Blackwing

by Ed McDonald
Blackwing cover
Good Books rating 4.37
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4638
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781473222045
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2017-07-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the grim world of Blackwing, the republic teeters on the edge of destruction as the Deep Kings threaten to rise again. Galharrow, a seasoned soldier of the Blackwings, receives a desperate message from a raven tattoo, leading him and a noblewoman on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer. As traitors and flesh-eaters conspire within the citadel, they must solve an ancient paradox to save their world from impending doom. The war with the Eastern Empire left a wasteland called Misery, filled with ghosts and corrupted magic. When Galharrow investigates a frontier fortress, he discovers treachery and the failure of the Engine, a powerful wizard-crafted weapon. Together with the noblewoman, he races against time to expose the traitors and restore the republic's defenses before the Empire's vast army crosses the Misery.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
brilliant 4.56

The book is brilliantly written and difficult to put down. It presents a unique and complex world that captivates the reader.

This debut novel is a standout in the fantasy genre, with a unique world and complex characters. The writing is so engaging that it's hard to put down, making it a must-read for fantasy fans. The story's depth and originality shine through, making it a memorable experience. The reviewer found the book to be a splendid debut, highlighting its brilliance and the difficulty in setting it aside. The world-building and character development are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of intrigue and excitement.

Quick quotes

    Blackwing is a splendid debut that is brilliantly written and I found it amazingly difficult to put down.

    It superbly presents a completely original, complex and enthralling world.

    The characters are well-drawn and the plot is engaging, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Crossing the Pond Reviews · 2021-11-18
great 4.18

The book features great and tight plotting, making it a thrilling read. It is compared to a well-written conspiracy thriller.

This novel offers a tight and thrilling plot that surpasses expectations. The reviewer was impressed by the book's ability to keep the reader engaged, comparing it to a well-written conspiracy thriller. The characters and world-building are notable, adding layers of intrigue and excitement. The reviewer found the book to be a great read, with a plot that is both tight and suspenseful. The reviewer highly recommends it to fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is great and tight plotting, much better than I had anticipated.

    Blackwing is like a well written conspiracy thriller that happened, by chance, to be set in a fantasy world.

    The characters are well-drawn and the world-building is impressive, making it a standout in the genre.

Grimdark Magazine · 2018-06-27
excellent 4.38

The book is one of the best grimdark debuts, with a compelling story and well-developed characters.

This novel is a fantastic addition to the grimdark genre, with a story that is both compelling and well-told. The characters are deeply flawed and realistic, adding depth to the narrative. The reviewer appreciated the book's gritty and suspenseful nature, making it a standout in the genre. The world-building is impressive, and the plot keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The reviewer highly recommends it, especially with the sequel on the horizon.

Quick quotes

    Blackwing was one of the best grimdark debuts of last year.

    With the sequel Ravencry on the horizon, there is no better time to look back at the first book in the series.

    The world is unique, the characters are deeply flawed (see also: real), and the plot is engaging.

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