HELLO, WAKE UP, THE SEQUEL TO ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BOOKS JUST DROPPED, EVERYONE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND READ THIS INSTEAD. THANK YOU.

I HAVE BEEN not-so-patiently WAITING FOR THIS BOOK FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!! HURRAY!!!

And luckily it didn't fall prey to second book syndrome. Although the pace did seem slower in some parts, but honestly I'm here for the characters and vibes so I don't even mind.

I said in my review of the first book that the writing was amazing and I couldn't see how he could get any better. WELL, my dear friends, he got better. How??? Who knows. Richard Swan could literally write a grocery list and I'd still read it and recommend it to my friends.

You know what else got better? The names. And I'm specifically talking about the Slavic names here (although I did notice the German ones made more sense too), because in there were some that were a mishmash of both Slavic and German cultures and while I was happy to see them, they sounded funny.

This time around it shows that Mr Swan did even more research in between books one and two and some new character names were just perfect. Every time a new one would pop up, whether in the chapter intro or in the chapters themselves, I'd progressively get happier and happier.

It feels like this series was written for me. Like, this is the Slavic rep that I have been looking for my whole life.

And there were also little things, Slavic words that made my soul warm. I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH OKAY? OKAY.

Helena is still the narrator and I really like her PoV. I think she really grew as a character here, especially near the end. All of the characters did some growing actually, and they became closer to each other so if you like the found family trope READ THIS.

AND THERE'S A LITTLE ROMANCE ON THE HORIZON! I can't say that I didn't see it coming but I love this development very much.

The ending is probably my favourite part of the book, also the strongest because everything that's been building up over the course of the book comes together and it's hard to stop reading.

I really like how Mr Swan does endings, both times so far he's proven he can wrap things up while still leaving the reader curious about what is to come. So obviously I can't wait until I get my hands on book three even though I'm not ready to say goodbye to my babies. But yes, I just know that it'll be good and I'll probably cry.

*Huge thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I loved the Justice of Kings so much, and if anything I loved the Tyranny of Faith more. I love these characters dearly. I felt loss for them, hope for them and I'm eagerly anticipated how their story will end. The world building of this story is so richly woven that it feels real. The characters feel real, to the point they have flaws, human flaws but we love them all the more for it. I can't wait to read more from this world!

Stunning.
If you had any doubts-this being a middle book in a series- you can lay them to rest. Swan somehow wrote an even better book than The Justice of Kings was.
You know how first book was gradually building a picture from one small case in tiny village toward realization that empire is in crisis and it has shaken the very foundations our heroes are swearing to?
Well this entire book is that high-strung, ear-buzzing moment of a perfect tension; that precarious wobbling of a state and its ruler on a precipice, of heroes losing their shine and inevitability of chaos.

The story continues directly from events of previous instalment with Vonvalt, Helena, Bressinger and newest addition to the group, sir Radomir, arriving to Sova, to inform his Majesty of Patria Claver's plans. But the problems of bureaucracy, politics and endless contemplation of figure-heads in the capital are getting in the way of swift and concrete actions against Claver. Instead, the emperor puts Konrad, who is suffering from some kind of malady, in charge of the Magistratum with a task to purge it of traitors. There are disturbances and moving on the borders of the Empire that require manpower to be dispatched. And when the member of the royal family disappears Emperor wants his best investigator and Judge with all available resources on the job. With so many distractions and roadblocks one must wonder if all these events are somehow connected to Claver getting stronger by the day.

So, putting our heroes at the centre of the Empire of the Wolf, reader is getting the idea just how many issues there are. With many political and religious fractions and antiroyal sentiments, the idealist view of law and order Sir Konrad likes to preach about is getting challenged on every opportunity, but more than anything else, it's the unwillingness to act that makes Helena and others incredulous and Vonvalt rather desperate.
I mentioned this in my previous review, but many of the byzantine pedantry of statemanship, frustrations, debates and moral conundrums is something that particularly resonates with me since I practice criminal law for a living and Swan's writing and ideas he explores just work for me. The investigative work of another mystery sir Konrad has to solve. Swan already touched some themes of due process in his previous novel and he dialled it up to eleven in this one. But I really appreciate how he managed to show that the governing system of Empire functions on some version of separation of power, of checks and balances and how this actually constricts Emperor's absolute power. So, considering the danger Claver represents in the novel, it seems, in a way, fitting to see Autun gnawing its own leg, that the blame for the problems shouldn't be pinned entirely on the enemy, but on inaction of people in charge as well.

"The impression I immediately formed of him was that of a weakling, the kind of heir who acts as a prelude to times of upheaval."


Beautiful.
But, it's not just the complexity of the world I appreciated so much. It's the characters. It's always the characters with me and there's nothing I was invested in as much as I was in Helena, Vonvalt, Berssinger and Radomir.
Honestly, I can't really decide if I loved reading more about Helena's growing into her own or erosion of Konrad's moral fibre. The heartbreak of Galen's Vale made Helena more mature and decisive, even if she's still so painfully inexperienced about some things. Since we are reading the account of these events from older Helena, it's also a very honest, introspective look at a young idealist realizing how the world really works and that the profession she came to love is imperfect just like her mentor is. There is something arresting about taking Vonvalt we got to know apart. With the justification of good intentions of saving the Empire, he keeps compromising himself and others, and Helena- and through her, reader as well- starts to wonder is that really the only reason or Vonvalt just can't take the loss and admit the defeat. His pursuit seems personal and as brilliant as he is, he also comes of as vain, reckless and blind to anything that doesn't fit his own idea of a person or event. He suffers from mysterious illness throughout the novel and everybody keep noticing how it affects his looks and strength and there is a nice parallel because it's not just his body decaying, it's also his character. This slow, carefully build shift to more villainous Konrad is masterfully done, especially because it's coming from Helena's point of view for whom he is the most important person in her life. The relationship between them was always the messiest, the most complicated and most intriguing part of the story. Clearly, the romantic aspect is problematic and it is acknowledged in the novel, but there is a point to be made about this and older Helena is building to it. You think she is done with heartbreaks? No.
I have a soft spot for broken ones and Berssinger kept tugging on my heartstrings. He was my favourite alongside Helena.
Magical aspect of the world also got a lot bigger and more complex in this novel. I personally loved the creepy horror vibe of afterlife as well as the unexplained. But old magic is present in other, more surprising forms and I hope we'll get to see more of it (wolfmen!) in the next novel. The empire is also surrounded by enemies who are carefully looking and waiting for the right time, so it seems that the fight is bigger than the patria Claver and our heroes will be in the centre of it.
I can't wait to read all about it.

This book has left me conflicted, and working out how to review this and what my rating will be has been a tough process. On the whole this book is excellent, almost all of it is near perfect tense high fantasy; though unfortunately for me part of it did not work at all. Leaving me frustrated at what was so close to being a new book for my favourites, as I consider the first book.

First of all the positives. The Tyranny of Faith is an extremely complex and well paced novel permeated with anxiety inducing tension and political scheming. It was at times hard to read in the best possible way as every decision made was seemingly a bad one, and watching the high stakes and moral ambiguity of all elements of this story rip these characters apart was fascinating.

As well as this, the horror elements in this novel shined and I found this book was at its best when dealing with its horrific eldritch gods, or it’s equally horrific politics. With excellent action throughout, the narrative was a wild and heavily investing rollercoaster, and Helena grows to be one of my favourite protagonists. Her strength and her struggle make her so compelling that I’m ultimately reading this series now to see her journey.

Sadly, as much as I want to, I cannot rate this book 5 stars due to one sub plot involving a relationship between major characters in the story. In its entirety this subplot felt pointless by its resolution and was distracting for a majority of the book ruining the reading experience with what felt like a forced and deeply uncomfortable romance. Ultimately it ruined a great amount of my enjoyment of the novel and plagued all my thoughts about it, as well as removing possibly my favourite dynamic in the first book and what I found to be that book’s emotional core.

This is a fantastic work of fantasy, and I’m in great anticipation for the conclusion to this story. Although my discomfort with the new direction of certain dynamics in this story marred my reading experience and my ability to confidently recommend this: Helena, this world’s lore, and the tremendously well written tension throughout, means I still love this book to an extent, but sadly not completely.

This review has been posted on my Twitter, goodreads and StoryGraph accounts on the 15th of February 2023, these can be found via the links attached tho this review.

The review has also been submitted to the Waterstones listing for the novel on the 15th of February 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoruB89r1CV/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for a digital copy of The Tyranny of Faith. I couldn’t wait to continue the series after finishing The Justice of Kings.

Again picking up right where we left off at the first instalment. I really enjoy the way this series is written through the eyes of Helena Sedanka following the story of Konrad. The battle of Galen’s Vale is over, however the Empire is still at risk of becoming lost.

I was gripped from start to finish. I magically system is definitely upped a notch in two in this second book 🙌

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit for this advanced copy.

The Tyranny of Faith was my most anticipated novel that released this year, beside Books from The Year of Sanderson and Threads of Power.

and Richard Swan... did it again!

It even better than the first book.
More mystery, more political intrigue, more myth from Sova, and of course, more action. I also saw the development of Helena, and it was great. Minor thing that I loved from this book was Sir Radomir and Bressinger's interaction. They were so funny.

I can't wait to read the last book of this installment.

"Tyranny of Faith” is the second book of the Empire of the Wolf Trilogy by Richard Swan. Tyranny of Faith continues shortly after “Justice of Kings.” Our protagonists Vonvalt, Helena, Bressinger and Radomir prepare to enter Sova the capital city of the Empire of the Wolf. They are there to investigate a political plot that threatens the empire; however, things do not go as expected from the start and they must try to unravel the mysteries before it is too late.

The characters make this book and series. Told from the first-person POV of Helena, we continue to follow Justice Vonvalt and his comrades as they attempt to navigate the steady brewing political turmoil. There are many compelling character moments filled with emotional depth which adds plenty of dynamic moments. The description of the magic in the world is one of the highlights of the story. The world-building is nicely detailed and we get to see more of the wider world.

The plotting is exceptional especially if you like the more political fantasy. Swan clearly enjoyed expanding the magic and detail of the world in this book. You are drawn into the story and invested in the world more than you usually would. The story plays with crime-solving and mystery themes. It kept me second-guessing motives and threw me off with a few surprises too! The atmosphere is immersive and the pacing makes this read a gripping page-turner.

Like the first book, ”Tyranny of Faith” is destined to become my favorite book of the year. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Little Brown Books for an e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I'm rounding up a bit because the last 30-40% of this book were insane but before that point I really felt like I was hitting a wall with this one and some heavy second book syndrome.

We start on the way to Sova and Vonvalt is under the weight of a mysterious illness. Shortly after arrival, we see the confrontation between Vonvalt and everyone with the Justices working with Claver. As with the first book, there is a side case that takes precedence over Vonvalt's worries: the kidnapping of Prince Kamil, third in line for the throne.

You'd think a kidnapping plot would rouse some interest but it's largely back and forth between Helena looking for the library of stolen texts and being by Vonvalt as he investigated. Her character grew on me a lot compared to the first book. I really hope we continue to see her character develop and all the experiences that come with the next lot of dramatic adventures.

We meet Justice Roza who Helena has a petty party over that apparently is not as subtle as she thinks and that Bressinger and Sir Radomir don't really want to discuss. That duo of characters was a lot of fun this time around, even with their high tension moments. I am very upset about Bressinger in this book, without getting into spoilers but just know it's in that last 30-40% of book. And if he was one of your faves, you'll be upset too.

I really enjoyed von Osterlen and I hope we get more of her in the next book.

Again, the brief interludes of 'present day' Helena was well woven into the story so it didn't disrupt the flow overall. But also again, there is a huge cast of characters, locations and factions to remember that it did get a little confusing again. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have to remember who Justice August was. It sounds dumb but it does make me appreciate those books with a cast of characters at the start or end - and with another book on the way, that probably wouldn't go unwelcome if it was included.

Much like the first book, I ended it with a stronger opinion than when I started so I'll be watching out for the third book and whatever comes with it next. (And I'm going to repeat myself to Richard here: if you don't tell me good things happen for Heinrich after everything in Keraq, I will riot.)

I loved the Justice of Kings and couldn't wait to read the next book in the series. It really doesn't disappoint. Once again the story is told by an older, wiser Helena looking back at her younger, cockier teenage self and her companions Sir Konrad, Sir Radimir and Dubine. The setting is far more Game of Thrones than the first book as we follow the characters back to the citadel and the King (a brilliantly engaging character) and we become embroiled in royal politics, the kidnapping of a young prince, heir to the throne, murder mysteries and of course magic. Sir Konrad is still as mysterious and elusive as ever, Sir Radimir, probably the most entertaining and likeable character in the series, is as down to earth as ever and Dubine encounters some very unexpected twists and turns. If you liked the first book you will love this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Justice of Kings when I read it at the end of 2021 and The Tyranny of Faith was just as good. I had a great time reading it.

Things definitely take a turn for the worse in this book which, given how dark things turned in book one, is quite an achievement. Claver is still up to his old tricks, The grandson of the Emperor has been kidnapped, there’s something trying to kill Vonvalt and it’s all up to Helena to try and sort it all out.

What I really enjoyed in this book is that the conspiracy goes even deeper. You don’t know who you can trust because seemingly good characters turn out to be in the pocket of Claver and his band of merry fanatics. What seems to be a straightforward plot takes a swerve near the end of the book and the finale moves the story into a different direction for the next book. It keeps it fresh and interesting.

I still enjoy the characters. You spend all your time with Helena so it’s a good thing I like her as a protagonist. She’s very determined to save Vonvalt throughout the book, to an almost obsessive amount and I like the direction their relationship was headed in. She does fall/get knocked unconscious a little too often though. She’ll wake up in a coma one day.

The Tyranny of Kings was a very enjoyable read despite me forgetting most of what had happened in The Justice of Kings since it’s been so long since I read it. I enjoy the characters and the plot, worldbuilding and writing are all very strong. It keeps you interested from the beginning to the end and the various plot threads end up colliding together in the perfect way which is going to make it difficult for the characters in the next book.

Sometimes, you read book two of a trilogy and it sort of lets you down a bit. As though the momentum gained in book one is not quite enough to sustain the story all the way through three books. That is emphatically not the case with The Tyranny of Faith. Every chapter ratchets up the tension more and more until you’re sat wondering just how they’re going to get out of this mess unscathed.

I will admit that I found it took a while for me to get into this book. This is an odd problem I have with reading sequels so long after the first book, so it’s more a matter of me than the book. Similarly, I spent a lot of January/February just not in the mood for reading fantasy, which as you can imagine, impacted this one. However. Then I got into it and, oh boy.

This is going to be the world’s vaguest review, I fear, because I want this to be as spoiler-free as possible, which could be tricky. I mean, my prevailing reaction to this book is simply what the fuck. Sometimes reading review copies is great because you get to enjoy the books early. Sometimes it’s really awful because then you have to wait longer than you would otherwise for the next book. In this case, it’s a little of both, although probably more so the feeling of how am I supposed to go so long without knowing what happens next?

What makes this series stand out for me is the amount of care taken into building the world and the characters within it. Even minor characters leap off the page, every single one of them, no matter how big or small a role they play. And the amount of thought put into how the society works, how justice is perceived — that is, not just the magic aspects of the world but the psychosocial ones too — all of that works to create such a vivid setting. The politics too feel realistic, not least because of how they seem to draw from current real world politics (frankly, this often makes it more believable for me in fantasy than creating a whole new set of them, although some authors can do it well).

Really, the only thing I disliked about this book was the persistent pushing of Vonvalt and Helena as a potential relationship. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve always and only ever read this as a mentor/ward relationship and think that’s how it should stay (also because Vonvalt is, I believe, old enough to be Helena’s father). I am tentatively hopeful that nothing will come of the attempts to make it romantic (not least because of Helena’s arc in this book when it comes to how she sees Vonvalt. The real corruption arc of the series…), but I disliked it. Yes, I still rated the book a full five stars, but I have to get this off my chest. It didn’t work for me.

That aside though, I loved this book just as much as the first, and truly cannot wait to see where it all goes in the finale (especially with the Trickster… I am intrigued).

“Tyranny of Faith” is the second book of the Empire of the Wolf Trilogy by Richard Swan, due to be released February 16. Thanks to @netgalley and @orbitbooks for the ARC.

Tyranny of Faith picks up shortly after “Justice of Kings” and we find our protagonists Vonvalt, Helena, Bressinger and Radomir as they prepare to enter Sova the capital city of the Empire of the Wolf and continue to investigate a plot that threatens the empire; however, things do not go as expected from the start and they must try to unravel the mysteries before it is too late. 

I really enjoyed “Justice of Kings” and was very much looking forward to “Tyranny of Faith” with high hopes and those hopes were most definitely justified. Tyranny of Faith is if anything even better than the first book. Richard Swan seriously upped his game in this book.  

I thoroughly enjoyed getting back to the world of the Empire of the Wolf and seeing even more of the political machinations this time at the centre of the Empire. It was great getting to see Vonvalt at the heart of the Empire and just how important he really is to the Emperor and the Empire. While much of the book takes part in the city of Sova the capital of the Empire, the characters do venture forth into the wider Empire later in the book. We also get to see more of the magic of the world and how dark it can be. The characters are developed well and the relationships between the main characters are incredibly well written. The plot was amazing, I couldn’t put the book down and by the end I just wanted it to keep going. I am normally not a bit fan of the first person but reading through the eyes of Helena Sedanka has make this book all the better.

I loved the book, and I am already excited for the next one. Definitely recommend to any readers of fantasy.

The Justice of Kings was one of my absolute favourite reads of last year and at this point I think I have lost count of the amount of times I have recommended it to people.

So when I had the opportunity to read the sequel ‘The Tyranny of Faith’ ahead of pub date you can bet your ass I jumped at the chance! (Thanks so much to @netgalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for the ARC)

Firstly - @richardswanauthor you have absolutely done it again!

The Tyranny of Faith picks up right from where the last book left us, the battle is over but the war remains. Again, from the POV of Helena we continue to follow Justice Vonvalt and his comrades as they attempt to navigate the steadily brewing turmoil in Sova - this book has EVERYTHING a growing fantasy fan can ask for: political unrest, wonderfully unique magic systems, DEMONS!!!! and heart in your throat tense moments. I. Was. Invested.

We learn so much more about our esteemed justice (which I was DYING for) and you come to love and care for the characters (old and new!) along the journey and what a journey it is.

I won’t go into too much detail about this book as it is a sequel and I wouldn’t want to ruin anything from book one. But, and I cannot emphasise this enough, what a wonderful read this was and I fully recommend checking out this series if you haven’t already.

My first 5star of the year and I’m so glad it goes to this one ⭐️

Publication Date: 16 Feb 2023

The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan: A Review

All aboard for a ride through the best of what modern fantasy has to offer in this remarkable feast for brain and heart.

(This review has also been posted on Goodreads and on my blog at https://www.elcrocker.com/post/tyrannyoffaith_review)


The Tyranny of Faith is the second book in the Empire of the Wolf series. The first, The Justice of Kings, blew most fantasy fans away last year with its thorny questions of law and politics, the fantastic character of Sir Konrad Vonvalt – the judge, jury and executioner upholding the Empire’s law - its tight, addictive prose and memorably excruciating set pieces. So there was a lot at stake with this second entry. Would it be a Matrix Reloaded, dashing the promise of the original? Or would it be an Empire Strikes Back? Well thankfully it’s the latter, because Swan has written a quite remarkable sequel, an astonishing medley of character, theme, mystery and action that hits every mark like Hawkeye on speed.


The book opens with Vonvalt and his retinue heading towards the capital Sova, to warn the Emperor of the conspiracy at its heart and weed out the traitors in the Magisterium (the law branch of the Empire). It’s in these sections that we see the true breadth of the fantastic political analogy Swan is crafting with this trilogy. The Justice of Kings made it clear that Swan is partly gunning for the failings of modern day politicians – complacent moderate/liberal governments who have ignored the masses and allowed extremists to manipulate the message and the political rules (see Brexit, Trump et al.). In Tyranny, we get a gloriously astute doubling down on this analogy that makes this one of the most valuable political fantasies around. Whether it’s political factions warring with themselves or moderates empowering the political fringes for an easy life, it’s hard not to think Swan is taking direct aim at the polarized, pathetic state of America at the moment. During a trip to the Senate, Helena watches as rebel Senators make offensive point after offensive point, designed to provoke rather than debate anything of substance; it’s hard not to be reminded of the extreme wing of the US Republican party who grind the business of Congress to a halt and then use the chaos to build their social media empire. If you’re a political nerd, you’ll feast on this like it’s your last meal.


But if you’re not here for the political analogies, then that’s okay because the fantastic character study of Vonvalt, and his slowly slipping fidelity to the laws he puts so much stock in upholding, continues apace here. The genius of this is that his increasing failings are seen through the eyes of the idealistic Helena, and through her we feel ourselves the incredible frustration of watching a man of supposed principle melt away his ideals. Part of the fun here is trying to weigh his justifications. Does he have a point to say that rules must be bent when a empire’s fate is at stake? Or, in the end, is he just a frustrated human at desperation point, and was Helena’s idealistic view of him always a mirage?


This thorny moral question continues throughout the book, with other members of Vonvalt’s retinue weighing in on it, and ultimately comes to a head with a revelation about Vonvalt himself that throws the whole question on its head and challenges everything Helena has been assuming. It’s a sign of how deep we are into this fantastic character study that this small bit of backstory comes across as a humongous twist; more so even than the massive twists at the end of the book. It’s rare to have a whole character reimagined on the spot, but Swan dares to do this and it’s a bravura, swashbuckling move, a subtle realignment of everything we’ve assumed that throws up everything in the air. You won’t see a bolder, cleverer character arc this year. Speaking of character arcs; Helena comes into her own here; still vulnerable, still idealistic but increasingly bold and brave, being forced into some truly horrendous ordeals and arguably achieving more than Vonvalt. Her weary realisation of certain home truths about the Empire and her role model is the emotional heart of this novel.


Aside from all these deep themes and character beats, this book is tonnes of fun. Every new locale is revealed in glorious detail. We see the capital in all its gaudy, architecturally bruising glory; we see the decrepit Crusade fortresses of the southern frontier; and we see some frankly disturbing new vistas in various otherworldly locales. We get gruesome, brutal battle scenes, and more viscera and gore than a Saw franchise. And we get wit too; particularly in Bressinger and Radomir, the comedy duo who also bring subtlety and poignancy and, in their relationships with Helena, ground the novel a little, anchoring us amidst all the tragedy and horror and Machiavellian politicking.


Tonally, Swan gives us everything; so much so it shouldn’t work but work it does. The entire middle section of the book is given over to a subplot that calms the action, and seems odd at first; but fans of murder mysteries (though technically this is an abduction mystery) will soon see what is coming and start looking at clues. The genius of Swan’s plotting here though is that the mystery here is not so much the crime in front of your face but what’s happening behind it. If you spot the subtle clues (there’s one particularly brilliant one that only diehard mystery readers will be alerted to) then good for you, if you don’t then the final volley of shocking twists will leave you reeling.


Then there’s the horror. Oh boy, the horror. Swan can write fantasy, and now it turns out he’s a master of the macabre too; I can’t wait till he goes full rom-com in the next one. He goes full Lovecraft here, with a hefty Clive Barker thrown in for good measure. All the elements of the Cthulhu mythos are here – the idea of truths so great they turn you insane, the concept of elder great god-like beings who either manipulate us or simply see us as insects; the impact of language; the metaphysical ideas of interconnectedness and interdimensional planes. If you’re into your eldritch, then there is more fun to be had here than a golden retriever in a ball pit. And Swan, consistent with his predilection for giving us the fun but giving us the thoughtful, offers up hideous beasts and exploding bodies while also throwing out concepts of what the afterlife really is. In fact, one character poses a question regarding the relationship of our life to the next that could take up a whole book in itself; but such is the intellectual feast this novel is that it’s a throwaway line, a grenade thrown in a room already packed with bazookas.


Then, in the last hundred pages or so, we get a breathless mixture of battle, horror, tragedy, revelation and seismic political manoeuvrings. It’s a breathless sprint, the kind of finale you speedread through because you’re desperate to find out what happens to certain characters, and it is the perfect setup for the third book.


Overall, then, Swan has melded genre after genre into a book forged from narrative steel, and done so with some of the best dialogue you’re likely to see in any genre, never mind fantasy. It’s an astonishing achievement that will take your breath away at times. There might be a better fantasy this year, but it will have to smack harder than the Emperor’s Voice pumped through God’s loudspeaker to beat this marvel.

I said that "The Justice of Kings" was "a fantasy and a half"... "The Tyranny of Faith" is a fantasy and three quarters. Wow! I loved it. I really enjoyed Richard Swan's writing, the characters, the plot, and the setting last time out but this second book takes those to a whole new level of enjoyment. Eagerly awaiting book 3, but also sad that it's the end of the trilogy.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Really nice book! If you liked the first one you will definitely like this on too! Such a cool world and story. I'm glad I got to read this early as I really couldn't wait for this book. Looking forward to the next one!

The spectacular Empire of the Wolf trilogy continues!

Firstly, many thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Richard Swan was THE breakthrough debut author of last year for me. The Justice of Kings was highly original and chronicled the journeys of a provincial lawmaker, Sir Konrad Vonvalt but told in first person via his scribe and assistant Helena. This debut was highly polished and hinted at a larger scope and of greater magical aspects to come.

The Tyranny of Faith jumps right in where things were left off but Swan quickly demonstrates his intentions to elevate the story in terms of scale and stakes. The first act of this book largely takes place in the capital city and this is a stark contrast to the travelling between outposts and villages seen in book one. Some readers may find this part slow but I personally enjoyed the political manoeuvring and intrigue which was occurring and this also gave time to develop and learn more about our lead and side characters.

Before long, events escalate when the Emperor's grandson is kidnapped. To begin with this seemed like a side quest but Swan was able effectively to sow seeds which would have implications to the main storyline. In less skilled hands, this section of the book could have frustrated readers but the pacing was still good and there were plenty of hooks to keep you guessing what was really going on behind the scenes.

Where The Tyranny of Faith really takes off is where Helena gets to break away from Vonvalt and the others and have a chance to shine in her own right. From this point the book takes off and doesn't quit until the final page. It wasn't just Helena that had a satisfying character development, we also got to learn much more about Bressinger and Sir Radomir. In particular, I really enjoyed how Swan was able to quickly develop Claver into such a fabulous antagonist and villainous fanatic.

For me, the unique selling point of this Trilogy is the magic, primarily the Necromancy. I found the horror aspects of this were extremely well written and the dangers of using this were hinted in book one but fully demonstrated here in book two with devastating consequences. Big things happen (big as in potentially world changing events) and you no longer have any doubts about this being simply a middle book in a trilogy. The stakes continue to rise throughout and our heroes do suffer some setbacks and losses.

The Tyranny of Faith was a solid sequel to The Justice of Kings and was in many ways bigger and better. I would give this series the highest of recommended to anyone who is looking for a unique style of Fantasy writing from a new author. If Swan can conclude the trilogy and stick landing to the standard previously demonstrated or perhaps even stronger, this will go down as an all time great Fantasy Trilogy. I absolutely cannot wait to read the final installment!

The Tyranny of Faith is expected to be published 14th February 2023.

‘Tis a very good sequel!
Ok, small book reference over… Let us be about it!

I binged the first book and was lucky enough to have early access to Tyranny of Faith. The pacing was much faster than in the first book, but I guess that's the advantage when the world is already established.

Swan clearly enjoyed expanding the magicks and detail of the world in this book. He does it in such a way that you're drawn into the story and invest in the world more than you usually would.

Once again the story plays with crime solving and mystery themes. It kept me second guessing motives and threw me off with a few surprises too!

My only frustration now is that I’ll have to wait a while to see how this story is wrapped up, even if I do suspect it wont be a happy ending for many of the characters 😅

The Tyranny of Faith is the sequel to Justice of Kings, one of my favorite books from last year. This follows on the events from the first with the main characters of Konrad Vonvalt, his clerk and the narrator Helena Sedanka and his guard and close friend Dubine Bressinger. I adore these characters and could have read a thousand more pages.
This book is an incredible sequel, the stakes have become even higher and Swan is a master of creating atmosphere, tension and an even darker compelling plot. The fantastical elements are even more horrifying in this and I was on the edge of my seat. From 20% to completion I read this in one sitting.
The standout is the dynamic between the characters, even the secondary characters are extremely well done. Overall the writing, world building and character development were just as good as the first if not even better.
Don't know how I will be able to wait for the third book! Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc!

The Tyranny of Faith continues on from The Justice of Kings, and is again narrated by Helena Sedanka, once apprenticed to Justice Sir Konrad Vonvalt.
Sir Vonvalt, Helena, Bressinger, and Sir Radomir have returned to the city of Sova, where rumours of rebellion are rife.
When the Emperor's young grandson gets kidnapped, Sir Vonvalt is charged with finding the missing prince and bringing him home. But things are not as they seem, Vonvalt has his suspicions, but can he prove it, before it's too late?
Fabulous world building, with a great magic system. This book is a lot darker than the first. There's Demons, plot twists and plenty of intrigue to keep you going. I had to remind myself to breathe a few times.
Now I have a long wait for the next.
Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC