The Kraken's Tooth

<i>“I have been wielded by heroes of legend and villains of infamy. By the worst scum and the most noble spirit. And in all that time you know what I learned, my liege? There was no meaning in any of it, no purpose that counted for more than shit in the end. Heroes win their wars only to become tyrants. The worst murderers may escape punishment but cannot escape their own souls and they will always die pitiful, friendless, and unmourned….Vile we may be, but at least a demon knows what it is. Mortals live their entire existence flailing in the effluent of their own delusions.”</i><br /><br />Thank you to the author and Subterranean Press for the advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br />I really enjoyed this one. This novella series is really great when you want something that you don’t have to think too much and can just enjoy the characters, world, and action without worrying about getting through a ginormous tome and figuring out all the complexities of the world and plot.<br /><br />This plot is pretty straightforward and that is not a bad thing in my opinion. Ryan does a good job of keeping the pace fast enough that things are happening frequently, but not so fast that you feel like there is no substance. That also doesn’t mean that everything that happens is obvious or easy to guess.<br /><br />As we follow Pilgrim (or Guyime, but I like Pilgrim better) in his quest to find the Seven Swords we get to know him a little more through flashbacks and conversations. Pilgrim is a compelling character and as I continue to read this series I am more invested in his story. I want to know more of the history of his character as there are so many hints about his past as the story goes on. I also continue to really love the relationship between Pilgrim and Lakorath, the demon that has been trapped in Pilgrim’s Sword. Their relationship is complicated and their sometimes shared, often at odds goals drive the plot forward in a way that gives it meaning. Their conversations are often entertaining and informative. Who knew that a snarky demon companion could be so cool and often times hilarious?<br /><br />Most of this story consists of a dungeon-crawl type narrative which was totally not what I expected, but worked really well. I almost felt like I was playing a game of Tomb Raider as Pilgrim and his group had to avoid traps, solve puzzles, and answer riddles to get to their destination.<br /><br />This is a dark, dangerous world and throughout the story this is shown even more. Pilgrim and his group have to battle sorcerers, soldiers, and magical creations in order to achieve their goal. As we delve a little more into Pilgrim’s past we are also able to see more of the harsh realities of this world. If you like a grim and gritty world, this series may be for you.<br /><br />As this is a novella at only 135 pages, it really left me with a feeling of wanting more in a good way. I think there are two types of novellas. Novellas that leave you wanting more because you want the next book in the series and novellas that disappoint you because there was just not enough in the small amount of pages to hold your interest or really get you invested. The Kraken’s Tooth was definitely the former. I was engaged throughout the narrative and I am already really looking forward to the next in this series!

<b>Check out my Booktube channel at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWpzzPo-rrt4_KJHHP8i6Qw" rel="nofollow noopener">The Obsessive Bookseller</a></b><br><br>[3.5/5 stars] I gave a more detailed <b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2792416348?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1" rel="nofollow noopener">Review of Pilgrimage of Swords</a> </b>, so I’ll keep it brief here: I don’t know how Ryan manages to pack such rich word-building and depth into such a short book.<br><br>I’m really on board with the type of story being told in this series and have loved all the fun (aka perilous) adventures so far. Everything about this series is singing to me, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next! It’s a very bite-sized series and is a perfect refresher between denser reads.<br><br>Is the story good enough to merit $40 hardcovers? Probably not, but thankfully the ebook/audio combo is affordable. Unless you’re like me and must have all the hardcovers…<br><br>Recommendations: read them, they’re good.<br><br><i>Thank you to my <b><a href="https://www.patreon.com/user?u=70056710&amp;fan_landing=true" rel="nofollow noopener">Patrons</a></b>: Filipe, Dave, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, and Katrin! &lt;3</i><br><br>Via The Obsessive Bookseller at <a href="https://www.NikiHawkes.com" rel="nofollow noopener">www.NikiHawkes.com</a><br><br>Other books you might like:<br><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/55399.Gardens_of_the_Moon__Malazan_Book_of_the_Fallen___1_" title="Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1) by Steven Erikson" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548497031l/55399._SY75_.jpg" alt="Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1) by Steven Erikson" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/27209459.The_Waking_Fire__The_Draconis_Memoria___1_" title="The Waking Fire (The Draconis Memoria, #1) by Anthony Ryan" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1458578327l/27209459._SY75_.jpg" alt="The Waking Fire (The Draconis Memoria, #1) by Anthony Ryan" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/25399383.When_the_Heavens_Fall__The_Chronicles_of_the_Exile___1_" title="When the Heavens Fall (The Chronicles of the Exile, #1) by Marc Turner" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1429605253l/25399383._SY75_.jpg" alt="When the Heavens Fall (The Chronicles of the Exile, #1) by Marc Turner" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/6993490.The_Warded_Man__Demon_Cycle___1_" title="The Warded Man (Demon Cycle, #1) by Peter V. Brett" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659901202l/6993490._SY75_.jpg" alt="The Warded Man (Demon Cycle, #1) by Peter V. Brett" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/6765788.The_Last_Stormlord__Watergivers___1_" title="The Last Stormlord (Watergivers, #1) by Glenda Larke" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388194381l/6765788._SY75_.jpg" alt="The Last Stormlord (Watergivers, #1) by Glenda Larke" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

<b>“It’s seems we are once again obliged to tread a forbidden path”.</b><br /><br />Lo dicho. Esto cada vez se pone mejor. El autor ha cumplido y he de admitir que me he enganchado a la historia.<br /><br /><i>“We are bound , my liege. You to me and me to you. You cannot discard me. You cannot sell me. You cannot destroy me”.</i><br /><br />El punto fuerte de la historia no es su argumento, sino la forma en que lo cuenta y la forma de escribir de Anthony Ryan. A pesar de presentarte la típica historia de búsqueda-aventuras él le da su toque oscuro con sus personajes grises y crea una gran historia corta muy intensa. Además, que poco a poco va profundizando en los personajes sobre todo en nuestro protagonista.<br /><br /><i>“Heroes win theirs wars only to become tyrants. The worst of murderers may escape punishent but cannot escape their own souls and they will always die pitiful, friendless and unmourned. The Infernus is a eternal place of chaos and angony, but this world is worse. Vile we may be but at least a demon knows what it is. Mortals live their entire existence flaining in the effluent of their own delusions. </i><br /><br />Eso sí, he de admitir que al ser una historia corta para mí por ejemplo siento que me falta más información sobre el mundo, pero es predecible porque en 100 páginas tiene que conformarse y poco a poco nos va contando un poco más sobre ese mundo maldito en el que viven los protagonistas.<br /><br /><i>“You embrace them, imagining death will be your release from me, no doubt. But it didn’t it ever occur to you, my liege there are worse fates tan mere death?”</i><br /><br />Totalmente recomendado y directa a la tercera parte.<br /><br /><i>“God’s die and their promises are always empty. </i>

These are fun little novellas. It’s a pretty standard quest plot, man searching for redemption has to gather up seven demon-cursed blades of immense power. He picks up stragglers who become friends along the way.<br /><br />But what sells these stories for me are the characters I guess. Guyime makes it pretty clear he’s no hero - he’s got a past and we get to learn a good deal of it in this book.<br /><br />And the banter he has with Lakorath, the lie-detecting soul-hungry demon who possesses his blade is so much fun. Not to mention Seeker and her animal charming abilities.<br /><br />I appreciate that the books are quick. I enjoy the world building but mostly I enjoy that it doesn’t overshadow the story.<br /><br />I’m going to have to go seek out the next book I suppose. Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for the eARC.

4/5<br /><br />I haven't read much more Anthony Ryan since Blood Song, of which I got a kick out of. After being in a bit of a fantasy rut, I wanted to try something short to get me out of my fix and decided on The Seven Sword series (2 published so far with book 3 later this year). This quick review will encompass my thoughts on both parts 1 and 2.<br /><br />This series is seemingly inspired by the Sword and Sorcery sub genre: a travelling band questing towards a common goal with the main lead being a demon-sword wielding northman with a violent past. Cliché I know but it's a ton of fun because the tropes are executed well and the mystery of 'Pilgrim's' past, the interactions with the talking sword, and the pure adrenaline pumping action of the set pieces all lend towards an entertaining romp. <br /><br />The main conceit of the series is that there a 'god' that created a massive wasteland in this world and there are various pilgrimages made to request something from said 'god'. The journey is a torturous one with plenty of interaction between creeping beasties or subterfuge within the travelling group. The group are all provided monikers, such as Pilgrim, and this made me think on the same Canterbury Tales-like framing that Hyperion by Dan Simmons had. As the story progresses, it becomes a story to attempt to gather the other 6 demon-haunted swords. <br /><br />Overall, this was pulp fiction at its finest and a good time was had. Ryan has proven to be a capable writer and I'm looking forward to more of his work.

Vrlo lepa klasična S&amp;S novela iz pera Entonija Rajana, koja na solidan način nastavlja radnju iz prvog dela ove storije. Ako išta, era digitalnog izdavaštva omogućila je renesansu novela (koje su se u mom dečaštvu nazivale "kratkim romanima") i njihovo učestalo objavljivanje, što nesumnjivo doprinosi u budžetima njihovih autora. Kamo sreće da ima više ovakvih radova, u svim živim žanrovima.<br /><br />4*

<b>1st reading:</b> October 14th 2020 -&gt; 4 stars<br /><b>2nd reading:</b> October 11th 2021 -&gt; 5 stars<br /><br /><i>It’s an emotional and memorable sequel to The Seven Swords series.</i><br /><br /><b> <i>“Heroes win their wars only to become tyrants. The worst of murderers may escape punishment but cannot escape their own souls and they will always die pitiful, friendless and unmourned. The Infernus is an eternal plane of chaos and agony, but this world is worse. Vile we may be but at least a demon knows what it is. Mortals live their entire existence flailing in the effluent of their own delusions.”</i> </b><br /><br />↠ I loved this more than at first.<br />↠ I learned more about Guyime's past. Really, I just really understood how much pain he was carrying in his heart. It is understandable why he wants to change at all costs.<br />↠ Although <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="b67b61b8-2d86-49e3-ad42-1acb0b08be3a" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="b67b61b8-2d86-49e3-ad42-1acb0b08be3a">they may not have found Seeker’s daughter in this book</label>, but I learned more about the seven swords and their powers.<br />↠ I got a lot of adventures and excitement, again.<br />↠ I liked the two new characters. I'm glad the team has expanded.<br />↠ Here, too, I was part of a painful and deep love affair.<br />↠ Of course, there was also a little humor.<br />↠ Really everything was in this part as well, that I love.<br />↠ <b>I can highly recommend reading this series!</b> No matter how short, it is full of excitement, adventure, emotion and secrets.<br /><br /><b> <i>“Lines drawn across plains and mountains. Drawn by those who don’t even live there. Lines that become barriers to the passage of free folk who have walked the same paths for generations. Maps are the cages of kings and princes.”</i> </b><br /><br /><b>{ October 14th 2020 -&gt; 4 stars }</b> This is a very interesting, unique and exciting series. It was good to return to the world of Seven Swords. I really like Anthony Ryan’s style and idea. But it’s also very short, I would read a lot more about such a big world. I liked Guyime even more, especially since I learned more about his past in this one. I really liked the new location where the story continues and the new characters also added a lot to the story.

<strong>Swords of Evil!!</strong><br /><br />Once again our man has to find another sword of evil. So Guyime aka Pilgrim an Seeker have to find a map to finds the sword an her daughter. Things don't turn out the way they want an a slave takes the sword an now travels along to find the next evil sword. The next place is in The Songs of the Dark. Ready for book #3.

I was lucky and received an ARC of The Kraken's Tooth. I hadn't read Anthony Ryan before, and since this was the second novella in the Seven Swords series, I first tracked down the first novella, A Pilgrimage of Swords, and read that. It was a great introduction to the series, and an enjoyable read. I then started The Kraken's Tooth, and it was even better. Great characters, a great story, and great writing. Can't wait for future books in the series. Plus, this has made me realize that I've been missing Anthony Ryan's works, and will have to start working through his books.<br /><br />For anyone with middle age children, I think these will also work and be enjoyed. I immediately show this to my 14 year old, and she thought it sounded interesting. I believe that she will enjoy it.

The Kraken’s Tooth continues where A Pilgrimage of Swords leads off: with Pilgrim (AKA – Guyime) heading off with Seeker to find her daughter, as promised. This book was really similar to the first book in the series, and I thank author Author Anthony Ryan for that. After experiencing book 1, I was ready for more! I enjoyed reading the follow-up and am excited to see where the series goes from here.<br /><br />I described Pilgrimage as adventure fantasy meets grimdark (see how I linked it there for your convenience?), and Kraken is much of the same. Pilgrim finds himself on yet ANOTHER quest with yet ANOTHER crew at his back (and sometimes at his front; and, actually, more often than not at his sides saving his ass from a demon with an attitude). It is a fun narrative, and one of the aspects of Kraken that I find so intriguing is that the stakes are higher this time. Pilgrim is not just out for himself as the was in Pilgrimage; he is helping someone he cares about, and that brings a little bit of a different tone in this book. Not that he was not willing to put himself in danger for the sake of others in the first book (as we came to find out), but in this book that is his goal from the beginning. And wouldn’t you know it, their goals (by chance!) are intertwined, and Pilgrim may be able to accomplish his goal while also getting Seeker what she is looking for. Talk about tension! Between the main story and subplots, this story is absolutely oozing with it.<br /><br />Another great thing about Kraken is that, because we already were introduced to this world and the characters in book 1 (though with a narrow scope), it gives Ryan and opportunity to expand and provide more detail. We get some more of the history and different areas of the world, and some more about Pilgrim and Seeker’s pasts. On the flip side, we are introduced to a few new characters with one-of-a-kind skillsets that are perfect for this journey to find the kraken’s tooth. The world is really captivating, and the characters are unique. It is really cool the way the author is slowly opening this world to readers, one 100 plus-page novella at a time. Each book is like one piece of the puzzle that (hopefully) creates a full picture by the time we open them all.<br /><br />I had a lot fun with this book. With The Kraken’s Tooth, Anthony Ryan has brought us another action-packed story full of as much adventure as one can fit in 150 pages or less. I recommend fantasy fans pick this series up if they have not, already. This is going to be a fun ride.