Riyria Revelations / Michael J. Sullivan

Title / Theft of Swords (vol 1), Rise of Empire (vol 2) and Heir of Novron (vol 3)

Author / Michael J. Sullivan

Series / Riyria Revelations

Genre / Fantasy

Overall Rating / ★★★★

This is a six book (or 3 volume) high fantasy series that follows a skilled thief, Royce Melborn, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater. It was initially self published as 6 books, but was later published again by Orbit as 3 volumes. 

 

Although the covers aren’t the best, the books themselves are so much fun to read. It is important to note that this series is pretty traditional in terms of the fantasy genre and it will be probably all feel quite familiar to you, but I thought Sullivan still did a good job at drawing the reader into this world and twisting a few fantasy tropes into something a little different. The plot was compelling throughout, although the first book is a little slow to start out. If you weren’t sure of the first volume, I would definitely say stick with it since the series does improve alot through the three volumes.

 

Royce and Hadrian make up a fantastic duo and I love their relationship development through the 3 volumes. There are some fantastic moments of humour between them. All of the characters are well written, if occasionally lacking a little depth. Each volume is as good as the last, if not better, and Sullivan does a great job of building on what was established in each book. The plot and the world is perhaps a little lacking in complexity, when compared to other fantasy books, but it does get more depth to it as the series progresses. It is a high fantasy series containing grand adventures, friendship, an entertaining plot and a great concluding instalment.

 

Overall this is a great, light-hearted and entertaining high fantasy series. There is also a prequel series, the Riyria Chronicles, which is also well worth a read. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, I would definitely recommend it. Have you guys read these books? Let’s chat in the comments. I hope you are all having a wonderful day and I will see you next time.

 

 

Pippa