Ask the Author: Michael J. Sullivan
Answered Questions (542)
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lottie - yes I have. The most notable is "he who has many names" - when this character first appears in Legends of the First Empire I had to mention to the narrator who that person was in the Riyria Revelations.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lisa. I'm so glad you enjoyed the Storm. Many you guys/gals are relentless about trying to get me to "spill the beans" regarding They Cycle. I'm glad you are excited - I am too. I just completed the third book in the series and while doing that #4 got pretty well developed - so writing it should go fast. With each passing installment it makes the release of The Cylce more likely - and I'm feeling pretty good about it right now.
Oh, but you had a question . . . didn't you. I'm still not ready to say who is in The Cycle and who isn't - basically anyone from any Elan book is a "candidate" and of course there are some new characters as well - Robin is saying that some of the new characters are even more welcomed then time and trued veterans. But I am going to start "leaking information via my blog and when I do, I'll come back and update this answer.
Oh, but you had a question . . . didn't you. I'm still not ready to say who is in The Cycle and who isn't - basically anyone from any Elan book is a "candidate" and of course there are some new characters as well - Robin is saying that some of the new characters are even more welcomed then time and trued veterans. But I am going to start "leaking information via my blog and when I do, I'll come back and update this answer.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Stefano, thanks for stoping buy and asking. I think what makes this more confusing than normal is I'm working on BOTH The Cycle AND After the Fall at the same time. So, no these are not the same.
Let me break them down for you.
THE CYCLE
This is a 5-book series that takes place after the Riyria Revelations so it would be the "furthest" down the timeline. I'm VERY VERLY close to finishing up book #3 of that series, and I cannot guarantee any of the books will be released unless book #5 comes out extremely well. You see, I love the way the Riyria Revelations wrapped up - which is why I never attempted a sequel before now - so only if I clear a very high bar will I publish the books. So far, they are coming out great, so I'm very encouraged. If all goes to plan the first book in that series will come out in 2028.
AFTER THE FALL
Is a 3-book series that does indeed take place after the Rise and Fall series. Unlike The Cycle, these books will be released as they are written. The first book is completed, and should be out this year (2026). This is the first project that I've written with a co-author. Her name is Lorian Ellis and she is AMAZING. She's already hard at work on Book #2 of that series.
I'm so glad that you love the work. I can't begin to explain how much fun it has been writing this saga - 20 books and counting!! What I especially like is that each of the series is more or less a standalone, but there are plot threads the weave between the books for those "in the know."
I'll lay out the entire series in two orders: Publication (which is my preferred order) and then chronological:
PUBLICATION ORDER
- Riyria Revelations (#1 - #6) - Theft of Swords >> Rise of Empire >> Heir of Novron
- Riyria Chronicles (#1 - #2) - The Crown Tower >> The Rose and the Thorn
- Legends of the First Empire (#1 - #3) - Age of Myth >> Age of Swords >> Age of War
- Riyria Chronicles (#3 - #4) - The Death of Dulgath >> The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter
- Legends of the First Empire (#4 - #6) - Age of Legend >> Age of Death >> Age of Empyre
- The Rise and Fall (#1 - #3) - Nolyn >> Farilane >> Esrahaddon
- Riyria Chronicles (#5) - Drumindor
- After the Fall #1 - Out of the Ashes - 2026 release
- Riyria Chronicles (#6) - Blythin Castle - 2027 release
- After the Fall #2 - Into the Darkness - 2027 release
- The Cycle #1 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2028 release
- After the Fall #3 - Between Two Evils - 2028 release
- The Cycle #2 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2029 release
- The Cycle #3 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2029 release
- The Cycle #4 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2010 release
- The Cycle #5 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2010 release
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
- Legends of the First Empire: #1 - #6
- Rise and Fall #1 - #3
- After the Fall #1 - #3
- The Riyria Chronicles #1 - #6 (but might be as many as 9)
- The Riyria Revelations #1 - #6
- The Cycle #1 - #5
Let me break them down for you.
THE CYCLE
This is a 5-book series that takes place after the Riyria Revelations so it would be the "furthest" down the timeline. I'm VERY VERLY close to finishing up book #3 of that series, and I cannot guarantee any of the books will be released unless book #5 comes out extremely well. You see, I love the way the Riyria Revelations wrapped up - which is why I never attempted a sequel before now - so only if I clear a very high bar will I publish the books. So far, they are coming out great, so I'm very encouraged. If all goes to plan the first book in that series will come out in 2028.
AFTER THE FALL
Is a 3-book series that does indeed take place after the Rise and Fall series. Unlike The Cycle, these books will be released as they are written. The first book is completed, and should be out this year (2026). This is the first project that I've written with a co-author. Her name is Lorian Ellis and she is AMAZING. She's already hard at work on Book #2 of that series.
I'm so glad that you love the work. I can't begin to explain how much fun it has been writing this saga - 20 books and counting!! What I especially like is that each of the series is more or less a standalone, but there are plot threads the weave between the books for those "in the know."
I'll lay out the entire series in two orders: Publication (which is my preferred order) and then chronological:
PUBLICATION ORDER
- Riyria Revelations (#1 - #6) - Theft of Swords >> Rise of Empire >> Heir of Novron
- Riyria Chronicles (#1 - #2) - The Crown Tower >> The Rose and the Thorn
- Legends of the First Empire (#1 - #3) - Age of Myth >> Age of Swords >> Age of War
- Riyria Chronicles (#3 - #4) - The Death of Dulgath >> The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter
- Legends of the First Empire (#4 - #6) - Age of Legend >> Age of Death >> Age of Empyre
- The Rise and Fall (#1 - #3) - Nolyn >> Farilane >> Esrahaddon
- Riyria Chronicles (#5) - Drumindor
- After the Fall #1 - Out of the Ashes - 2026 release
- Riyria Chronicles (#6) - Blythin Castle - 2027 release
- After the Fall #2 - Into the Darkness - 2027 release
- The Cycle #1 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2028 release
- After the Fall #3 - Between Two Evils - 2028 release
- The Cycle #2 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2029 release
- The Cycle #3 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2029 release
- The Cycle #4 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2010 release
- The Cycle #5 (title hasn't been revealed) - 2010 release
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
- Legends of the First Empire: #1 - #6
- Rise and Fall #1 - #3
- After the Fall #1 - #3
- The Riyria Chronicles #1 - #6 (but might be as many as 9)
- The Riyria Revelations #1 - #6
- The Cycle #1 - #5
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Hunter, We got your "support ticket" on BackerKit but unfortunately, you didn't mention which books you are missing. We've emailed you several times and have received no response to those. I also tried to message you via goodreads - but that feature was removed, so I tried putting a "friend comment" hoping you would see it that way.
So, we please let us know what books you are missing and we'll get those overlooked books to you as soon as possible.
If you can't find the emails - send one to robin (my wife and the one who manages the shipping of my books. Her email is robin (dot0 sullivan (dot)dc (at) gmail.com
So, we please let us know what books you are missing and we'll get those overlooked books to you as soon as possible.
If you can't find the emails - send one to robin (my wife and the one who manages the shipping of my books. Her email is robin (dot0 sullivan (dot)dc (at) gmail.com
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Eddy, thanks for asking. At this point, I just don't know the exact number of Riyria Chronicle books there will be. You see, "The Cycle" is still very much a work in progress, and as I write it, there becomes need for "foundational" information which really should be read before people read "The Cycle" and so a new book comes into being. At this point the following books are basically in that "category" of having major "setup" plots for The Cycle:
- Farilane (Rise and Fall #2)
- Esrahaddon (Rise and Fall #3)
- Drumindor (Riyria Chronicle #5)
- Blythin Castle (Riyria Chronicle #6)
When I wrote Drumindor - The Cycle was still in very early development - and it looked like I would need 8 books to "provide all the necessary foundational material." At this point I have now completed Bylthin Castle -and hence why it shows up on my list - as there is no question that it will be published. Right now, I'm about to finish book #3 of The Cycle (and #4 is pretty fleshed out) but I still don't know how many other Riyria books will need to be written - it could be that #6 covers it all, it could be I need one more, it could even be that I need 2 or 3 more.
Here's what I do know . . . All the Royce and Hadrian stories will be fully told before the Saga is completed. And once I have The Cycle done (at least in a first draft stage), I'll know exactly how many Riyria books will be needed.
Whether that final number is 6 or 9 there will be a slipcase for the "second half of the series).
I should also note, that while I've been pretty closed lipped about who are in "The Cycle" and who are not - it could be anyone from any series (or the descendants of any of those people). So I can't rule out whether Royce and Hadrian will have further adventures in BOTH Riyria and The Cycle.
Suffice to say, there is more with these two rogues and once all is said and done you should be very satisfied and be ready to bid them (or any of my characters) a bon voyage.
- Farilane (Rise and Fall #2)
- Esrahaddon (Rise and Fall #3)
- Drumindor (Riyria Chronicle #5)
- Blythin Castle (Riyria Chronicle #6)
When I wrote Drumindor - The Cycle was still in very early development - and it looked like I would need 8 books to "provide all the necessary foundational material." At this point I have now completed Bylthin Castle -and hence why it shows up on my list - as there is no question that it will be published. Right now, I'm about to finish book #3 of The Cycle (and #4 is pretty fleshed out) but I still don't know how many other Riyria books will need to be written - it could be that #6 covers it all, it could be I need one more, it could even be that I need 2 or 3 more.
Here's what I do know . . . All the Royce and Hadrian stories will be fully told before the Saga is completed. And once I have The Cycle done (at least in a first draft stage), I'll know exactly how many Riyria books will be needed.
Whether that final number is 6 or 9 there will be a slipcase for the "second half of the series).
I should also note, that while I've been pretty closed lipped about who are in "The Cycle" and who are not - it could be anyone from any series (or the descendants of any of those people). So I can't rule out whether Royce and Hadrian will have further adventures in BOTH Riyria and The Cycle.
Suffice to say, there is more with these two rogues and once all is said and done you should be very satisfied and be ready to bid them (or any of my characters) a bon voyage.
Michael J. Sullivan
No, not at this time. I can say that generally speaking paperbacks come out about 9 - 15 months after the hardcover is released. Basically once the hardcovers either (a) are sold out or (b) are selling so slowly that they will never sell out, that's when the paperback edition comes into play.
Michael J. Sullivan
I think you may be giving me more credit than I deserve. It's not really something that was "planned" it's more along the lines of "falling with style" (bonus points if someone know where that phrase comes from.
But since you asked, I'll be more than happy to fill you in.
In the beginning there was the Riyria Revelations - all six books were written before the first one was published which was a huge boon - but again, not done "intentionally" - Robin started querying agents when I finished book #3, and by the time we found one (and lost her) and then found a small press that wanted to publish the books, all six had been written.
After completing Revelations, I didn't intend to write anymore in Elan (let alond more Roye and Hadrian books) - but my wife, Robin, got depressed as she missed the pair. Because I liked how the debut series ended, I didn't want to go forward in time (because I might ruin a great thing) so I decided to go "backward" so I could show how Royce and Hadrian met and became so strongly bonded to each other. It certainly helped that I read a review where someone complained that "there is no way these two very different people would ever work together). When someone challenges me my way of "pushing back" is to prove them wrong.
Next came the Legends of the First Empire . . . why . . . well as I said I couldn't
go forward" and while I already went "back" I needed to go VERY far back. There were a ton of things I lied about regarding history in the Riyria books, plus there was a lot about the world that only I knew. Since I spent so much time building this thing out - I figured others might be interested in "learning the truth in myths" so that's why I got there.
This then left me with a huge 3,000 year gap (between Legends and Riyria) so The Rise and Fall was written to help explain how we got from point A (legends) to point b (Riyria). But it (combined with the Legends) also opened a door . . . they made it possible to have an even more dramatic and satisfying ending than what occured in Heir of Novron.
And that's why I started writing "The Cycle" - it's my REALLY BIG finale and if it turns out the way I hope it will, then it will surely be my magnum opus. So far so good. I'm narrowing in on the ending of the third book (out of 5) and I'm hoping to have that written by May 1st, 2026. Although Robin is trying to get me to finish by April 8th, because that's her birthday. We'll see.
But since you asked, I'll be more than happy to fill you in.
In the beginning there was the Riyria Revelations - all six books were written before the first one was published which was a huge boon - but again, not done "intentionally" - Robin started querying agents when I finished book #3, and by the time we found one (and lost her) and then found a small press that wanted to publish the books, all six had been written.
After completing Revelations, I didn't intend to write anymore in Elan (let alond more Roye and Hadrian books) - but my wife, Robin, got depressed as she missed the pair. Because I liked how the debut series ended, I didn't want to go forward in time (because I might ruin a great thing) so I decided to go "backward" so I could show how Royce and Hadrian met and became so strongly bonded to each other. It certainly helped that I read a review where someone complained that "there is no way these two very different people would ever work together). When someone challenges me my way of "pushing back" is to prove them wrong.
Next came the Legends of the First Empire . . . why . . . well as I said I couldn't
go forward" and while I already went "back" I needed to go VERY far back. There were a ton of things I lied about regarding history in the Riyria books, plus there was a lot about the world that only I knew. Since I spent so much time building this thing out - I figured others might be interested in "learning the truth in myths" so that's why I got there.
This then left me with a huge 3,000 year gap (between Legends and Riyria) so The Rise and Fall was written to help explain how we got from point A (legends) to point b (Riyria). But it (combined with the Legends) also opened a door . . . they made it possible to have an even more dramatic and satisfying ending than what occured in Heir of Novron.
And that's why I started writing "The Cycle" - it's my REALLY BIG finale and if it turns out the way I hope it will, then it will surely be my magnum opus. So far so good. I'm narrowing in on the ending of the third book (out of 5) and I'm hoping to have that written by May 1st, 2026. Although Robin is trying to get me to finish by April 8th, because that's her birthday. We'll see.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Joey, I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with Royce and Hadrian! Yes, I'm currently working on the sequel series. It's called "The Cycle" and it will be five books in total. Two of them are already written, and I'm a god way into the third (Just over 100,000 words and I have about 8 chapters left to go). Now, that said. Whether that series will be released or not is yet to be determined (and part of the reason why none of the books are listed as pending here on Goodreads.
Why? Well, this series is only possible because it draws from ALL 20 books based in Elan including:
- 6: Riyria Revelations
- 5: Riyria Chronicles
- 6:Legends of the First Empire
- 3: Rise and Fall
It was the LoFE and the RaF books that "opened up" my history as I explained the truth about a lot of things that I lied to you about in the Riyria books. But given how absolutely satisfied I was with how Riyria Revelations wrapped, I'm VERY protective about not "tacking on" to it in any way that could spoil that series. So The Cycle has to be bigger and better in all possible ways: Higher stakes, tying up lose ends across all 20 books, and an ending that unquestionably tops Percepliquis.
That's no small feat, and until I have all 5 books written, I'll not know whether I hit the very high bar I set. If I do - then yes that sequel will be published. If I don't . . . well, they will be "trunked" (a writer term for when you put a book into a trunk never to see the light of day).
One thing I should warn you if you are interested in that sequel. Not only will it be a sequel to Riyria, it'll also be a sequel to the other books as well. So, while you "can" read it if you've not read Legends of the First Empire and The Rise and Fall books, I wouldn't "recommend" you doing that.
In short that Revelations sequel is my love letter to my most ardent fans - those who have read all my books - and for them, I predict it will be nothing short of amazing. But for people who have ONLY read Revelations . . . I don't think it will be nearly as good.
Hope that helps.
MJS.
Why? Well, this series is only possible because it draws from ALL 20 books based in Elan including:
- 6: Riyria Revelations
- 5: Riyria Chronicles
- 6:Legends of the First Empire
- 3: Rise and Fall
It was the LoFE and the RaF books that "opened up" my history as I explained the truth about a lot of things that I lied to you about in the Riyria books. But given how absolutely satisfied I was with how Riyria Revelations wrapped, I'm VERY protective about not "tacking on" to it in any way that could spoil that series. So The Cycle has to be bigger and better in all possible ways: Higher stakes, tying up lose ends across all 20 books, and an ending that unquestionably tops Percepliquis.
That's no small feat, and until I have all 5 books written, I'll not know whether I hit the very high bar I set. If I do - then yes that sequel will be published. If I don't . . . well, they will be "trunked" (a writer term for when you put a book into a trunk never to see the light of day).
One thing I should warn you if you are interested in that sequel. Not only will it be a sequel to Riyria, it'll also be a sequel to the other books as well. So, while you "can" read it if you've not read Legends of the First Empire and The Rise and Fall books, I wouldn't "recommend" you doing that.
In short that Revelations sequel is my love letter to my most ardent fans - those who have read all my books - and for them, I predict it will be nothing short of amazing. But for people who have ONLY read Revelations . . . I don't think it will be nearly as good.
Hope that helps.
MJS.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Fredrik. The Chronological order would be:
- The Legends of the First Empire
- The Rise and Fall
- The Riyria Chronicles
- The Riyria Revelations
If you add in the written books that aren't yet released:
- The Legends of the First Empire
- The Rise and Fall
- After the Fall (book #1 coming fall 2026)
- The Riyria Chronicles
- The Riyria Revelations
- The Cycle (book #1 coming sometime in 2028 (hopefully)
All that said . . . we HIGHLY recommend order of publication (or more precisely order of writing - which is slightly different than order of publication which would be:
- The Riyria Revealtions (1 - 6)
- The Riyria Chronicles (1 - 2)
- Legends of the First Empire (1-3)
- The Riyria Chronicles (3 - 4)
- Legends of the First Empire (4 - 6)
- The Rise and Fall (1 - 3)
- Riyria Chronicles (5)
- After the Fall (1)
- Riyria Chronicles (6)
- The Cycle (1 - 2)
- After the Fall (2)
- The Cycle 3
- After the Fall (3)
- They Cycle 4 - 5)
Thanks for asking!
- The Legends of the First Empire
- The Rise and Fall
- The Riyria Chronicles
- The Riyria Revelations
If you add in the written books that aren't yet released:
- The Legends of the First Empire
- The Rise and Fall
- After the Fall (book #1 coming fall 2026)
- The Riyria Chronicles
- The Riyria Revelations
- The Cycle (book #1 coming sometime in 2028 (hopefully)
All that said . . . we HIGHLY recommend order of publication (or more precisely order of writing - which is slightly different than order of publication which would be:
- The Riyria Revealtions (1 - 6)
- The Riyria Chronicles (1 - 2)
- Legends of the First Empire (1-3)
- The Riyria Chronicles (3 - 4)
- Legends of the First Empire (4 - 6)
- The Rise and Fall (1 - 3)
- Riyria Chronicles (5)
- After the Fall (1)
- Riyria Chronicles (6)
- The Cycle (1 - 2)
- After the Fall (2)
- The Cycle 3
- After the Fall (3)
- They Cycle 4 - 5)
Thanks for asking!
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lottie, so there are many aspects about "The Cycle" that I'm keeping close to my vest. For instance, I've not announced which characters will and will not be in the series - although he-with-many-names and his brother are likely candidates. And yes you are being cheeky regarding mentioning Royce and Hadrian as they are not guaranteed to be in the book - but if I were a betting man (and I am) I would put my money on the "Yes" side of that rather than the "No"
But there are a few things I can say about the series.
1. The entire series must be written before I can decide if I'll publish any of them.
2. Right now I'm over half way through the series
3. I'm "shooting" for a 2028 release of book #1
To reply to your direct question.
The whole reason for The Cycle to exist is to provide a "final ending" to everything based in Elan . . . and since Royce and Hadrian are "based in Elan" it's safe to assume you'll get what you are asking for.
But there are a few things I can say about the series.
1. The entire series must be written before I can decide if I'll publish any of them.
2. Right now I'm over half way through the series
3. I'm "shooting" for a 2028 release of book #1
To reply to your direct question.
The whole reason for The Cycle to exist is to provide a "final ending" to everything based in Elan . . . and since Royce and Hadrian are "based in Elan" it's safe to assume you'll get what you are asking for.
Michael J. Sullivan
Wow, that's a tough one. But I'd take Tressa. Why? Because she is brutally honest and has strong opinions. All of the people you mentioned are "nefarious" and Tressa has had a hidden agenda now and again. But both Arcadias and Nyphron play their cards much closer to their vests and as such you never can trust what they have going on behind the scenes. Across the course of her story arc Tressa has "softened" but not in a "touchy-feally" way. She still has her rough edges, and much to atone for, but she was "the right person" for a very difficult job particularly because of her "less than genial" personality. Besides the one who "picked her" for that really tough job sees value in her - so that's good enough for me. :-)
Michael J. Sullivan
I'm glad you like Gilarabrywn - that particular "mythical creature" has expanded over the course of the books - and she is now a major player that will show up in some of my short stories and she'll be a key player in the Cycle (the post-Revelations series I'm writing now.
The not-quite-a-dragon (made through magic with a limited travel distance) evolved over time (as I mentioned). I liked the fact that they couldn't move far as it gave them a limitation that a real dragon wouldn't have. The part about two feet rather than four really depends on what/who is sacrificed in the creation - if an animal. there are 4 legs, if a human/elve/dwarf/goblin - or any other two-legged creature than 2 legs.
Whether others use it or not neither bothers or flatters me. So no, I wouldn't be annoyed, nor would I expect it to happen.
The not-quite-a-dragon (made through magic with a limited travel distance) evolved over time (as I mentioned). I liked the fact that they couldn't move far as it gave them a limitation that a real dragon wouldn't have. The part about two feet rather than four really depends on what/who is sacrificed in the creation - if an animal. there are 4 legs, if a human/elve/dwarf/goblin - or any other two-legged creature than 2 legs.
Whether others use it or not neither bothers or flatters me. So no, I wouldn't be annoyed, nor would I expect it to happen.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Geoff, thanks for asking - and yeah it's confusing as I'm so busy writing that I don't have much time for social networking stuff. The best place to keep up to date with what is going on with me is a working document I keep on Royal Road called "What's Next"
This document is updated regularly (usually monthly) so you can see where everything stands.
I'll try to provide a quick summary here.
The Cycle - is a post Riyria Revelationas sequel of 5 books - no release date has been announced for that because it's a series that falls under my "write the entire series before publishing the first book" style of writing. I can tell you that it'll be 5 books and 2.4 of them are written now. The hope is to have the third book written by May 1, 2026, Book #4 by Nov 2026 and the last book by May of 2027. IF I make those dates then we would hope to release them as follows: April 2028, Sep 2028, April 2029, Sep 2029 and July 2030. Again all those dates are "soft" to say the least
Out of the Ashes - This is the first book of a trilogy and it is written the project that is being co-written. The book is done, it's been through beta and a first pass copyedit. Robin and I are doing our "final read" and it will go through a second pass copy edit later this month. The "gamma read" for this book is scheudled for March 2026, the recording of the audiobook is scheduled for the summer of 2026, and based on that, we are probably looking at a dLL 1026 release date. As for books #2 and #3 of that series, as they are yet to be written, I'm not giving a firm release date on them yet, but the plan is to do one book a year.
Blythin Castle - The sixth Riyria Chronicle - this book is written and the plan is to release it in 2027 (basically trying to keep my one book a year schedule going.
Bottom line - since 2007 when my first book was released, I've strived for one (and sometimes two) books each year and I think that will continue with a bit of "fudging" for 2024/2025 because Drumidnor's digital release (ebook and audio was 2024, but it's hardcover hit in 2025. But given that I have four completed books
- Out of the Ashes - After the Fall #1
- The Cycle #1
- The Cycle #2
- Blythin Castle - Riyria Chronicle #6
I think we'll be able to keep the 1 or 2 books a year going.
This document is updated regularly (usually monthly) so you can see where everything stands.
I'll try to provide a quick summary here.
The Cycle - is a post Riyria Revelationas sequel of 5 books - no release date has been announced for that because it's a series that falls under my "write the entire series before publishing the first book" style of writing. I can tell you that it'll be 5 books and 2.4 of them are written now. The hope is to have the third book written by May 1, 2026, Book #4 by Nov 2026 and the last book by May of 2027. IF I make those dates then we would hope to release them as follows: April 2028, Sep 2028, April 2029, Sep 2029 and July 2030. Again all those dates are "soft" to say the least
Out of the Ashes - This is the first book of a trilogy and it is written the project that is being co-written. The book is done, it's been through beta and a first pass copyedit. Robin and I are doing our "final read" and it will go through a second pass copy edit later this month. The "gamma read" for this book is scheudled for March 2026, the recording of the audiobook is scheduled for the summer of 2026, and based on that, we are probably looking at a dLL 1026 release date. As for books #2 and #3 of that series, as they are yet to be written, I'm not giving a firm release date on them yet, but the plan is to do one book a year.
Blythin Castle - The sixth Riyria Chronicle - this book is written and the plan is to release it in 2027 (basically trying to keep my one book a year schedule going.
Bottom line - since 2007 when my first book was released, I've strived for one (and sometimes two) books each year and I think that will continue with a bit of "fudging" for 2024/2025 because Drumidnor's digital release (ebook and audio was 2024, but it's hardcover hit in 2025. But given that I have four completed books
- Out of the Ashes - After the Fall #1
- The Cycle #1
- The Cycle #2
- Blythin Castle - Riyria Chronicle #6
I think we'll be able to keep the 1 or 2 books a year going.
Michael J. Sullivan
Wow! You are the first Nolyn we've heard of being use for a newborn's name. Arista is the one with that has been most often used, and we have a few (very few) Hadrian's and recently just got a first Royce. Pet names seem to be far more common - and many cats share Royce's moniker. There have even been a few dogs which I find ironic to the extreme.
So glad that you have enjoyed the stories through audiobooks. Tim Gerard Reynolds is the GOAT - and I'm so honored that we've had his talents added to the project. My daughter has dyslexia and she swears my wife is ADHD - I can't imagine the combination of having BOTH!
There was a time that having a movie or television series was "the dream." And we've the books optioned once and closed to optioned a second time. We now are on the side of the fence of not being willing to sell the rights. The first time we were in a great position in that I had the ability to "nix" the script - and the one that was create was TERRIBLE! The second option attempt didn't have that provision, which was a big reason that deal fell a part. The bottom line is I just don't have the fanbase required to have much creative control, and I'd rather have nothing made than something that wouldn't be any good - so it's not a risk we are willing to take.
Thanks for asking!
So glad that you have enjoyed the stories through audiobooks. Tim Gerard Reynolds is the GOAT - and I'm so honored that we've had his talents added to the project. My daughter has dyslexia and she swears my wife is ADHD - I can't imagine the combination of having BOTH!
There was a time that having a movie or television series was "the dream." And we've the books optioned once and closed to optioned a second time. We now are on the side of the fence of not being willing to sell the rights. The first time we were in a great position in that I had the ability to "nix" the script - and the one that was create was TERRIBLE! The second option attempt didn't have that provision, which was a big reason that deal fell a part. The bottom line is I just don't have the fanbase required to have much creative control, and I'd rather have nothing made than something that wouldn't be any good - so it's not a risk we are willing to take.
Thanks for asking!
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lottie, It's going really well - just 3 chapters left to go! My hope is to have it finished up so that I can get back to The Cycle on October 1st. No, it's not hard to go back to The Chronicles. Writing Royce and Hadrian is easy and effortless - I know the two so well now that I have 12 novels (and a bunch of short stories) with the pair. That said, for about a month now I've been "itching" to get back to The Cycle. A lot of what is in Blythium Castle is "setup" work for the sequel series - so by writing BC, it's got my Cycle juices flowing. Each day I spend the morning writing Chronicles and the afternoon adding details to the plot of Book #3 of the Cycle, so I'm quite excited for each of them.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lisa. I'm being pretty closed mouth about "The Cycle." To date I've not disclosed "how far" down the timeline and "what characters" will be in it.
As for a 'young Hadrian' story - well, I wasn't expectiving to write a "young Royce' until the opportunity arose. In that case, someone needed something for an anthology and given the "theme" of the anthology an early Royce tale just seemed to fit.
I just realized that I'm really not giving you much "help" on answering your question. But in many cases until I cross a fork I don't know which direction I'll take.
As for a 'young Hadrian' story - well, I wasn't expectiving to write a "young Royce' until the opportunity arose. In that case, someone needed something for an anthology and given the "theme" of the anthology an early Royce tale just seemed to fit.
I just realized that I'm really not giving you much "help" on answering your question. But in many cases until I cross a fork I don't know which direction I'll take.
Michael J. Sullivan
This question falls under the - very late answer but might as well finish it anyway category. So te Rise and the Fall is 3 books: Nolyn, Farilane, and Esrahaddon. Each focuses on a particular time in the history of Elan through the eyes of three important characters. These books are a bit more "standalone" than say Riyria Revelations or Legends, primiarly because they (for the most part) don't share characters and are separated by large spans of time.
The idea here was for this series to be the "bridge" between Legends and Riyria, and as there are 3,000+ years between the two series, that's a lot of ground ot cover so I had to "spread them out."
All that said, recently I have announced a new series "After the Fall" - it, too is a three book series, and it picks up "right after" the last events in Esrahaddon and the fall of the great Novronian empire - but that was pretty muchh a "gimme" by the title of the series.
So if you get done reading the last book of The Rise and Fall - Esrahaddon - and you want to know more, then you'll have it soon. Book #1 is written, and it's next steps are:
- August beta reading,
- September - making changes from beta read
- October - copy editing
- December - book layout
- January - gamma reading
- June - audio book recording.
This is a book that I've written with a co-author (Lorian Ellis), and it will be her debut novel. Robin and I couldn't be happier with how it came out. And we can't wait to share it with everyone.
That said,
The idea here was for this series to be the "bridge" between Legends and Riyria, and as there are 3,000+ years between the two series, that's a lot of ground ot cover so I had to "spread them out."
All that said, recently I have announced a new series "After the Fall" - it, too is a three book series, and it picks up "right after" the last events in Esrahaddon and the fall of the great Novronian empire - but that was pretty muchh a "gimme" by the title of the series.
So if you get done reading the last book of The Rise and Fall - Esrahaddon - and you want to know more, then you'll have it soon. Book #1 is written, and it's next steps are:
- August beta reading,
- September - making changes from beta read
- October - copy editing
- December - book layout
- January - gamma reading
- June - audio book recording.
This is a book that I've written with a co-author (Lorian Ellis), and it will be her debut novel. Robin and I couldn't be happier with how it came out. And we can't wait to share it with everyone.
That said,
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey, thanks for asking. We get to Detroit from time to time as we still have friends and family there. As for meeting us in person, in Detroit or anywhere else for that matter, we have a little
"sign up form" (click here to access it)
where people can input their city, state, and email. Then, when we travel, we reach out to people from this list and meetu up for a drink or a chat.
As for deluxe editions of Legends of the first empire, the answer is YES! Recently, Del Rey put the hardcover editions "out of print" and they reverted that right to us so we are free to produce versions of our own. Those will likely be the next deluxe books produced. But Robin wants to have them all laid out and ready for the press before we launch the editions. We'll do those three books at a time. Click here to sign up for notifications
As for deluxe editions of Legends of the first empire, the answer is YES! Recently, Del Rey put the hardcover editions "out of print" and they reverted that right to us so we are free to produce versions of our own. Those will likely be the next deluxe books produced. But Robin wants to have them all laid out and ready for the press before we launch the editions. We'll do those three books at a time. Click here to sign up for notifications
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lottie, thanks for asking. By it's vary nature, The Cycle will have a VERY large cast. Basically you may see an appearance by any character from all of the 20 books currently released, so it's very much an ensemble like Legends.
People might wonder how that would be possible - after all the saga takes place over the course of thousands of years and most don't live that long. Well, the answer to that is found in the second half of Legends of the First Empire (books #4 - #6). For those who have read that (or are doing a re-read) pay particular attention to any mention of the Golrok - that will provide a big clue.
People might wonder how that would be possible - after all the saga takes place over the course of thousands of years and most don't live that long. Well, the answer to that is found in the second half of Legends of the First Empire (books #4 - #6). For those who have read that (or are doing a re-read) pay particular attention to any mention of the Golrok - that will provide a big clue.
Michael J. Sullivan
It's sometimes difficult when writing a book because I'm on a tightrope. I want to give clues about various motivations and it gives readers a sense of satisfaction when they put the pieces together. Sometimes there is what my wife calls "a jump too far" - where I don't provide enough information and it leaves people with unanswered questions. You might want to re-read the scene where Royce is speaking to Hadrian on the subject.
I'm working on "The Cycle" which is a post-Riyria Revelations series and it's meant to answer all questions people have. As part of that there will be a set of short stories that fill in important information, and this might be a candidate for one of those - I'll make a note of it. The other possible way to give you closure on this would be through the Elan Compendium - which is a kind of reference book that can be used when reading the cycle which provides "memory joggers" for important points. There might be a place in there to provide additional details on this subject.
I'm working on "The Cycle" which is a post-Riyria Revelations series and it's meant to answer all questions people have. As part of that there will be a set of short stories that fill in important information, and this might be a candidate for one of those - I'll make a note of it. The other possible way to give you closure on this would be through the Elan Compendium - which is a kind of reference book that can be used when reading the cycle which provides "memory joggers" for important points. There might be a place in there to provide additional details on this subject.
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May 05, 2026 04:57AM · flag