Much thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Obviously to be interested in this you dear reader have read the previous novellas. Like many of you I’m assuming a little disappointment these aren’t full novels. That disappointment stemming from an intriguing world with interesting characters. This is another solid entry into the series. As stated my main complaint is these are novellas and leaves me thirsting for more. I eagerly await the next in the series.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Anthony Ryan

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Across the Sorrow Sea continues to be an absolute landslide of sword and sorcery stories from Ryan. These novellas have not disappointed once and I am praying to anyone I can think of that Sub Press chooses to collate them into a single collection when they finish their run. The format of a team of rascals with fabulous chemistry chasing a demon sword in a new exotic local has yet to get stale, and the misty Sorrow Sea may be the coolest location yet. Honestly, I don't have a ton extra left to say other than I obviously loved this novella and will continue to push it as one of the best novella series I have read. It is very much worth your time and when The Quill to Live publishes a guide to getting into novella in the near future, this series will be held up as the poster child example of a great entry point for traditional readers. I wish more people knew about these stories and I will do my best to up the number of people who do.

Book five in “The Seven Swords” saga has just as much adventure as you would expect in this series. Anthony Ryan again delivers his trademark cast of troubled souls and their troubling demon-possessed blades. Their mission continues as they seek one of the remaining weapons and gain some insight into why they were created.

Four stars for this installment in the series. A lot of character development is still evident and the plot of this tale weaves nicely into the overarching plot of the saga. My thanks to Subterranean Press and the author. Opinions I have expressed are strictly my own and freely offered.

#acrossthesorrowsea #netgalley #kindlesallthewaydown #thesevenswordssaga

In the fifth tale of Anthony Ryan’s epic about seven demon swords, Guyime and his companions must travel Across the Sorrow Sea (hard from Subterranean Press ) to the magical island where the swords were made. They face pirates and monsters on the way

Imgur link goes to Instagram graphic scheduled for Sept 30th
Blog link goes live Sept 29th

I think The Seven Swords series is nearly the end and I don’t know that I’m ready? Across The Sorrow Sea has got to be one of my favorite entries in the series since the second or third book. The balance of exploration of the world and the action on and off the sea? Fantastic.

It’s hard to review these books without giving spoilers for the whole series but let’s give this a shot. The Seven Swords series follows a group as they seek to find out how and why a series of demon inhabited swords (truly a wide variety of blades but let’s say swords since that’s the series name) was made. We get new members to our group as we travel and uncover new swords almost every volume. Each book has a unique setting and this one is on the water, crossing the sea in search of a vanishing island.

I did call the little twist at the end for the sword, but those monsters and those fights? Anthony Ryan always manages to slip something into everyone of his stories that surprises me. This was no exception even when it clocked in at less than two hundred pages.

I truly recommend this series for fantasy fans. The kindle ebooks are inexpensive, all the books are on the shorter side and you get to try out one of my favorite authors. I’ve turned a lot of my friends onto this series with great success and the series just keeps getting better. Pick these up!!

Across the Sorrow Sea is the fifth book in The Seven Swords series. Our anti-hero Guyime, also known as Pilgrim, embarks on a perilous journey to find the Spectral Isle. Along with his companions, he begins to uncover long held secrets and buried plots concerning the seven demon cursed blades.

Clocking in at 120 pages, this was a quick, enjoyable fantasy read. Guyime is a flawed hero, he has done and will continue to do horrible things in the name of fulfilling his quests and sating the bloodthirst of his demon blade. However, he also has moments of genuine humanity. Our characters' journey is fraught with peril, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The setting is both realistic and fantastical, making for a truly immersive experience. This is a book that you can read and enjoy in a short time, but be prepared to be left wanting the next installment of Guyime's adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

Across the Sorrow Sea (The Seven Swords, #5)
by Anthony Ryan
a novella type story that leaves the reader on a cliff hanger. The wonderful description of the atmosphere, and world. Even in this short section of the whole story has a history, and a well developed world. Having not read the prior books I was still able to connect to the characters in this short episodes. The rough description of the devourer and the monsters creates a horrific voyage. the Pirates and battle is quick and believe able.

7.5 / 10 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2023/09/24/across-the-sorrow-sea-by-anthony-ryan-review/

Up until now each volume of the Seven Swords has felt measured, lovingly crafted and prepared with care, skill, and diligence. Across the Sorrow Sea continues the pattern of an epic adventure across a beautiful and terrible world, vivid in its presentation and steeped in history and lore. But where it is another good installment in the series, I found it less polished than any before it, particularly in the setup.

The decision to visit the Sorrow Sea at all felt rushed; an afterthought when the book began, even though there’d been no hint of it prior. The plan to go was also a bit of an afterthought, rather than to pursue another of the swords directly, the company would just hope/assume they’d stumble upon one there. But it’s the process of reaching and embarking upon the Sorrow Sea that really irked me, as we seemed to jump a few steps in the chain of events. We make the decision to go—all of a sudden we’re at the port. It’s abandoned—but snap, now it’s not. What must be a pirate is entirely amenable to providing passage… it just seems like the stars have aligned, or the company is incredibly lucky. Or the author took a break.

Fortunately the plot solidifies after this point, and I had no other issues. While it continues to be somewhat less polished than earlier works, this turns into a thrilling adventure just like all the rest. The world-building is strong, the characters (mostly) continue to develop, the overarching plot continues to play out very nicely while the story within is interesting and immersive. Though it may not be the masterwork that has thus far preceded it, Across the Sorrow Sea is another worthy addition to a great series, and one that deserves to be read.

Another winner in the Seven Swords series, it’s amazing that we’re five books in and still as strong as the other books. It had everything that I was expecting and worked with the seafaring adventure that I’ve come to expect. The characters worked overall in the story and I enjoyed everything.

Across The Sorrow Sea by Anthony Ryan(The Seven Swords #5)-This entry in the Seven Swords series finds Guyime and his motley crew of adventurers traveling by boat to the Fifth sea and the Crescent Islands. Pirates are about as are sea monsters and the travelers are tested dearly for their efforts. I think with this chapter, the story is becoming a bit slow and predictable, though still an enjoyable read. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the fifth installment in this quest for the fabled Seven Swords. I was a little disappointed it was so short, but truly loved being able to re-visit this world. I feel like there is going to be seven tales to finish this quest, but I could be wrong. Either way, I really enjoyed characters getting more background filled in, and though the story's world seems vast, it is like discovering just a section of it each time a story in this series comes out. Looking forward to the future stories.

“THE SORROW SEA—THE MOST FEARED REGION IN ALL THE FIVE SEAS—PLAGUED BY STORMS, PROWLED BY A MURDEROUS PIRATE KING, AND HOME TO INHUMAN TERRORS.

Continuing their quest for the Seven Swords, legendary warrior Guyime and his companions must brave these perilous tides to find the mythic Spectral Isle, where once a demon named Lakorath was captured by a sorcerer of great power. Here ancient plans will be unveiled and the secret purpose of the seven demon cursed blades may finally be revealed…

Continuing the saga of The Seven Swords, Across the Sorrow Sea is a fast-moving tale of seafaring adventure and dramatic revelations from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and the Covenant of Steel trilogies.”

This was the first book I’ve read in this series and I thought it was a decent read. I don’t think the storyline was for me personally, but with that I’ll give it 3.5 starts, with the potential of 4 (again, just it wasn’t MY personal cup of tea).

I didn’t feel too terribly lost reading this book, being book five in the trilogy, however I feel as if I could’ve made much stronger character connections to past books if I’d read them previously.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere which included sailing and shipwrecks and let me just say, Guyime was ruthless but I saw it as a source of strength! Overall, this was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and appropriate authors and publications, for allowing me to access this title as an ARC (advanced reader copy).

I always wished the stories in these novellas are a bit longer because I really enjoyed the setting, the world building, and the characters in the series. As in all the other Seven Swords novellas, this story introduced us with a new character and setting, and builds upon its predecessors on this quest to find the seven cursed swords. This 5th installment really explained more about the reason of this quest and the impending dangers that will soon follow. However, I felt like this book lacked the nuances that were evident in the previous books, and the interaction between the characters were a bit short. The climax in the last 3 chapters were a bit rushed, and I wished the fight scenes with the pirates were expanded a bit more. Overall, I still enjoyed the story, the prose and writing were beautifully crafted, and I can't wait to read more for the next book!

Big thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this book.

In this fifth installment in the 'Seven Swords' novella series our story continues with our ever-increasing party looking for the Spectral Isle. They are guided there by the Nameless Sword with promises of learning more about the Swords and their purposes as well as to prepare for when they find Ekiri and the blade she carries.

Like the previous installment, the story is starting to be fleshed out and as we learn more of the world and our characters, it starts to feel more of a standard fantasy story. Invariably, when the great mystery is revealed it's always a bit of a letdown - though there is still plenty we don't know to keep things interesting.

This part of the story does feel like a side-quest, and the place it happens in is less interesting than those seen earlier. The larger cast also means there is less time to spend on each individual, which is unavoidable but also a shame. Still, I did enjoy reading it a lot, and am excited how it sets up the next installment. As before, my main love for this series comes from the ever-moving locations which makes the world feel vast and exciting. I also greatly appreciate the complete lack of in-your-face exposition.

Highly recommended for fans of fantasy at large - but don't start here, start with book one. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

As written on our review site.
Across the Sorrow Sea by Anthony Ryan is the latest book in the Seven Swords series of novellas, set to release September 30th, 2023. If you're unfamiliar with the Seven Swords series, The main premise is the existence of seven cursed swords, each of which has a demon from Infernus (the demonic plane of this world) trapped inside and the nature of the enchantments binding the demons to the blades also curses whoever holds mentally linking them with the demon within, providing interesting unique powers, an immunity to aging (though still fully capable of being slain), and in inability to break contact with the weapon.

Beginning this novella, our main character Guyime and his compatriots possess 4 of the 7 swords, and believe if they can make it to the Shimmering Isle, a mobile island containing the workshop of Arkelion a long dead sorcerer responsible for the creation of the swords, bringing other demons into the world, and believed to be the one who created the enchantment making the shimmering isle so elusive. The hope is by finding this island, and Arkelion's workshop they will be able to find the rest of the swords, a past companion who holds 1 of the 3 outstanding swords, and break the curse, freeing them of the connection to their swords' demons.

The series as a whole feels a lot like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign to me (in a good way). There are aspects of Ryan's writing style I'm not a fan of, it is a bit stiff in some places, and the two fights I was looking most forward to at the end felt very blasé. Well.., that's not totally true, the start of their fight with the pirate king was badass, I just wish it kept that energy instead of almost instantly dropping the energy and ending the battle with a sudden straight from D&D, rogue first turn crit flooring the boss in one hit and ending combat just as fast as it started. Clocking in at 120 pages this novella like the other 4 before it are quick easy reads and if you struggle with reading longer books like I sometimes do or just need a few light reads, then I would recommend these books to you. I wish this was just a little longer, that another couple pages even were added to the end to button up this arc of the groups journey. Even being left wanting as I was I don't think I can give this book any less than 7.5 stars, it wasn't exceptional but it was compelling, and held my interest well enough that I read the whole thing in one long sitting.

Rating: 4.8/5

Review: My highest rating, ever, for a novella. This author needs to join the full length epic fantasy series crowd. So good but so short.

Ima gunna have to go back and get the first four in this series.