The previous offering from Richard Swan, A Justice of Kings, was a 5 star read for me. How does the second book in the trilogy hold up? Let’s find out!
The blurb
The Tyranny of Faith is the epic sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling debut The Justice of Kings, where Sir Konrad Vonvalt – the most powerful and feared of the Emperor’s Justices – must face down a growing threat to the Empire.
A Justice’s work is never done.
The Battle of Galen’s Vale is over, but the war for the Empire’s future has just begun. Concerned by rumours that the Magistratum’s authority is waning, Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova to find the capital city gripped by intrigue and whispers of rebellion. In the Senate, patricians speak openly against the Emperor, while fanatics preach holy vengeance on the streets.
Yet facing down these threats to the throne will have to wait, for the Emperor’s grandson has been kidnapped – and Vonvalt is charged with rescuing the missing prince. His quest will lead Vonvalt – and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radomir – to the Empire’s southern frontier, where they will once again face the puritanical fury of Bartholomew Claver and his templar knights . . . and a dark power far more terrifying than they could have imagined.
The review
Some writers just make you feel comfortable. From the get go, you know you are in a safe pair of hands and an epic story awaits.
Richard Swan is one such author.
By the time I had finished the first chapter, I knew this book was going to be incredible – and it was.
Everything was more. More world, more tension, more war, and more lore. The magical system was established in book one and also showcased in many ways, however in The Tyranny of Faith, it is expanded. We see not only how Vonvalt uses his power, but also how others, using it to their own ends, utilise the magic to devastating effect.
The relationship between Helena and Vonvalt was also explored. Sexual tension simmered in this book – always hinting at something more, which I just really loved. It’s not romantasy by any stretch of the imagination, more Jane Eyre than ACOTAR, if you know what I mean.
I don’t want to give a spoilery review, only rest assured if you’ve not yet started this series you should. Just as The Justice of Kings set up a larger world for The Tyranny of Faith, this book has set up a larger story again for the final instalment.
I’m very much looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Shauna Lawless is writing 