREDIBLE Special Edition of “A Tide of Black Steel” by the @binding_broken. We will announce the name of the winner LIVE on October 6th at 2pm EST/7pm UK.… pic.twitter.com/rycayQR4HK
View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Broken Binding (@thebrokennbinding)
https://www.instagram.com/beardofdarknessbookreviews/p/DAbdaJ_RoPv/?img_index=1
September 24, 2024
A Tide of Black Steel – Now Available
A Tide of Black Steel – Book One of The Age of Wrath trilogy- is published today in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Thanks to everyone at Orbit for making it happen.
The winners of the signed books and bookplates giveaway have now been chosen and notified – check you spam folders to make sure you haven’t missed out on a prize. Many thanks to everyone who entered and for all the kind comments – sorry I couldn’t reply to everyone individually.
Reviews:
‘These wonderful characters and story arc complexity matched with Ryan’s ability to build you up to–and deliver–epic moments (including an ending twist that is just chef’s kiss), wonderfully showcases the author’s skills as a fantasy storyteller.’ – Grimdark Magazine.
‘Rich world building, well-developed characters, and shocking betrayals are precisely what readers expect from Anthony Ryan as he kicks off the Age of Wrath trilogy.’ – Booklist.
‘A gripping epic… Ryan distinguishes himself with deep dives into his characters’ psyches and motivations. This is an exciting start.’ – Publishers Weekly
‘ A grim, gritty, glorious Norse epic that begs to be devoured by fans of John Gwynne and Michael Hirst’s ‘Vikings’. You will come away with a taste of the salt sea and the smell of blood in the air, and characters you can’t wait to read more about. Grimdark at its finest.’ – FanFiAddict
Book description:
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.
Buy here:
Ebook: Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk – Nook – Kobo – Google Play
UK Hardcover: Amazon.co.uk – Waterstones – Blackwells
Special Edition Signed Hardcover: Goldsboro Books. – The Broken Binding
US Paperback: Amazon.com – Barnes and Noble
Audiobook: Audible.com – Audible.co.uk – Barnes and Noble – Google Play
Did a little bit of signing yesterday at The Broken Binding. If you’ve ordered from them, I’m told the books should ship this week. I’m off to Goldsboro Books next week to sign their stock.
Some people have been asking when or if this book will be published in their language / country. So far, the series has been sold to publishers in France, Germany, Czechia, and Poland. I don’t yet know the publication date for each country but will update as and when I’m told.
September 15, 2024
‘The Road of Storms’ Audiobook Released and More!
The audiobook edition of The Road of Storms, Volume Six in my Seven Swords novella series, is now available from Audible.
Buy here: Audible.com – Audible.co.uk
For those who have pre-ordered the signed special hardcover edition, I have been advised by Subterranean Press that a delay at their printers means the books won’t ship until mid-October. In the meantime, you can still pre-order the hardcover from Subterranean Press.
Fortunately, the ebook edition will still be released on September 30th and can be pre-ordered here*: Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Apple Books
*Affiliate links used for Amazon stores. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Anyone new to this series should check out Volume One: A Pilgrimage of Swords – details on the book page.
There’s also a prequel Seven Swords short story – The Scarlet Ziggurat – available as a free download on the Subterranean Press website.
In other news, as many of you will be aware, A Tide of Black Steel – Book One of the Age of Wrath trilogy – will be published on September 24th. I’ll be running a signed hardcover / paperback / bookplate giveaway for my mailing list subscribers this Wednesday the 18th. If you’re already a subscriber please watch out for the email and check your spam folders. If you want to enter but aren’t yet a subscriber, sign up here: https://anthonyryan.net/mailing-list/
Those who prefer to ear-read can listen to a 4 minute sample of the first chapter, as read by the inestimable Steven Brand, here: https://soundcloud.com/hachetteaudio/a-tide-of-black-steel-by-anthony-ryan-read-by-steven-brand
August 8, 2024
The Book Burner’s Fall – Now Available
I’m happy to announce that The Book Burner’s Fall – A Raven’s Shadow Novella – is now available in ebook and print. This is the standalone version of the story that originally appeared in The King Must Fall anthology from Grimdark Magazine. Thanks to Kevin Goeke (https://movco-art.com) for the amazing cover illustration and Shawn King (http://www.stkkreations.com) for the book design.
Here’s the blurb:
The Unified Realm in the reign of King Lakril, known to history as the book burner – an impoverished realm brought to the brink of destruction by Lakril’s paranoid tyranny.
Kestra Saero, once the most deadly assassin to serve the Seventh Order of the Faith, is tempted back to the fold by an irresistible mission: kill the book burner. Driven by a deep desire for retribution but distrustful of her new comrades, Kestra must infiltrate a royal palace transformed into a carnival of horrors and slay the monster that lurks at its heart. But killing a king could never be an easy matter…
Set a century before the events in the Raven’s Shadow trilogy, The Book Burner’s Fall is a thrilling tale of dark magic and bloody vengeance.
Buy the ebook: Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk – Nook – Kobo
Buy the paperback: Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk
NB – the ebook hasn’t yet filtered out to the Apple Store and Google Play. I’ll post links on the book page when I have them.
In other news, those fine purveyors of special edition books at The Broken Binding are now taking pre-orders for signed hardcovers of A Tide of Black Steel – Book One of The Age of Wrath.
This signed royal hardcover edition will feature digital edges, foil on boards, designed endpapers, and head and tail bands. Head over to the Broken Binding website to place your orders.
A Tide Of Black SteelFull details on A Tide of Black Steel and pre-order links for other formats can be found on the book page.
July 27, 2024
Coming Soon – The Book Burner’s Fall – A Raven’s Shadow Novella
Cover reveal for The Book Burner’s Fall – A Raven’s Shadow Novella. Cover illustration by Kevin Zamir Goeke (movco-art.com) and design by Shawn King of STK Creations (stkkreations.com). Here’s the blurb:
‘The Unified Realm in the reign of King Lakril, known to history as the book burner – an impoverished realm brought to the brink of destruction by Lakril’s paranoid tyranny.
Kestra Saero, once the most deadly assassin to serve the Seventh Order of the Faith, is tempted back to the fold by an irresistible mission: kill the book burner. Driven by a deep desire for retribution but distrustful of her new comrades, Kestra must infiltrate a royal palace transformed into a carnival of horrors and slay the monster that lurks at its heart. But killing a king could never be an easy matter…
Set a century before the events in the Raven’s Shadow trilogy, The Book Burner’s Fall is a thrilling tale of dark magic and bloody vengeance.’
This is the standalone edition of my novella which originally appeared in The King Must Fall anthology from Grim Dark Magazine.
I’m hoping to have this ready for release in ebook and paperback by early to mid-August, so watch out for the announcement. I’ll run a mailing list giveaway for signed copies to coincide with publication, so make sure to join the list if you don’t want to miss out.
In other news, I’m happy to report that Goldsboro Books in London are now taking pre-orders for their signed and numbered, sprayed edges, special edition hardcover of A Tide of Black Steel, Book One in The Age of Wrath trilogy. Click the image above or the link below to place your order: https://goldsborobooks.com/products/a-tide-of-black-steel
A Tide of Black Steel will be released in print, ebook and audio on September 24th. See the book page for pre-order links.
July 17, 2024
A Tide of Black Steel – Upcoming Advance Review Copy Giveaway
My advance review copies of A Tide of Black Steel – Book One of the Age of Wrath trilogy – have arrived. I’ll be running a mailing list giveaway for signed copies next week. Click the link below to join the mailing list if you’re not already a member.
JOIN THE ANTHONY RYAN MAILING LISTOrbit US are also running a e-ARC giveaway for on Goodreads if anyone wants to double their chances of winning one. Sorry – US residents only. The giveaway ends on July 22nd so act fast if you want to be included in the draw. Click the link below to enter:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/391739-a-tide-of-black-steel
A Tide of Black Steel will be published in ebook, print, and audiobook in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa on September 24th. All pre-order links are on the book page.
