This is the second instalment in the Empire of the Wolf series.

Helena ventures to the capital city of Sova, along with her trainer and protector, the Emperor's Justice, Sir Konrad Vonvalt, only to uncover a new conspiracy that will see them racing against the clock and the tides turning against them. Could they be falling from favour? Or could the old ways be returning, that will see the Emperor, and all those who follow him, unearthed from their spots at the top of the social hierarchy?

This was full of political intrigue and mysterious plots. Secrets abounded and the entire novel was spent in solving them all. This provided a seamless blend of murder mystery storyline in a high fantasy setting and I thought the author did an incredible job of interweaving the two. It brought something fresh to both genres and compelled my interest throughout.

Helena's insights were profound and I loved her perspective into this world and those she was closest with. She was always placed a little to the side of the central action, which I thought an interesting placement to write from, but it worked here, again making this feel unlike a novel I have ever read before.

This set up and hinted at an explosive final series conclusion and I'm eager to see how this story wraps up. I have high hopes but little trust they will all make it out alive!

The Tyranny of Faith continues with Vonvalt, Helena, Bressinger and Radomir on a journey to find a missing Prince. Uprising and conflict are all around and the brutal corruption in the World is intense.

There was some laugh out loud moments (when they all got drunk) and the writing is really good but I did find myself losing interest during the middle
Section of the book. Once there was necromancy and more magic becoming more centre to the story I was more intrigued.

I preferred The Justice of Kings but this was still a good sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

I was unaware this was a sequel when requested and as a result I have not read this book. Average rating given

An incredible sequel.

I have to say this was amazing, though I preferred the first book in that all we got was Vonvault as a travelling justice - it was cool how the world was consigned to that and I would have liked him to solve perhaps bigger problems, but nothing on the scale of what happened.

Suddenly, the book isn't about justices at all and expands exponentially from that. It means that we get to know a lot more about the world but I'm not sure whether the series is going too far.

Cuando leí la primera entrega de la saga Empire of the Wolf, publicada en español por Gamon con el título La Justicia de los Reyes con traducción de Jesús Cañadas, me encontré con una novela que tenía potencial, pero que a mi entender no llegaba a explotarlo del todo. Menos mal que con The Tyranny of Faith Richard Swan le coge mejor el pulso a la historia y se disfrutan mucho más sus casi 500 páginas. Además, se ha tomado la molestia de colgar en su web un detallado resumen del primer libro por si no nos acordábamos de todo. De nuevo, gracias a esos autores que piensan en los lectores de mente débil, como yo.


La narradora de la historia sigue siendo Helena, pero donde antes escuchábamos a una joven inexperta ahora oímos a una mujer madura y segura de sí misma. El cambio es espectacular y la historia gana mucho con esta variación, algo lógico también dentro del proceso de maduración de cualquier ser humano. La novela tiene una parte eminentemente política, sobre todo en el primer tercio, ya que asistiremos a una purga en toda regla que no tendría nada que envidiar al estalinismo en su máximo apogeo, pero también tiene un componente mágico especialmente cautivador.

Seremos testigos también del desarrollo de la amistad entre los miembros del equipo de Sir Konrad Vonvalt, la figura en torno a la que gira toda la serie, esta vez en gravísimo peligro por las conspiraciones de sus enemigos. Es muy atractiva la forma en que se van desarrollando estas conspiraciones y los actores implicados en ellas, porque es casi hipnótica la manera en que una meticulosa planificación a lo largo de meses o años se va desplegando ante nuestros ojos. En este sentido Swan dosifica muy bien la información, sin artificios ni juegos de manos.

También es cierto que al principio el ritmo del libro flojea un tanto, no sé si por que el autor se está entreteniendo en desplegar todas las piezas de su juego o porque está mucho más pulido un final tan trepidante como tiene este libro. Pero, salvado este obstáculo, la lectura es mucho más fluida.

El libro guarda muchas más sorpresas. ¿Te gustan las batallas campales? Las tendrás. ¿Sientes interés por lo arcano? Visitarás otros planos de realidad. ¿Lo tuyo es la investigación detectivesca más usual? También hay una ración, con sus interrogatorios y sus deducciones incluidas. Estamos ante una obra muy completa y además, el tercer libro que cierra la trilogía ya está disponible, así que no creo que tarde mucho en sumergirme en sus páginas.

I don’t think I’ll be able to articulate quite how good this book actually is. Be prepared to laugh, swoon, and fall head over heels in love with the unforgettable characters

This was a really well constructed and compelling middle book in a trilogy. It took the world created in the first book and expanded on it, travelling to various locations not previously seen. The stakes were infinitely higher in this installment and the sense of threat was palpable throughout, which I really appreciated. I thought the progression of the various relationships within our core group of characters was interesting and I also enjoyed the new characters introduced. Overall, this was a really enjoyable and successful sequel and I can't wait to see how things conclude.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Richard Swan continues with another strong entry on the Empire of the Wolf series, albeit one not as strong as the first. The political machinations and the awesome lean into eldritch horror elements continue being my favorite aspects in the series, however, I felt some of our small crew of protagonists were severely underused, namely Bressinger and Radomir, while trying to veer Helena and Vonvalt on a direction that wasn't compelling for any of the parts. A big section in the middle of book seemed like a side quest that didn't quite achieve a satisfying resolution, but in the final third we find the book going back to its tracks, with a great climax and worldbuilding bits that leave us eager for more answers. I'm quite looking forward to the final book and have faith that Swan will deliver us an amazing conclusion for the series!

**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Super engaging with an exceptionally crafted plot, The Tyranny of Faith is a great follow up to The Justice of Kings!

Following the Battle at Galen's Vale this sequel, again through the voice of Helena Sedanka, has us following Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his retainers as they travel to the capital Sova in order to root out the treason and whispers of rebellion that are circling the heart of the Empire. Tensions are high with all the political turmoil as well as the threat from a certain zealous Patria who is still at large. However, when the Emperor’s grandson is kidnapped the Emperor’s justice and co get reluctantly pulled in to help find him. Though they’re not totally convinced this new mystery is unrelated to the wider chaos and darkness that is brewing.

I made the choice not to reread book 1 before diving back into this series (Richard Swan has a great recap on his website though which really helped there) but the writing immediately eases you into the medieval setting and story again anyways.

Helena as a narrator is just as compelling as she was originally though her character reads as slightly more mature here and it really feels like Swan has come into his own with this story. There is still that sense of foresight in her recount that though is frustrating at times as she continually alludes that things aren’t going to go as planned, also keeps you glued to closely following the twisty narrative and action all the same.

What I loved the most was the expansion of the worldbuilding. In book 1 it was clear that Swan was just touching on the surface of the magic and lore but here it is all built on fantastically, I was particularly blown away with all the new details on the necromancy side of things that we get to see. We also get more of an insight into the intricacies of the central political system of the world and I really enjoyed the continued exploration on the themes of morality and following the letter of the law vs the spirit of the law.

Furthermore, the central group of characters in the book are such a joy to follow, as I have mentioned previously I really love their collective dynamic. It was really great to see a little more into their backstories and see their relationships develop and strengthen with everything that was transpiring around them.

The only thing I am starting to not really like were certain insinuations when it came to the relationship between Helena and Vonvalt. I really enjoyed the master/apprenticeship dynamic that was introduced between the two of them in Justice and Helena’s younger perspective having traces of adoration at first made sense. The way the situation seems to be developing though is starting to feel a little unnecessary and awkward..

That aside I did enjoy this sequel and am looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Final Rating - 4.25/5 Stars

5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2023/05/04/the-tyranny-of-faith-empire-of-the-wolf-2-by-richard-swan/
My Five Word TL:DR Review: The gift that keeps giving

I would just mention that as this is the second book in the series the following review may contain spoilers (although I strive not to include any) so if you haven’t started this series yet (please do so immediately) and before reading further. Thank you.

To say I had initial doubts about requesting book 1 this is turning into a tour de force that would have been a crying shame to have missed. I love this series so far. No middle book syndrome here. No siree. What really puzzles me is how did Richard Swan just pop up and with his debut novel create such a satisfyingly good first book in series? It’s breathtaking. This is a rollercoaster of a ride emotionally, the characters continue to impress and the story is packed with treachery and surprise.

The story starts almost immediately where we left off in The Justice of Kings and Helena is still our excellent storyteller narrating events in such a refreshingly honest voice that it’s easy, if not impossible, to become attached. Rebellion is still stirring and Vonvalt returns to the Capital City, Sova, where he finds people openly speaking against the Emperor, not to mention fanatical preachers provoking dissention against the Magistratum. The Emperor immediately sets Vonvalt to work rooting out the culprits but before Vonvalt can turn his sights onto the real threat -Claver – his attentions are drawn away when the Emperor’s son is kidnapped and demands that Vonvalt seek answers and find his son.

I’m not going to elaborate on the plot as there are twists and turns here that I don’t want to spoil. What I’d like to focus on instead are the winning elements of the story.

Well, firstly, for me the characters are so well written. Helena, as I already mentioned, is refreshingly honest. She’s still a young girl and naive in many respects. Her emotions for Vonvalt are in turmoil, she feels attracted to him but at the same time feels that some of his actions of late are questionable and this is a feeling that is about to explode. It all leads back to my question during book one about who is responsible for keeping the Justices on the straight and narrow. And this is another aspect that feeds beautifully into the characters themselves, leading their actions and giving their motivations new meaning as we discover things from their past that they’re not proud of which continue to haunt them. And, we have four central characters with this instalment with Sir Radomir joining Bressinger, Vonvalt and Helena. They are an interesting bunch to read and the author lets us spend some quality time with thiem which really helped.

The writing is so easy to like. On the face of it, I feel like this should be a really ‘dry’ read with lengthy debates about justice, peacekeeping and faith and how it plays into the Magistratum, and to be fair there is plenty of food for thought here to really provoke the reader, but, at the same time the writing is so easy to engage with. The pacing is good and there’s a balance between the winning elements that is almost perfect. It’s not all action to the point that you just feel exhausted on behalf of the characters, but when there is action it’s gripping and tense. There’s a mystery taking place and although you know that things are going to go pear shaped (Helena does like to drop hints) the eventual reveals are still a surprise.

Not to wax lyrical, I loved the story with this. It takes a turn for the dark, Vonvalt is weighed down with his own issues, the Emperor isn’t seeing straight (as you might imagine with the kidnap of his son and heir) and Claver seems to have grown in strength. And may I say at this point what a fantastic ‘baddie’ Claver makes. Ooh, he’s so bad, I dislike him intensely but really like him in turns of the series.

The magical elements whilst similar to book one have increased in strength and I loved the times where the story took us to the demons and underworld, it’s decidedly creepy.

I am loving this series and can’t recommend it highly enough.

Also, can we just take a minute to look at that cover – I love it.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

I was worried going into this after how good Justice of Kings was, But oh ye of little faith, Richard does many things, but he does not disappoint!

ToF was everything JoK was and more.
More tension, more drama, more creepy powers, more mysterious other planes and most importantly...more dogs.
That's right, there's a dog, Heinrich, and he is the bestest boy and steals the show!

In this book we come in from the cold, in from the outer villages and small towns, back to the city of Sova and the headquarters of the Justices. From persuing smaller crimes and criminals, Vonvalt is tasked with solving the disappearance of the Prince's son, all while dealing with political plots, simmering rebellion and civil unrest behind every corner.

The worldbuilding takes a HUGE step up in this book, the epic nature of the cities, and most importantly the other planes that were hinted at in book 1 are really brought to life in fantastic detail.
Swan's writing is excellent in regards to the whole rule of law and historical detailing of the lands, his background in law really shining through!

While I would love to get insight into the minds of the other characters, having the story written as Helena's memoirs really does work superbly and while we may not know their thoughts, Swan does an excellent job using Helena to tell their story.
The relationships are really explored to a greater depth in this book as well, with the scenes of Bressinger, Radomir and Helena being highlights! You really see beneath the hood in all of these characters and learn about what drives them deep down.
Vonvalt is a difficult character to comprehend in this book I found. He is almost blinded by his own sense of the law and how that sense is changing that some of his decisions become qeustionable and you really go through turmoil as you accompany him on this journey.

I think all the characters have grown and developed fantastically since book 1 and I cannot wait for book 3.
If you want something dark to read, with a good dose of gallows humour, murder mystery and supernatural alternative planes of existence with terrifying beings....well, this!

I have been lucky enough to be granted early access through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This is a great sequel to The Justice of Kings that amps up the tension as we journey to the capital of the Sovan Empire. This is rife with mysteries, political intrigue, action and moving forces. The twist and turns and revelations in the final third are simply outstanding, and Richard Swan does a brilliant job setting up the final act to make it as impactful as possible. So satisfying.

Richard Swan really explores the relationships that keep his main cast together. Their interactions are complex, with so much subtext coming into play that evokes so much emotion. The scenes with Bressinger, Radomir and Helena together were some of my favourites, as we see how friendships are strained under dire circumstances, and we see an insight into what really drives them. Very engaging and rewarding.

I love the discussion between the law, justice, and what it right, and how these at times do not go together. As our driving characters are Sir Konrad, an Emperor's Justice who is judge, jury and executioner in one, and Helena who is training under him, this elevates that discussion even more. When rules are bent for the 'greater good' or to deliver justice, is it right? Richard Swan does not give us answers, which I also loved! This is a book that will present problems and questions and turning points, but then leaves it up to us to decide what it signifies and what is 'right'. A thought-provoking edge throughout a tense read.

Overall, I thought Tyranny of Faith was great, It has a great dose of mystery as we are introduced to the capital of the Sovan Empire, a completely different setting from book one of this series. But whilst changing a lot, it also maintains what I thoroughly enjoyed about The Justice of Kings. It just raises the stakes. A lot! A great core cast, with dynamic relationships, and an amazing build up to a climactic conclusion full of twist and turns and just outright chaos.

I highly recommend to those looking for something fresh in the fantasy genre!

5/5 STARS

Magnificent ending, yet again. Richard Swan delivers so much in this, with the characters going through their own outstanding, unique arcs and the world building is ramped up to full in this. Can't wait for the next one.

After reading the authors first book The Justice of King I eagerly awaited this book to fall into my hands. I was swept away by the writing into the heart of the Sovan empire, following our lead characters Helena, Vonvalt, Dubine and Sir Radomir in their journey from Galen's Vale to Sova.
The story is narrated by Helena, looking back on her past with the perception of age. Vonvolt mysterious and debilitating illness (we discover to be a hex) affects not just his health but influences his judgements.
Vonvalt's two years away from Sova have left him disadvantaged information wise, something he has to quickly rectify as he navigates the intrigue and treachery he finds on his arrival. Vonvolts friendship with the Emperor is a doubtful advantage as the Emperor charges him with the purge of the Magistratum - the seat of power for the Justices. This purge leads to Vonvolts ascension to the most senior office in the Magistratum, this only increases the isolation from his peers.
Rebellion is being spoken on the streets and unrest is high amongst the populace of Sova. Claver the villain of the piece from Justice of Kings is stirring the notion of Holy Vengance and developing his necromantic skills.
Helena and Vonvolt are just about to follow their investigations in pursuit of Claver when the Emperors grandson goes missing. Vonvolt is tasked with the rescue mission and has to drop all other investigations taking him and his companions to the southern reaches of the Empire.
The author creates a richly drawn world and includes all the grittiness you could require. The immersive description of the chaos of Helena's first experience of a battle was truly visceral and the character development of Helena, Vonvolt and Claver exceptional.
My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

Well, the author is new name for me although I heard about his amazing major debut grabbed attention so many fantasy readers out there. But I am sure it wont be my last read from him.
I was lucky picked this sequel, The Tyranny of Faith straight after finished The Justice of Kings. For readers who dont have chance to reread, the author provided us with enough summary event from previous book.

We still following Helena Sedanka who make record of her daily experiences as apprentice of Sir Konrad Vonvalt the Emperor Justice. The Tyranny of Faith picked event straight after Galen Vale's Battle and the team must follow up the impact of the Claver's rebellion and get rid all roots from capital of Sova.

The writing style is unique and filled with colorful words. The worldbuilding is intriguing and make me want to know more and more. The characters are massive but the main POV Helena, surprisingly capable to capture the events and emotions from Vonvalt and other his retinue perfectly. I instanly draws to each characters and engaging into their quests. I found that I love saw Helena grew stronger as woman and become worthy apprentice to support her master and her team at this sekuel more than the first book.

The plots are thickened and solid till the end. We will get more court intrigues, corruption and traitors among the Order Justice and extra of beheading scenes. Fantasy creature and magic elements isnt as many as other fantasy story, but the necromancy appearance are enough for me. I cant wait for the next installment.

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit from Little Brown Book Group UK for provided my copy. I am grateful but my thoughts and opinions always become my own.

The Justice of Kings was one of the best books I read in 2022, and one of the best debut novels I've read period. Swan is easily one of the most exciting new talents on the fantasy scene, and I would highly recommend checking out his work if you're a fan of Joe Abercrombie, John Gywnne, or George R R Martin. Swan offers something that sits nicely alongside those authors, but also feels completely fresh.

As this is a review for a sequel, I'll refrain from sharing too much in the way of detail. If you're interested, I would recommend checking out my review of the first book if you want a taste of what to expect. I'll share it to my story, but you can find it further down my feed if this reaches you later.

What I will say is that The Tyranny of Faith takes everything that was fantastic about TJOK and immediately ramps it up exponentially. There's more mystery, more magic, more twists, more action, more politics, more murder, and more emotion. Swan somehow manages to pack so much into the story without sacrificing anything; plot, character, and world building are all masterfully balanced.

As I predicted in my review of TJOK, Swan had only just scratched the surface of the magic system with the first volume. He expands on the magic system wonderfully in the sequel, exploring new and familiar territories in greater depth.

The Tyranny of Faith is the sequel that a debut as brilliant as The Justice of Kings deserved. I have no idea how Swan will top it with the next book in the series, but I have every faith that he will.

I'm also giving you fair warning that Swan will rip out your heart and laugh at you as it beats in his bloodied fist. This man knows how to set you up to make a heart wrenching scene and its aftermath truly devastating.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Orbit, for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Tyranny of Faith is a cracking sequel to The Justice of Kings. The book picks up pretty much where the first left off. I continue to love Helena's voice and this time around there's more of what I was hoping for in book one. Finally we get to see Sova, the rich and vibrant heart of the Empire of the Wolf, which stands in stark contrast with the fringe villages we saw in book one. Tyranny also leans much more into the magic/necromancy of the Emperor's Justices which is every bit as creepy as I hoped with plenty of eldritch horrors that kept the tension high.

Surprisingly, Sir Konrad Vonvalt takes a bit of a backseat for a good portion of the book and Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radomir are left to their own devices for a time. I think this affected the pacing somewhat but I enjoyed the chance to learn more about the trio's relationships and backstories.

I do have a couple of criticisms. Firstly, the kidnapping subplot felt like it was taking away from the main story and had a lacklustre conclusion. I felt like this whole section could have been edited down or even cut out completely. Secondly, the 'romance' between Vonvalt and Helena near the end of the book was forced and unnecessary. Vonvalt's confession of love was utterly unbelievable to me.

This book is immensely readable and had me up until the wee hours for multiple nights. I can't wait to see how Swan concludes this refreshing and exciting trilogy.

The Tyranny of Faith sees a welcome return for itinerant Justice Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his retainers, Bressinger, Sir Radomir and, of course, the wonderful Helena Sedanka. In an Empire abounding in plots, treason and - as become clear in The Justice of Kings - forbidden Magicks - the team must try to uphold the rule of law while all around seem, rather, to be playing the rules for their own ends.

The story is, then, very much a continuation of the earlier book, though with the setting established we move much closer to the centre of things - first when Sir Konrad takes the team to the capital, Sova, in an attempt to warn the Emperor that something is wrong, and then to the debatable lands on the southern border with a mission from the Emperor (the warning more or less disregarded).

I don't want to drop any spoilers, but we do know from the start - because Helena, writing this account decades later, tells us - that dark times are ahead for the Empire of the Wolf so it's clear that, while there may be some success for Sir Konrad, greater forces are at work (or at least, their plans are too far advanced) for our heroes to halt.

But that doesn't take away the tension, far from it. Rather it left me desperate to know how exactly things will go to shit - there are so many ways it might happen! - and how everybody will measure up when they do. Because we also know that the crew are far from perfect as individuals. Helena has already realised Sir Konrad has feet of clay, and this book does more to expose how, under the Sovan Empire, the pursuit of realpolitik trumps equality before the law. Sir Radomir is, increasingly, a functioning alcoholic. Bressinger is devoted to Sir Konrad and will not act against him, not even to save him from himself. And Helena herself - well, as ever, she's impulsive, inexperienced and still young and she has so many feelings to cope with here, abut herself (remember the loss she suffered in The Justice of Kings), and her companions, especially Sir Konrad. (She is of course also brave, idealistic and determined - which she will need to be when various machinations land her in the front ranks of an army of fanatic warrior nuns marching to confront invaders...)

There's a fantastic interplay here between the characters. They are - just - still able to work as a team despite tensions and disagreements. The Tyranny of Faith is actually a wonderful depiction of colleagues under pressure doing their best in impossible circumstances. It's also a heartbreaking depiction of Helena's ongoing disillusion with Sir K (disillusion, not disengagement - the attraction between them is an opposite and more than equal force in Helena, and is acknowledged here more than it was in the previous book).

Indeed, the relationships are so well done - whether the four are getting drunk in a tavern, nursing their hangovers next morning, pursuing villains through bustling Sova, or fighting against impossible odds - that I would want to read about them whether or not they were central figures in a world shaking fantasy novel. I have been known at times to mutter at doorstep fantasy books to just get on with the plot - but not here. If Swan wanted to extend this series by a book or two just so we could see more of Sir K, Bressinger, Helena and Sir Radomir, that would be fine by me, absolutely fine.

Failing that perhaps we could have some short stories set in the quieter moments? Those might be hard to fit in, though, because as this book marches on, those quiet moments become fewer and further between. Faced with one shock after another, constrained by orders from the Emperor, Sir Konrad's authority and command of events become weaker and weaker, forcing him to adopt methods which leave Helena aghast. And still the crew are exposed to ever greater dangers, operating in unfamiliar country and against strange enemies, human and magickal. (One of the other strengths of this book is its use of the dangerous ancient "magicks" that seemed so domesticated and controlled in the hands of the Justices in The Justice of Kings. We learn a lot more about them here, and it's clear that not only have the Justices been playing with fire all along, but that now others want to play with it too...)

I do have an off-on relationship with fantasy, but have firmly placed Swan's series on my list of "Fantasy that I really like" and I hope you will too. Strongly recommended!

The Justice of Kings was one of my favourite books from last year and this was an equally good sequel giving us a wider perspective of the world and magic system of the story.

Once again we follow the narrator Helena and her companions as they navigate the complex avenues of politics, law, religion, crime and general mayhem. Only this time its bigger and the morality of these characters are tested at each turn. The descent of characters into their basest self was a treat to read. Add to it the plot of continuous power struggle between the church and the judicial system or rather Claver and Vonvalt, and we get the most intriguing story.

However, there are two reasons why this book wasn't a 5 star for me like its predecessor. First, the story dragged quite a lot in the middle section of the book. Yes, it all got beautifully tied up in the end but for a minute there, it just felt like the story was going nowhere. Second and the most important one was the romantic angle to Vonvalt and Helena's relationship - to be honest, it was kind of weird and some of Helena's inner monologue had my eyes rolling.

The last of part of the book was just chef's kiss though and I am really looking forward to read the conclusion of this story.

Really enjoyed this follow up to Justice of Kings! Helena, Vonvalt, and co get even deeper characterization and the political situation and magic is greatly expanded here. The magic is insane...very eldritch horror style, and some of it was genuinely frightening.

The middle of this book deals with a sub plot that made my interest wane, but Swan makes this plot matter for the end and the last third of this book is explosive and addicting. The villain in this series is such a great one, even if he is pretty one note. Just a guy you love to hate.

I will say though, my least favorite part of this series continues to be anything romance related. Several bizarre choices are made here that I wish weren't. And I think Vonvalt and Helena's characters sometimes suffered from lack of communication, which is especially frustrating because in book one they communicated well. Still, these were minor issues for me.

9/10