Blood Song Book Summary - Blood Song Book explained in key points

Blood Song summary

Anthony Rya

Brief summary

Blood Song by Anthony Ryan is an epic fantasy novel that follows the story of Vaelin Al Sorna, a gifted warrior who rises through the ranks of the Sixth Order and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of power and politics.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Blood Song
    Summary of key ideas

    The Early Years and The Sixth Order

    In Blood Song by Anthony Ryan, we are introduced to Vaelin Al Sorna, a young boy who is left at the gates of the Sixth Order by his father, a notorious Battle Lord. The Sixth Order is a brutal and unforgiving religious institution that trains its young recruits to become warriors of the faith. Vaelin, like the other boys, is forced to abandon his past and embrace a life of hardship and discipline.

    As Vaelin progresses through the Order, his natural talents as a warrior become clear. He excels in combat, earns the respect of his peers, and is even chosen as the Sixth Order’s ‘Hope’ – a revered title given to the most promising student. Despite his growing prowess, Vaelin remains haunted by his father’s abandonment and the unanswered questions about his past.

    War and Loyalty

    As Vaelin matures, he is thrust into the political intrigues of the Unified Realm, the kingdom he is sworn to protect. He is sent on a series of dangerous missions, each one testing his loyalty to the faith and his own moral compass. His unwavering commitment to his comrades and his unyielding sense of honor earn him the respect of his enemies and friends alike.

    However, Vaelin's unwavering loyalty to the Sixth Order and its mysterious leader, the ‘Alpiran’ king, causes a growing rift between him and his peers. He begins to question the Order’s true motives and the validity of the faith he has been taught to uphold. The more he learns about the Order's involvement in the realm's politics, the more his faith is shaken.

    Love and Betrayal

    Amidst the chaos of war, Vaelin forms a deep bond with a fellow warrior named Caenis. Their friendship is tested when they both fall in love with the same woman, Princess Lyrna. Vaelin, torn between his love for Lyrna and his loyalty to the Order, pushes her away, causing her to seek vengeance against him and the faith he represents.

    As Vaelin and Caenis continue to serve the Order, they uncover a dark secret: the true purpose of the Alpiran king and the Sixth Order. The revelation shatters Vaelin's faith in the faith he has devoted his life to, causing him to question everything he has ever known.

    Unraveling the Truth

    In the final act of Blood Song, Vaelin is sent on a suicide mission that forces him to confront his inner demons and the true nature of the faith he serves. He discovers that the Alpiran king is using the Sixth Order to further his own selfish ambitions, and the Order itself is a tool of manipulation and control.

    Realizing that he has been manipulated and betrayed, Vaelin turns his back on the Order and sets out on a path of vengeance. He vows to expose the truth and bring down the corrupt leaders who have exploited the faith and the people of the Unified Realm. The book ends with Vaelin, now a renegade, setting out on his quest for justice and redemption.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Blood Song about?

    Blood Song is actually written by Anthony Ryan. This epic fantasy novel follows the story of a young boy named Vaelin Al Sorna who is trained in the ways of a warrior and becomes embroiled in a world of politics, war, and ancient prophecies. It is a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the power of a single voice in the midst of chaos.

    Blood Song Review

    Blood Song (2013) tells the story of a young boy named Vaelin Al Sorna who is trained from childhood to become a skilled warrior. Here's why this book is worth reading:
    • Offers a compelling coming-of-age tale set in a richly detailed fantasy world, drawing readers into a captivating adventure.
    • Explores themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and sacrifice as Vaelin navigates his destiny, adding depth to the storyline and characters.
    • The intricate plot twists and unpredictable outcomes keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring the story is far from boring.

    Who should read Blood Song?

    • Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with complex world-building and rich character development

    • Fans of coming-of-age stories with a focus on personal growth and overcoming challenges

    • Those who appreciate a mix of action, intrigue, and philosophical exploration within a captivating narrative

    About the Author

    Anthony Ryan is a British author known for his epic fantasy novels. He gained recognition with his debut book, "Blood Song," which captivated readers with its rich world-building and compelling characters. Ryan's writing is praised for its intricate plots and vivid storytelling. In addition to the "Raven's Shadow" series, he has also written the "Draconis Memoria" and "Raven's Blade" series, further establishing himself as a prominent voice in the fantasy genre.

    Categories with Blood Song

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Blood Song FAQs 

    What is the main message of Blood Song?

    The main message of Blood Song is about overcoming inner demons and finding one's true purpose.

    How long does it take to read Blood Song?

    It takes a few hours to read Blood Song in full, but you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.

    Is Blood Song a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Blood Song is worth reading for its gripping plot and well-developed characters, making it a compelling and engaging read.

    Who is the author of Blood Song?

    The author of Blood Song is Anthony Ryan.

    What to read after Blood Song?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Blood Song, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
    • Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
    • Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman
    • King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
    • Weaveworld by Clive Barker
    • Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
    • Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
    • Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
    • The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
    • Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa