Age of Swords - Micheal J Sullivan

Paperback, 465 pages

Published January 30th 2018 by Del Rey Books (first published July 25th 2017)

Series: The Legends of the First Empire #2

Fantasy 

Own

My Thoughts:

I fear 2018 did not end with a bang

I had a hard time reading this one, I never truly got into it. And I do feel that it borders on almost only ok. In the sense that it did not make me want to read more, in that aspect it is an ok rating, but, I just can not bring myself to it. The story and writing is still good. Just not good enough.

I do not root for anyone. If they all died I would not care. That is not good.

Damn, fine, FINE! It is a 2, sigh. I have to do it. If I do not want to read more than it clearly can not be a 3.

It felt like a filler.

Synopsis

Raithe, the God Killer, may have started the rebellion by killing a Fhrey, but long-standing enmities dividing the Rhunes make it all but impossible to unite against the common foe. And even if the clans can join forces, how will they defeat an enemy whose magical prowess renders them indistinguishable from gods?

The answer lies across the sea in a faraway land populated by a reclusive and dour race who feel nothing but disdain for both Fhrey and mankind. With time running out, Persephone leads the gifted young seer Suri, the Fhrey sorceress Arion, and a small band of misfits in a desperate search for aid--a quest that will take them into the darkest depths of Elan. There, an ancient adversary waits, as fearsome as it is deadly.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Age of Myth - Micheal J. Sullivan

Paperback, 432 pages

Published January 31st 2017 by Del Rey Books (first published June 28th 2016)

Series: The Legends of the First Empire #1

Fantasy

Own

My Thoughts:

I actually had a hard time getting into this book, so for once I am glad I took a breather. Because it was not bad, it was just long. A took a long break and then I started again, this time the pages flew by and I read it in a few days. It felt light and thrilling. I guess sometimes a break is good, but only if you know you will like it when you start again (I can not say the same for another book I put on break.)

This one takes place before the Riyria series, a series I really should read again cos suddenly I have so many questions! You can read it before that series, or after. Because reading it after R makes you go all whaaat? No way. Hehe.

Raithe kills a god. What is up with that?! The Fhrey can not be Gods if they die that easily or? As for Raithe he is one of those really good guys that you do like cos he is honorable and just.

Persephone is a widow trying to deal with her new role in their little society. She is smart and resourceful. Not a good thing if the new leader wants to look good. Oh I liked her, she was older, she did not back down. Though she should have seen a few things coming.

Suri is a teenage mystic. Mysterious and weird. Love her. She warns them that war is coming. Well obviously since a human killed a God. It's not like they can let that rest now can they.

Things will happen, but that war is still ahead of them. I really liked the whaaat moment I had regarding a certain God. That blew me away. Maybe I should have known it, but it was so long since I read Riyria.

Conclusion:
I liked the characters and I can not wait for more. I like Sullivan's style, it is very old school, which for me is perfect. Lighter you know.

Blurb

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 Death of Dulgath - Michael j Sullivan

When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire. Things have gone well enough until they're asked to help prevent a murder. Now they must venture into an ancient corner of the world to save a mysterious woman who knows more about Royce than is safe and cares less about herself than is sane.

Kindle Edition, 1 edition, 432 pages
Published October 15th 2015 by Riyria Enterprises, LLC
The Riyria Chronicles #3, Riyria #3
Fantasy
Own

My thoughts:

All I could think about was how I could not remember how the Heir of Novron ended! I remember..no, I can't. I need to re-read. SO yes I know these take place before that. But I have forgotten things so this one revelation was all, I did not remember all of that. I knew about Royce, but the rest was lost in time.

Anyway. Royce and Hadrian are hired to protect...well sort of...the Lady of Dulgath. I do feel like this one can be read on it's own. He creates a nice tale that makes you want more, but you also feel fine just jumping in. I only wanted more since I know something happened at the end of Novron but that is years ahead of this story.

Royce is awesome, I love him.

Hadrian is more the happy shiny people person. Yes you are a nice friend Hadrian, but Royce ;)

So they have an adventure. Get into trouble and on to new adventures! A good story, and I need more! I still have not read the series taking place 3000 years in the past ;)

Good fantasy

Audio Reviews: Code Name Verity, The Jester, Professional Integrity

Oct. 11th, 1943—A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage and failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy? 

My thoughts:

There are things in this review I can not tell, things that happen later, but I really can not say anything, so I will focus on the story being told in the beginning.

We have Maddie, who loves flying and working on engines. She is working on getting her license, and she is a woman in a man's world, but she loves it. But then obviously the war starts and she she will join in the only way she can. Ferrying planes. We also see how she meet her best friend Queenie.

But all of this is told in France, when the Gestapo is trying to get out every piece of information. Having her write it on whatever they can find. And the story is told. The crash, life in England, info on planes and such.

And there is also another story told, but hey, I already said I could not speak of it...

It took me almost a year to listen to it. Not that it was bad, but because I first had the book on my old phone, and then I got a new one and sigh, not compatible since I refuse to upgrade to win10 cos that sucks. SO put it in my old mp3 player...and yes it took some time to listen to it. But I was never bored, I think I had a rocky start but can not remember. I even started crying when out walking once cos it got sad, and I am so glad I did not meet anyone on that walk.

Is this YA? I guess so, bloody sad YA if so. With the torture and well war and so on...

Conclusion:
But it was good, and the narrator did a great job.

cover
meh

Audiobook, 10 pages
Published June 6th 2012 by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Code Name Verity #1
Historical fiction / YA
OWN
Morven Christie (Narrator), Lucy Gaskell (Narrator)

WHO WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH?
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens to them is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.

My thoughts:
A short story with Royce and Hadrian in a tight spot. There is humour, and a good little adventure. I can't say a lot really. They were like stuck in a cave most of the time trying to get out. It was good, and I have missed these guys.

Audible Audio, unabridged Audible download, 33 pages
Published January 17th 2014 by Audible Studios
Riyria #2.5, The Riyria Chronicles
Tim Gerard Reynolds (Narrator)
Fantasy
Own

Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan. Usually that means stealing something, but when a young heiress asks them to steal her…well, that's a first for the pair. All is not as it seems, but Royce is determined to get the bottom of what's actually going on. After all, he has his professional integrity at stake.

Originally released in the Blackguards anthology published by Ragnarok Publications, this is a standalone short story of 10,800 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it.

My thoughts:
A great narration.

Hadrian and Royce is an awesome pairing. They do bring out the best and worst in each other ;)

I like Sullivan's dry wit.

And last, a good little story to listen to

Audible Audio, unabridged Aubible download, 1 page
Published June 3rd 2015 by Audible Studios
Riyria #2.6, The Riyria Chronicles
Fantasy
Own

#FitReaders: Weekly Check-in April 23 2016 and The Jester

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Join in!

Sun 1.15 h walk
Mon 4 km bike. 30 min walk
Tue 1 h workout class, 1 h yoga, 4 km bike
Wed 45 min walk, 4 km bike
Thu 30 min walk, 4 km bike
Fri 4 km bike, 30 min walk
Sat 1 h walk, 5 km bike

Sad. Only one more class this spring :/ And no summer classes this year! Booo.

Winter came back. Just for a day. Nothing new, last year it snowed in May. But hey look, first spring flower ;)

But more snow promised on Monday.

...........................................

Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens to them is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.

This is a standalone short story of 7,200 words, originally published in the Unfettered anthology. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Riyria veterans to spend a little more time with old friends. The Jester is a story of adventure, bonds of friendship, and a recognition that the choices we make dictates the future we find. 

My thoughts:

This was a freebie on audible. I must say I have started to like audio books, but they are so damn expensive. Nope, wont buy that when print is cheaper. I do not even buy hardback! I wait a year on the PB instead.

Right. A short story with Royce and Hadrian in a tight spot. There is humour, and a good little adventure. I can't say a lot really. They were like stuck in a cave most of the time trying to get out. It was good, and I have missed these guys.

Audible Audio, unabridged Audible download, 33 pages
Published January 17th 2014 by Audible Studios
Riyria #2.5, The Riyria Chronicles

Review. The Rose and the Thorn - Michael J.Sullivan

TWO THIEVES WANT ANSWERS. RIYRIA IS BORN.

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.

My thoughts:

Now what to say....there were a bunch of things that made me go, look look!!! You would have to read the later books to get them. But for those who have not then this is just a normal book, while I found the little things fun.

Like Hilfred! I did not expect that. And the moment Hadrian has in a later book, well that was explained here and made me so sad. Again, I am talking in riddles but I just liked the little things so much :D It also made me want to re-read the trilogy and go all awww I read that stuff here.

Ok this is where I should say something that makes sense then ;)

Hadrian and Royce comes back to Medford. Gwen is hurt and Royce is mad. All while back at the castle young Hilfred finds his destiny and we meet the royals again. The book has a conspiracy going on..I will not say too much but there is danger, death and foul things going on.

Conclusion:

I really should re-read the series, small things have slipped my mind. Alas, so many books not enough time. Oh and crush on Royce! Even when he is insane.

Cover

Nice

Paperback, 347 pages
Published September 17th 2013 by Orbit
The Riyria Chronicles #2, Riyria #2
Fantasy
own

Review: The Crown Tower - Michael J.Sullivan

A warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most valuable possessions. But it isn’t gold or jewels the old wizard is after, and this prize can only be obtained by the combined talents of two remarkable men. Now if Arcadias can just keep Hadrian and Royce from killing each other, they just might succeed.

My thoughts:

I have to compare, of course I do. And by comparing I do feel this book was not as strong as the Riyria revelation books. It was still a good book, but yes not as good.

I also wondered how I would have felt if I had read these before the series. Cos they are prequels, so I do know what will happen. But that does not make them any less exciting. It is after all the story of how Royce and Hadrian met, and trust me, their relationship is nothing like in RR. And I should not forget that it's also Gwen's story and I must say, I even think I liked her story the most. She took charge of her life in such a good way.

It also made me wanna re-read RR, cos all the things hinted at here, aww, I know those thing. I wanna read about those things again.

You can read this series first, or you can read RR and read this later. Do what ever fits you the best. Because everything here is still new to me. Sure I know how everyone will end up, I just do not know how they will reach that first destination on the way there.

Conclusion:

But, it did move slow at first before it picked up. Still it had to be told that way, I guess.

Cover

Nice

Paperback, 416 pages
Published August 6th 2013 by Orbit
The Riyria Chronicles #1, Riyria #1
Fantasy
Own

Review: Heir of Novron - Michael J.Sullivan

Series: Riyria Revelations #3 (5+6)
Genre: Fantasy
Pages. 900
Published: January 26, 2012
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Xmas pressie from Bf (and yes I told him to ;)

The New Empire intends to mark its victory over the Nationalists with a bloody celebration. On the high holiday of Wintertide, the Witch of Melengar will be burned and the Heir of Novron executed. On that same day the Empress faces a forced marriage, with a fatal accident soon follow. The New Empire is confident in the totality of its triumph but there’s just one problem—Royce and Hadrian have finally found the Heir of Novron and they have their own holiday plans. 

Heir of Novron is the final volume of The Ririya Revelations and includes Wintertide and—available for the first time—the final volume, Percepliquis.

My thoughts:

I am sad to see it end, but the end came. I still felt like this was one of those "I feel like home" books, because it reminds me of the books I first read and fell in love with. Which makes this the style of fantasy that is my first love, and my true love.

While reading there came a point where I just could not get enough, it was when the Percepliquis story started because it meant the end. I could not put the book down, but still I did put it down because at the same time I did not want it to end. I struggled between needing to know! And not wanting to know since then there would be no more. Of course the wanting to know struggle won, that is a given.

It was a good ending to this series and at times I giggled cos it was funny, at times I wanted to shout noo! And at times I said I knew it!! Did I really knew it? Well, I claim I did but in the end I have a million different versions of what might be going on, who might be who and all the rest. The book took me for a merry ride and gave me lots of surprises.

And what about our beloved heroes then? Oh I Heart Royce, but then I have always loved elves. I really fell for Hadrian in this one too because he is so chivalrous and sweet. And there were HEAs too, I do love them. Especially with one couple I did not know would meet. There are so many wonderful characters I would love to mention but that would take time. Though when thinking about what I have read I find myself startled cos I realize that I do not like Modina, I liked Thrace, but not Modina, the empress.

It was a wonderful conclusion to a great series and it had me at the edge of my seat. This is what I want my fantasy to be like, a great cast, a great story, a wonderful world and a rich history. In the end I would sure like to read more from this world, and certainly from this author.

Conclusion:

Of course I recommend this series to all. And do not be afraid of the page count, since I know some are. Fantasy books are huge, and this book is actually two books in one if that makes you feel better ;)

Cover:

I like it, Hadrian :D

.

Review: Rise of Empire - Michael J.Sullivan

Series: The Riyria Revelations #2 (3 and 4)
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 656
Published: Dec 2011
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Xmas pressie :)

The adventure continues as Royce and Hadrian aid the struggling kingdom of Melengar as it alone stands in defiance against the newly formed empire. War approaches and a desperate gamble behind enemy lines is their only chance at forming an alliance with the Nationalists to the south. 

But Royce has plans of his own as he uses this opportunity to discover if an ancient wizard is using Riyria as pawns in his own bid for power. To find the truth, Royce must unravel Hadrian's hidden past. What he discovers will lead them to the end of the known world on a journey rife with treachery and intrigue. 

My thoughts:

Here is where you hear me swearing because I do not have book 3 ready *insert curse*. I seriously need more, and this coming from someone who has done pretty much nothing else than read for 2 days straight. Sp sorry if nothing I say make sense in this review.

Ok where to start? That is always the question, I am still high on good book, I do love fantasy, I just love to read without stopping and just feel that I am getting lost in another world, that nothing else exists anymore. And that is what this book manages to do for me, it is old school fantasy, and I adore old school fantasy. The adventure, the intrigues, the fact that I just feel so at home in whatever world is created. It feels like coming home.

Hadrian and Royce are the best, to have friends like that, now that would be something. I do admit to liking Royce a bit more, but that is cos of his origin, I have always had a soft spot for his kind. And Hadrian is so sweet, I do hope he finds the girl I want him to find.

As for the rest, Arista has grown a lot. Poor Empress, her I fear for, the baddies, omg, the baddies are so evil! Just like they should be. I truly hate them because they are so set in they ways. I really want more info about the elves. And then there are a bunch of others we meet in this story, all good to love or hate.

I am rambling again, why do I always ramble? I kind of wanted to hug this book when it ended cos I was happy. There is nothing better than a book that leaves you happy. And with this I mean it was a good bool because the end, yes bad things are going to happen in the next book if people are not stopped.

If you have not noticed by now I liked this book, and i can't wait to read book 3. It is pre-ordered and it should arrive in a month or so. And I really need my pretty print copy cos this is one big bool.

Conclusion:

Well duh, yes of course I recommend it. Just let yourself be swept away by this fantasy adventure

Cover:

Something is going on in those pants, seriously check on a bigger pic, it looks weird.

Review: Theft of Swords - Michael J.Sullivan

Series: The Riyria Revelations #1 (1 and 2)
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 704
Published: Nov 2011 
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Shelf

Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles—until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom. 

Can a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires in order to keep a secret too terrible for the world to know? And so begins the first tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend. 

My thoughts:

I think I would like to start with a damn, damn that I do not have book 2 ready. It was not like it ended with a cliffie, now, it was just that I need to freaking know!It is just the kind of fantasy I like. Quests, kingdoms, baddies and a great cast.

Our “heroes” are Royce, a thief and Hadrian, a mercenary. Together they form the band Riyria, and steal their way through life. The chemistry between these two is just great; you can feel that they have been friends for a very long time. They are also so funny together, one wanting one thing, the other one another thing, but they are friends and the trust each other (even if the other one has a stupid plan for instance.) That is truly what is good about this book Royce and Hadrian.

And once more, I just do not feel I can do it justice. It started off ok, then it got better, then it got even better, and I was hooked, and even though I was nowhere near the end I lamented the fact that I did not have book 2 ready (getting it for xmas). The books grabs hold of you and won’t let go. And you do not want it to let go either.

I could say a lot of things, of the banter between them, of the two quests they had, of Myron the monk they met, but I will just say that it had a solid plot. It was originally a 6 book series, and now it is a 3 book series. So this book is about 2 things, but they are connected since everything will lead up to one thing in the end. The world is looking for someone, and then we have an evil church too (they always make good baddies.)

Conclusion:
So yes just read it. I am SO glad Melissa got me to read this book because it was well worth it. My review may not amount to much since my mind is all “want book2!”. But in the end that is all you need to know, it made me want book 2, and I that book is as good as ordered already. I can’t wait to read more.

Cover:
Now this is my kind of hunk ;)

Review: The Viscount and the Witch - Michael J.Sullivan

The Riyria Chronicles Short
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 5400 words
Published: October 2011
Source: Free on author's page, but you can buy it too

Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief and idealist swordsman, were just learning how to work together as a team. In this standalone first installment of The Riyria Chronicles, Royce is determined to teach his naive partner a lesson about good deeds. 

My thoughts:

I do not have to say it again, but short stories are so hard to review and mostly they just leave me, wanting more. Then there are the good ones. This one left me satisfied but also wanting more. In a good way. I was happy with the story I got but I also really need more since it was so good. 

What I liked the most was the dry humor, or perhaps he was just series when he said those things ;) Oh just read it and see. A fun fantasy story, a perfect story to read while waiting for more, or as I did, in preparation to read book 1. And omg I want my pre-order book to arrive now! 

If this is his style then yes I do recommend it to other readers.

I also felt that you do not have to read this book before reading book 1, since this one was written after book 1 was already written. But it is a good place to start if you want to know his style.

Though I must say, doesn't it sound like a HR book ;)

Rating:

More please.