Ann Leckie’s The Raven Tower is a breath of fresh air for fantasy fans who crave something different. It weaves godly intrigue, mortal politics, and mysterious power plays into a thought-provoking tapestry. The worldbuilding is intricate, the god-as-narrator twist is inventive, and its inclusive representation is both natural and refreshing. If you appreciate a blend of mythology, mystery, and clever structural experimentation - with echoes of Hamlet and rich philosophical undertones - this is right up your alley. Leckie’s existing fans, readers who like N.K. Jemisin and Ursula LeGuin, or anyone looking for smart, original, and inclusive fantasy should give this a go.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find The Raven Tower a challenge due to its unconventional second-person narrative, measured pacing, and a focus on philosophy and worldbuilding over non-stop action. If you prefer traditional storytelling, fast-moving plots, or rich emotional connections with characters, this novel’s cool detachment and cerebral style might not be your cup of tea. Additionally, the political and theological intrigue may feel dense or slow to those who love big battles and epic heroics.

A unique, thoughtful fantasy that plays with perspective, power, and myth - a must-read for fans of inventive storytelling and clever worldbuilding, but possibly too offbeat for readers seeking traditional epic adventure.

About:

'The Raven Tower' by Ann Leckie is a unique fantasy novel that delves into the relationship between gods and humans, exploring the consequences of a world where gods' words hold immense power. The story follows a murder mystery in a fantasy setting, narrated by an ageless god fixed in a stone, and a quiet soldier named Eolo who sets out to solve the mystery of a missing leader and a deceased god, all while navigating complex political and supernatural dynamics. The writing style of the book is described as original, inventive, and thought-provoking, with a second-person narration that offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre.

Characters:

The characters include a mix of intriguing personalities such as a transgender aide and a hot-tempered prince, all set against the backdrop of divine politics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is distinctive, using a second person narrative that oscillates between past and present, creating a unique reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a unique structure and revolves around a mystery involving political intrigue among gods and human rulers.

Setting:

The setting is a Bronze Age-inspired world where gods are deeply integrated into the political and social fabric of society.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing for intricate plot build-up that eventually leads to a dramatic climax.

I first saw you when you rode out of the forest, past the cluster of tall, bulge-eyed offering stakes that mark the edges of the forest, your horse at a walk. You rode beside Mawat, himself a familiar...

Notes:

The Raven Tower is a fantasy novel by Ann Leckie that includes a unique narrative style, predominantly told in the second person.

The main character is addressed as 'you' by an unseen narrator, creating an unusual reading experience.

The story alternates between the present and the past, offering background on the plot.

It explores themes of power, gods, and political intrigue in the fictional land of Iraden.

The god Raven inhabits a physical body of a raven and requires the sacrifice of his human Lease when he dies.

The Lease's position is hereditary, and trouble begins when the Lease does not fulfill his duty after the god's death.

Maawat, the heir to the Lease, comes back home to find his uncle on the throne and must navigate a political conspiracy.

Eolo, a secondary character and aide to Maawat, is a transgender man, adding a layer of diversity to the narrative.

The story intertwines elements of Hamlet but reinterprets them within a fantasy setting.

Leckie's gods have strict rules about their powers and their interactions with humans, reminiscent of animistic beliefs.

The novel employs heavy world-building and features a plethora of gods, each with varying degrees of influence and power.

The god, Strength and Patience of the Hill, serves as a narrator and has a history tied to the main events of the story.

The narrative probes questions about the nature of divinity, consciousness, and the relationship between gods and humans.

Leckie's writing style is described as thoughtful and explores ethical dilemmas faced by both gods and humans.

The book has received praise for its originality and complex world design, as well as its intriguing and thought-provoking themes.

From The Publisher:

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 WORLD FANTASY AWARD

Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this masterful first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards.

"Absolutely wonderful. . .utterly brilliant." - The New York Times Book Review

For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven.

He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven's Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. His magic is sustained by the blood sacrifice that every Lease must offer. And under the Raven's watch, the city flourishes.

But the Raven's tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself. . .and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.

"It's a delight to read something so different, so wonderful and strange." - Patrick Rothfuss

For more Ann Leckie, check out:

Ancillary Justice

Ancillary Sword

Ancillary Mercy

Provenance

February 2019

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345 pages

Ratings (26)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (82):

Read It (27)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (49)
Not Interested (5)

1 comment(s)

AmilooBoo

Loved It

1 year

This book is written from a weird perspective, but it's really engaging and different from what I've seen before.

I liked the story telling and the characters. I wish there was more to read, though, since the ending is kind of open ended.

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The Raven Tower

Ann Leckie

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