A great start

This is the first book in what will be a 4-5 book series, set 3000 years before Sullivan's other books. First things first Tim Gerard Reynolds is amazing as always, I'm at the point that I will buy an audiobook purely because he is narrating it.
As for the story, it's a solid start. For a story that forshadows a grand and finely woven tale, the first entry is very straight forward. However there is a clear pathway to expand the story so I still have high hopes for the volumes to come.
The other main point I would like to bring up is the comparison ( which I'm sure Sullivan would hate) between Royce/Hadrian and Malcolm/Raith. The large and only real problem I have is the similarities Raith is written exactly like Hadrian, and because Hadrian has 9 books behind him Raith ends up feeling like a lazy copy. There are far more distinctions between Royce and Malcolm but the partnerships feel to much alike. I do hope he manages to build both of them up to distinct characters.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

AMAZING!

this is possibly the best book I have ever read, the world is so interesting I can't wait to start the next entry in the series. the characters are so fleshed out that o feel like I know them as good as a real friend. and the story is so captivating, the ending was so unexpected but still completely made sense. I loved this book

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A very worthy book for any collection

Very enjoyable, engaging story which the narrator has done an excellent job with.
There is very little that has not been discovered previously in this genre, and that's why I believe the author has done so well with the plot, characters and general feel, which is not too heavy.
The narration really is quite superb, and I can say that without knowing the chap.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

unexpectedly good

I am in so many groups regarding fantasy authors and somehow I have missed this author and all the series.

so I knew nothing going in and was so impressed.
Its a great story. The author's information on how he writes the series is also a wonderful idea.

I will listen to this series and immediately seek out the rest of the books

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Really enjoyed!

In the beginning there was a lot to take in I almost felt overwhelmed and lost in all the characters, it didn’t take long for this feeling to disappear and I was immersed in the story. Can’t wait to start the next one.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Revisiting the dawn of a familiar world

Because of the way Michael writes there are things to come back to after reading outer book in the series, subtle hints and a deeper layer. I really enjoyed my second listen, and I am sure I will revisit it after the next book in the series is released.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Very Slow Start

This is a story about Persephone, wife of the leader of the Dahl Rhen, now deceased. Of Raithe of the Dureyan clan, a warrior, whose father Herkimer was killed by one of the gods. He then goes on the run with Malcolm, a Fhrey slave.

Persephone, now a widow, is not liked by the new clan head. One day she asks Suri if she will take her to talk to the oak tree. Off they go with Minna, the white wolf. Persephone asks the tree about the future and is told: “Welcome the gods; Heal the injured; Follow the wolf.” This puzzles Persophone, but it will not be long before the forecast starts to make sense.

Raithe and Malcolm come across Persephone, who is about to be murdered by 3 members of her clan. 2 are killed, one escapes.

The first sign of the forecast coming to pass is when 7 Fhrey turn up at the village, led by Nyphron, followed days later by Arion, a Miralyith who is tutor to the Crown Prince of the Miralyith. Why do I have a feeling that Nyphron is not as he seems and may well turn out to be not a very nice person.

This is a story of gods vs. man, with a few elves thrown in for good measure.

Once I got into the book it flowed quite well and I did enjoy it, but be prepared for a little endurance as the beginning was very slow.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A Surprise

I downloaded this as it was Included with my Audible membership, Tim Gerard Reynolds also narrating and I just hoped for the best. I have been very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the story, lots of interesting characters and the main protagonists are mostly women. They are definitely the most interesting. Some good action, plot twists and character development. Of course, the superb TGR is on hand to give it his unique vocal style. I like the foreword by the author too. I'm already listening to the Age of Swords. Keep up the good work Michael Sullivan 👏

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

loved it

great book, great story,
really enjoyed it
cant wait for next part of the series

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Amazing but start with the Riyria Revelations

Absolutely love this series and the world of Elan.

The author notes that you don’t need any prior knowledge of his previous works and can read/listen to them in either chronological or publication order. That is true BUT I highly recommend publication order (or close to it)

Without giving too much away there are reoccurring characters across their series and I think chronological order might ruin some of the later (chronologically) books- it would be too obvious with prior knowledge which, to me, would spoil some of the suspense.

I actually went with- Riyria Revelations, then Legends of the first empire, then rise and fall and then finally Riyria Chronicles.

That worked beautifully because I got the broad narrative sweep and the suspense but when the recurring characters popped up in the Chronicles series (which is more stand alone) it was very satisfying.

Highly recommended both for the plot and the narration. I consumed these like an addict. Just finished the last book and feeling a little bereft now to be honest.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful