Ravencry

Some good solid Grimdark. Ravencry is the second book in the Raven's Mark series following Galharrow, a captain of the Blackwings, a sort of police force. This time the action is focused closer to the capital. There is a religious cult rising, where followers of the Bright Lady have started forming their own militia, eventually forcing out the army from Valengrad.

Meanwhile, someone has broken into Crowfoot's storage of powerful magic items and stolen something. Galharrow has to find what has been stolen, as Crowfoot is busy fighting larger powers. To find out what deals have been done, and who is actually on which side, they have to venture to the heart of the Misery.

This is Grimdark at its finest - morally grey characters galore, grittiness and death. All the good ingredients. Ed McDonald has a vibrant gritty writing style which really draws you in, and helps to capture the dubious nature of many of his characters. The stakes could not be higher though, so this has plenty of excitement to go along with the grit. A really fun book!

It's been four years since Blackwing Captain Ryhalt Galharrow and crew saved Valengrad from the Deep Kings. Things have been going well for him. His business is running smoothly, Nenn and Tnota are still alive. Everything is business as usual until someone breaks into Crowfoot's vault.

Of course Crowfoot expects Galharrow to find out who broke in and what they took. Who has enough power to get past Crowfoot's wards? No one but a Deep King or maybe another Nameless. As he investigates, clues quickly point to a new power. One that Ryhalt is familiar with. One that he hates.

Meanwhile, a ghost in the form of a woman is appearing in the light. She is called the Bright Lady. Ryhalt is afraid to believe the stories about her. If they are true, he will never stop until he saves her from the light.

When it becomes clear that all of these things are connected, Ryhalt knows he will only find his answers in the Misery. Hopefully he can make it back and save Valengrad again.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series. I think I loved this one even more!! As with Blackwing, I loved the characters, the magic, and the world. I felt like this one was way more intense and I was on the edge of my seat. I just love this series! This one did hurt me more though. It was gut wrenching in a couple of spots. Everyone must read this!!

I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.