Staff Pick
I think The Raven Tower might have ruined every other fantasy book I'll ever read in the future. Incredible, thought-provoking world-building combined with one of the most memorable narrators I've ever encountered, and a Hamlet-esque plot of deception and revenge...??? I'm still starstruck. How did you do it, Ann Leckie?? Recommended By Nicole S, Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this masterful first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards.
"It's a delight to read something so different, so wonderful and strange." Patrick Rothfuss
"Absolutely wonderful...utterly brilliant." The New York Times Book Review
For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven.
He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven's Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. His magic is sustained by the blood sacrifice that every Lease must offer. And under the Raven's watch, the city flourishes.
But the Raven's tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself...and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever
Review
"A powerhouse epic of humans and gods at war, deeply imagined and profoundly thrilling. There are echoes of Shakespeare and Le Guin in The Raven Tower, but its strange dark brilliance could only have come from Ann Leckie." Lev Grossman
Review
"Leckie has created an enthralling and well-realized fantasy world, full of not only magic and gods but also characters representing a broad spectrum of gender and sexuality. Highly recommended for...anyone looking for exciting and boundary-pushing fantasy." Booklist (Starred Review)
Synopsis
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 WORLD FANTASY AWARD
Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this masterful first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. "Absolutely wonderful. . .utterly brilliant." -- The New York Times Book Review
For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven.
He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven's Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. His magic is sustained by the blood sacrifice that every Lease must offer. And under the Raven's watch, the city flourishes.
But the Raven's tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself. . .and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.
"It's a delight to read something so different, so wonderful and strange." -- Patrick Rothfuss
For more Ann Leckie, check out: Ancillary JusticeAncillary SwordAncillary Mercy
Provenance