The tyranny of faith by Richard Swan

The tyranny of faith is the second book in the Empire of the wolf series, sequel to The justice of kings. In this book, we follow Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radimir who having survived the Battle of Galen's Vale in book one, now must return to the capital city Sova to deal with intrigue, rebellion and ultimately a quest that releases dark and truly disgusting and terrifying powers.

This action book is not for the fainthearted. If it were released to the movies, it would have a highly restrictive classification as the violence is visceral beyond what this reader could endure - it was quite enough to cope with the evocative imagery created through the written word. Examples will certainly not be given in this review as this reader is trying to erase them from her head:)

Author Richard Swan has created a page turner with every chapter ending with cliff hangers like... "It was a decision I would come to bitterly regret."..." And then I was falling down into oblivion." "...she stopped abruptly as Vonvalt collapsed to the floor." The subject matter deals with violent and strategic battles and other challenges for the Sovan Empire (map in front of book) which our hero Vonvalt and his comrades have to negotiate and fight their way through. Richard Swan appears to be well acquainted with a number of disciplines as The tyranny of faith draws richly and deeply from history, literature, architecture and theology. Echoes of many of the major world beliefs, bureaucracies and religious and political structures including rituals, creeds, orthodoxies and orders can be found mirrored in a confronting manner in this book. The age old construct of the quest is married with murder, kidnap and necromancy. Unearthly hideous powers are unleashed through the practices of evil men and the results are graphic.

The action is seen through the eyes of Helena. She is a resolute, loyal and fearless character who in The tyranny of faith is developing from apprentice level towards what the reader imagines will be higher station if not the highest in the empire as she is required to survive and save others in formidably dangerous situations. But... as in all good series one cannot find out everything about where Helena is headed in book two! Helena's allies are well rounded characters and in the nexus between the human and magic world and the death and bloodshed that results from crossing boundaries between these worlds there is sometimes the chance for the relief valve of humour, particularly with Sir Radimir's very human use of the F...word ( which defuses horrific situations)

This reader has to agree with reviewer Nicholas Eames. The tyranny of faith is "Utterly compelling...thoroughly engrossing." Richard Swan is a Sunday Times bestselling author for good reason.  His descriptive power builds atmosphere and tension and the depth of detail in the  construction of the medieval like human world aswell as coexisting other worlds is impressive. The reader can expect a thrilling, credible, well-structured plot, fine characters, riveting action and cinematic settings.

Lovers of fantasy, murder and the supernatural will be waiting on the final instalment of Empire of the wolf  to be released in February 2024. 

Themes: Medieval battles, Faith, Loyalty, The after-life, Dark power.

Wendy Jeffrey