I really liked Blood Song and was hoping for something similar in its sequel, Tower Lord. The first book was basically Vaelin's life story in his own words. Tower Lord attempts to follow its many plots from all sides which makes it a less coherent novel. The story picks up from the end of Blood Song with Vaelin's return home. As a returning hero, or notorious warrior depending on your point of view, the new King appoints Vaelin as Tower Lord of the Northern Reaches. Vaelin would prefer to search for the missing Brother Frentis, the only dangling plotline from the previous book. Instead he finds himself dealing with aggressive tribes, petty feuds, and a woman out for revenge. One guess which is the most dangerous. Then there is Frentis who finds himself in thrall to a foreign sorceress and Princess Lyra who is determined to find him even if most people think he's dead. The Scribe Venier, who recorded Vaelin's tale in Blood Song, is now serving an Imperial General and relating events as they return the favor and invade Vaelin's country. All of this is the fallout of the traitor and Vaelin's actions in Blood Song but it leaves little room for the character development that was so engrossing in that first book.

If you're in the mood for a grimdark fantasy but would prefer something quick and easy to read, this is the series for you. The Seven Swords is a stands out for its unique settings, elaborate world building, and short format that is reminiscent of Moorcock's books of the late 1970's. This is a harsh unkind world with plenty of gods, magic, and, obviously, swords. Everybody has secrets but none are worse than Guyime's bloody past and the sword that made it possible. He believes his soul is beyond redemption so he's willing to die for a chance to destroy his sword. But the fabled Seven Swords are indestructible by mortal means so he sets off on epic pilgrimage. There is plenty of action, betrayal, and death along the way.

In Blood Song an Imperial scribe travels with the most reviled enemy of his people on his journey to meet his fate. To the Empire he is the enemy soldier called Hopekiller, but Vaelin Al Sorna is far from the hateful enemy the scribe expects. Although he finds some elements of Vaelin's life to fantastic to be believed, the scribe is still absorbed in the tale. At age ten Vaelin was given to the Sixth Order, the brutal warrior arm of the Church, by his father without any explanation. Under the harsh conditions of the Order the boys of his year are first rivals, then friends, and eventually Brothers in more than just name. Some of them have secrets, and by the time they are full Brothers leading missions against the Dark Vaelin begins to suspect that one of them may have gone over to the Dark themselves.