I must admit that I had not heard of Sullivan until I came across the audiobook The Crown Tower. There are so many wonderful fantasy writers and Sullivan has just been added to my list. And I was so pleased to discover that there were a significant number of books about the two main characters, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater.
The Riyria Revelations
The first books that Sullivan wrote were the The Riyria Revelations Series. This series was published in two different ways
As a six-book series, originally self-published
The Crown Conspiracy, Self Published (2008)Avempartha, Self Published (2009)
Nyphron Rising, Self Published (2009)
The Emerald Storm, Self Published (2010)
Wintertide, Self Published (2010)
Percepliquis, Self Published (2011)
and as three, two-book omnibus editions
Theft of Swords: The Crown Conspiracy & Avempartha
Rise of Empire: Nyphron Rising & The Emerald Storm
Heir of Novron: Wintertide & Percepliquis
A seventh book was published later
Traditions (2013)
The books follow the adventures of Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, enterprising thieves but, as we shall find out, much more than meets the eye.
The Riyria Chronicles
Sullivan then followed up with a prequel series called The Riyria Chronicles that explores the beginnings of Royce and Hadrian's partnership and their first escapades.
The Crown Tower (2013)
The Rose and the Thorn (2013)
The Jester (2014)
Professional Integrity (2015)
The Death of Dulgath (2015)
The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter (2017)
Drumindor (Release Date TBA)
The question is: Do you read The Riyria Chronicles in publication order or in chronological order? The following pic shows the two scenarios
i definitely recommend Chronological order, so I started with The Crown Tower. Here are my reviews of the first two books in this series.
What a fantastic book about two opposites who blend together. A mixture of action, with a bit of humour thrown in, make for an unforgettable duo. Goodreads reviews show that many people regard Royce and Hadrian as their favourite fantasy duo, and I can see why.
The Rose and the Thorn: Riyria Chronicles, Book 2
Written by Michael J. Sullivan
It did not take long to read the second book in the Riyria Chronicles Series.
Synopsis: For more than a year, Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner, Hadrian Blackwater, from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception - Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn't realize is what the two are capable of - but she's about to find out.
Another fantastic read. The characters of Royce and Hadrian are developed further in this book and another member joins their team of thieves. Although you get plenty of hints about what is going to happen, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Another 5 start read.
And right at the end you understand why the book is called "The Rose and The Thorn". Very nice!
Legends of the First Empire
The third series and the most recently written one is The Legends of the First Empire which is set in the distant past of the Riyria novels. No prior knowledge of the Riyria books is required to enjoy this series to the fullest, but those who read both will find the truth in various myths and legends and see for themselves how The First Empire was formed.
Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.
Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.
The 6 books, in reading order are
Age of Myth (2016)
Age of Swords (2017)
Age of War (2018)
Age of Legend (2019)
Age of Death (2020)
Age of Empyre (2020)
The ending is superb and brings everything together in a most satisfying way. Definitely10/10.
Taken together, the three series form a wonderful work of creativity and imagination.
The Rise and Fall Series
The great news is that Sullivan has now finished a fourth series set in the world of Elan, namely The Rise and Fall. The 3 books in this series are
Nolyn (2021)
Farilane (2022)
Esrahaddon (2023)
Synopsis as follows:
With the ending of the great war between humans and those they once thought of as gods, a new empire rises and will eventually fall.
This series tells the tales of how that occurred as seen through the eyes of three important historical figures in the world of Elan:
Nolyn - whose name literally means "No land" is one of the few children born of both Rhune and Fhrey. After being returned to the front lines of the Goblin War, he discovers someone is out to kill him, but who, and why, and what will it mean to the future of Elan?
Farilane - although born a princes she cares for only two things: books and adventure. When she sets off to find the famed Book of Brin (which tells the true history of the First Great War) she gets more than she bargained for and what she discovers may bring a joy she never knew existed or destroy all that she holds dear.
Esrahaddon - a wizard rises through the ranks at the most pivotal time during the two thousand years since the founding of the great Novronian Empire. That the empire will fall cannot be altered, but will he be able to save Novronian's heir so it may one day rise again?
I think for a change I will read them in book format and savour the special feeling that comes from book in hand.
