A gritty heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word John Gwynne The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm. Born into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path - one of blood and vengeance which eventually leads him to a soldiers life in the kings army. Fighting under the command of Lady Evadine Courlain a noblewoman beset by visions of a demonic apocalypse Alwyn must survive war and the deadly intrigues of the nobility if he hopes to claim his vengeance. But as dark forces both human and arcane gather to oppose Evadines rise Alwyn faces a choice: can he be a warrior or will he always be an outlaw? The Pariah is Anthony Ryan at his best. A fast-paced brutal fantasy novel with larger-than-life characters and a plot full of intrigue and suspense Grimdark Magazine This is Anthony Ryans best book yet Michael Fletcher Fantastic writing an amazing world a plot that wont 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 (starred review)