A Tide of Black Steel
From the international bestselling author Anthony Ryan comes the spectacular first novel in a new epic new fantasy trilogy inspired by Norse mythology.
A new age has dawned. An age of blood and steel. An age of wrath.
The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of bloodied steel and epic sagas, has been ruled by the Sister Queens for centuries. No one has dared question their rule.
Until now.
Whispers speak of longships of mysterious tattooed warriors, sailing under the banners of a murderous cult of oath-breakers long thought extinct. A tide of black steel that threatens to vanquish all in its path.
Thera of the Blackspear, favoured servant of the Sister Queens, is ordered to uncover the truth. As Thera sails north, her reviled brother, Felnir, sets out on his own adventure. He hopes to find the Vault of the Altvar – the treasure room of the gods – and win the Sister Queens’ favour at his sister’s expense.
Both siblings – along with a brilliant young scribe and a prisoner with a terrifying, primal power – will play a part in the coming storm.
The Age of Wrath has begun.
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Anthony Ryan
Anthony Ryan’s name has become synonymous with epic fantasy that doesn’t just create worlds, but breathes life into them. Known for his intricate storytelling and deeply complex characters, Ryan’s works resonate with readers who crave more than just escapism—they want a story that challenges their perceptions and stays with them long after the final page.
Born in 1970 in Scotland, Ryan’s path to becoming a full-time writer was far from conventional. He worked in the British Civil Service for many years, but his passion for storytelling was never far from the surface. It wasn’t until 2011, when he self-published his debut novel Blood Song, that Ryan’s writing career truly began to take off. The book quickly found an enthusiastic audience, and its success led to a three-book deal with Penguin Books just a year later, marking the beginning of his rise in the fantasy world.
Age of Wrath
In the Age of Wrath, the echoes of ancient gods and the clash of empires reverberate across a world on the brink of chaos. This series pulls readers into a land where power is not just sought but fought for with every drop of blood. With intricate world-building, deeply flawed characters, and an atmosphere thick with tension, the Age of Wrath offers a narrative that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
Age of Wrath consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

