The Martyr by Anthony Ryan My rating: 4 of 5 stars Master Alwyn Scribe is back! Escaping death with only a throbbing headache in Anthony Ryan's 'The Martyr' another rip roaring adventure of heroic, despite Alwyn's protests, fantasy. Everdine Courlaine's ascent as a risen Martyr has truly set the cat among the pigeons in the Duchies, with the Covenant and the King wary of her rapidly growing popularity with the Churls. It is a popularity that could well destabilise their positions of power and one thing power hates it is a rival. Add in Shilda's Testament that Alwyn holds regarding the King's parentage and The Covenant Company finds itself in quite the pickle. Luckily as it turns out the King has a cunning plan to accept Everdine into his loving embrace as a Sword, to then be promptly unsheathed and sent to defend a ruined castle on the border with a belligerent and heretical Duchy with only the King’s writ in lieu of resources. Who better to face the heretics than a risen Martyr and if the Martyr doesn't come back well that would be a shame wouldn't it....but plans never really go according to er plan, certainly when Alwyn Scribe is involved. In a world of religious fervour a schism is forming and war is bound to follow all Alwyn really wants to do is run and survive like a true outlaw yet something keeps him in the Covenant Company regardless.... Religious fervour and political machinations form a compelling background to The Martyr but it is Alywn's outlaw cynicism that really shines through. Admittedly I kind of hate first person narratives especially ones set on a future voice that kind of drops spoilers, but as Alwyn ponders his own and other's responses to Evidine's Risen Martyr, some intriguing philosophical comparisons arise. The supporting cast offer examples of the truly devoted, the non-believer but loyal friend, the practical believers, to go alongside Alywn's reluctant cynic. A good contrast is offered through the 'heretical' Aludians who believe a slightly different version of religious events. Again fanatical and pragmatic believers provide interesting foils for Alwyn's tale as he encounters fanatics who want to cleanse and the nobles who just want to defend their own. As events escalate the theological and political machinations that occur breathe life into a complex set of characters and shroud Albermaine in a bit of moral ambiguity..... The political moves drive the action which is suitably epic though Alwyn's first hand prose is prone towards bland recounting, (see I told you I hate first person narratives). The world building rescues it though with each encounter given depth through Scribe's philosophical recollections and observation of allies and foe alike. A good old siege allows for some eventful scenarios, a ruined castle, vastly outnumbered, the dangling possibility of no reinforcements, daring raids, skirmishes, knightly charges by irrepressible youths make for an entertaining read, Scribe even allows himself some humour amidst the stress of it all. Scribe's recollection of past events allows some deep retrospective introspective character growth to shine, the good/bad dichotomy between outlaw thief and noble knight is played with beautiful. As the events progress Alwyn’s reluctant soldier/scribe remains in the thick of it all and his responses offer tantalising questions, posits narrative ambiguities that keep characters and action compelling to read. The breadcrumb hints of magic and supernatural vibes from The Pariah are pleasingly expanded on. Again Alwyn's personal conflict of believer Vs cynic drives the compelling ambiguity of theological, political and personal schisms. Mysteries are revealed only to lead to more mysteries, what Alywn knows and what he believes about his world and his allies are cast in doubt, yet love and loyalty are a powerful drug and with a spectacular blood soaked consummation all bets are off...... An exciting character driven epic fantasy that twists through faith loyalty and devotion, The Martyr is a step up from The Pariah and I am really excited for the Traitor View all my reviews














