Tag: Michael J. Sullivan


Jun
2016

Age of Myth

categories: Books

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 men 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.

AgeofMyth

I was so excited to receive an ARC from NetGalley!  I’m a fan of Sullivan’s work, and first started with his Riyria Revelations series.  From there I read the Riyria Chronicles as well.  So maybe I was a little biased going into this, based on how much I’ve enjoyed his past work.  

When the new series was announced I was very eager.  And the first installment, Age of Myth, did not disappoint.  In the Legends of the First Empire Sullivan is expanding the world that readers have come to know through Riyria by taking us back in time so we can learn some of the history as to how this world developed.  Age of Myth is the start of that history, where we see fundamental beliefs challenged.  Humans are learning that elves aren’t gods, and the elves are learning that humans aren’t animals.  

If you haven’t read any of Sullivan’s previous work, that’s not an issue.  You can pick this one up and dive right in.  There are some throwbacks that readers will pick up on.  A few things they’ll recognize from the Riyria novels.  However, I think it would be just as interesting to read the Legends of the First Empire first, and then follow up with Riyria.

Age of Myth is well paced. I was always eager to read more, and did not get bored with any section.  Sullivan has a way of writing a large cast of characters, where each character has their own history.  Sometimes with larger casts some of the characters can come off as two-dimensional. Not here.  Even Grin the Brown has a history that’s woven into the story, making her feel every bit a full fledged character.  And she’s a bear.

I can’t wait for the story to continue in the second novel!

 

five-star

  • Comments Off on Age of Myth

Mar
2016

The Death of Dulgath

categories: Books

Three times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.

When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria’s Royce and Hadrian are hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since Hadrian, the war-weary mercenary, and Royce, the cynical ex-assassin, joined forces to become rogues-for-hire. All has gone well 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.

The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan

The latest Riyria adventure featuring our two favorite thieves, Royce and Hadrian.  (Note the wording, I said latest because I truly hope there will more of Royce and Hadrian’s adventures).  I’ve read all of the Riyria books, and am happy to say that this series holds up while providing a closer look at Royce and Hadrian and how they came to be Riyria.

The Death of Dulgath follows the pair south, to an idyllic village where everything is not as it seems.  Throughout the adventure they face mishaps and hardships, showing that both are still learning and growing in their partnership and on their own.

Sullivan is a great world builder, and I’m hoping that if he continues Royce and Hadrian’s adventures that we might see them travel further abroad to some of the other places mentioned in the Riyria series.

Each story is built so that is can be a standalone adventure, yet there are multiple nuggets in there for fans of the series.  With The Death of Dulgath I was pleased that the Fhrey were mentioned, as they are the focus of his newest series, The First Empire (of which I’m happily looking forward to).

four-star

  • Comments Off on The Death of Dulgath

May
2009

The Crown Conspiracy

categories: Books
The Crown Conspiracy
The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan

I just finished reading The Crown Conspiracy, and I have to say it was an excellent read.  It is a fantasy book, set in a time of kings, knights, and a hint of magic.  The story revolves around two thieves and we follow them throughout the book.

The story is character driven, with a good plot to back up the characters.  Overall I’d say it was an easy read, there’s plenty of action and good dialogue, without a lot of politics between the characters.  If you like fantasy books, and a good action story to go with it, I’d highly recommend this.  The fantasy isn’t in your face, rather it’s subtly worked in.

There is a second book out now, which is not exactly a sequel, but more of another adventure with some of the same characters set in the same world.  I’m looking forward to reading it.

four-star

  • Comments Off on The Crown Conspiracy