Book Review | The Pariah

The bastard son of a duke, Alwyn was abandoned in the woods as a child only to be picked up and raised by a band of outlaws. He’s led a life of misfortune, killing and thieving, ... and yet somehow, he manages to cheat the hangman's noose each time.

Now, as luck or fate would have it, he’s finds himself caught in the midst of civil war and fighting under the banner of a noblewoman who claims that she foresees a second demon scourge unless the imposter king is dethroned.

The Pariah by Anthony Ryan introduces the first in a gripping new grimdark epic fantasy series called the Covenant of Steel.

I have to admit, this is a book that grew on me. The beginning of the story feels slow and unfocused and was a chore for me to get through. I nearly DNF’ed this book. However, I’m glad I persevered because around the quarter mark, the story finally hits its stride and I was fully invested.

I think for me, the key selling point is how well-written and complex its characters are. They’re flawed and morally grey and all have their own ulterior motives. Then, of course, there’s our main character: Alwyn. He's wry and cunning and cynical, but a small part of him also does secretly want to believe in legends and prophesies. He's perhaps an unreliable narrator as well since the story is framed as him transcribing his account of events to the reader.

All in all, if you’re looking for a quintessential grimdark fantasy filled with backstabbing, clashing religions, and a waste witch, I recommend picking up The Pariah.

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : August 24, 2021

Publisher : Orbit Books

ISBN : 0316430765

Pages : 608

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