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A Tide of Black Steel (Paperback)
Anthony Ryan
Book 1 In The Age of Wrath Series

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.

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Media Reviews

'Sprawling in scope, forged with depth of lore and living history, full of betrayals and deaths and twists and epic battles' Grimdark Magazine

'This is Anthony Ryan's best book yet' Michael Fletcher

'Fantastic writing, an amazing world, a plot that won't quit, and an unforgettable character...

Anthony Ryan is one of the best epic fantasy authors out there' Bookworm Blues

'Gritty and well-drawn, this makes a rich treat for George R. R. Martin fans' Publishers Weekly

What We Think

We think that if you like Norse mythology, or even just the Norse 'aesthetic’ then you will enjoy A Tide of Black Steel. This is the start of a new trilogy set in the world of Ryan’s The Covenant of Steel Trilogy, so if you enjoyed those then this is more of that sort of thing.

A dark, epic, high fantasy story of a pair of siblings setting off into an adventure set against the background of a Norse themed realm under attack. To be honest, based on that description, you have either already decided to read it or you never will.

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A Bit More Info

The Author

Author: Anthony Ryan
Nationality: Scottish

The Book

Format: Paperback
Pages: 560
Published: 2025-07-22
First Published: 2024
ISBN: 9780356522821


The Sub-Genres

  • Epic Fantasy
  • High Fantasy

The Setting

  • Fictional world

The Themes

  • Power
  • Secrets

The Writing Style

  • Multiple perspectives
  • Third person perspective
  • Dark
  • Character driven