Нифрон се въздига

The Riyria Revelations #3

by Michael J. Sullivan, Майкъл Дж. Съливан, Радин Григоров (Translator)

На трона е поставена марионетка. Истинският наследник остава в сянка. Тайната на един мошеник може да промени всичко. Над Меленгар е надвиснала война. Още веднъж Ройс и Ейдриън са наети да се отправят на рискована мисия. Този път трябва да се обединят с националстите, борещи се на юг с имперските привърженици. Едновременно с разрастванет она могъществото на Нифронската империя се засилва и подозрението на Ройс, че чародеят Есрахаддон използва дма акрадци като прости пешки в собственото си домогване до власт. За да достигне до истината, крадецът трябва да разбули тайна от миналото на Ейдриън - откритието му може да разруши приятелството им и сложи край на Ририя.

"Нифрон се въздига" е великолепна история - забавен сюжет с нови образи и изобилие от действие! Стилът на Съливан се чете с лекота, а историята е достатъчно заплетена, за да бъде вълнуваща, но същевременно не тъй усложнена, та да изисква разгръщането на вече прочетени страници за припомняне на отминали събития и герои.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Epic Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure, High Fantasy, Magic

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2009

About the author

We are extending the dates for the Holiday Sale. Click the image to shop (a) Out of print hardcovers just $10 each (b) Soon to be out of print hardcovers and (c) Deluxe boxsets with savings up to $80 off.



I'm a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author with 9 Goodreads Choice Award Nominations and 6 Amazon Editor's Picks.

My current released books:

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
The copyediting for Out of the Ashes has begun! Recording of the audiobook is scheduled for June 2026.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
Coming to Kickstarter in April 2026

New short stories by: Brandon Sanderson • J.A. Andrews • Bradley P. Beaulieu • Carol Berg • Peter V. Brett • Terry Brooks • Jim Butcher • Delilah S. Dawson • Matt Dinniman • Kate Elliott • Kevin Hearne • Jessica Day George • Lev Grossman • Nancy Kress • Mark Lawrence • Scott Lynch • Jonathan Maberry •Seanan McQuire • Brandon Mull • Peter Orullian • Christopher Paolini • Kat Richardson • Christopher Ruocchio • Anthony Ryan • R.A. Salvatore • Scott Sigler • Shawn Speakman • Michael J. Sullivan • Carrie Vaughn • Brent Weeks • Tad Williams • Janny Wurts
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
Indie Author: A documentary for those wo dare to dream is now available for $25.

It features myself, Andy Wier, Will Wight, Travis Baldree, and many more.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —


I first opened the door to my imagination with typewriter keys while playing hide and seek and finding a black behemoth when I just ten years old. Serious writing started in my twenties, but after more than a decade trying to publish (and getting nowhere), I quit altogether. I returned to writing in 2004, and published my first novel with a small press in 2008. If you had told me that I'd be a New York Times Bestselling author, have 85+ novels translated into 13 languages, and sold more than 2 million copies, I never would have believed you!

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, three things here:

① I must have been slightly deranged when I said I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series after reading the previous installment. Well, either this or my evil twin possessed me as I was reading the book. Or maybe one of my evil nemeses hacked my two barnacled, ever-decaying grey cells. Yeah, that must be it. Anyhoo and stuff, my soul is no longer perverted by a moderately diabolic creep (I think), and I hath therefore seen the light! Ready to read the rest of the series with much eagerness and exhilaration I am! Go me and stuff!

② Damn, I got myself a new girlfriend. Again (👋 waves at Arista 👋). It's getting so crowded in the female wing of my High-Security Harem that I need to build an extension post haste. Also, I better find new boyfriends to kidnap post haste and try to balance things out a little bit before my male slaves boarders get jealous as fish and start a revolution or something. And it would be a shame to see such prime material to go to waste. Which is bound to happen, should I need to unleash my murderous children in order to tame the Big Virile Insurgency (BVI™) and stuff.

③ I'm pretty sure there was a fascinating third point I wanted to make but I can't remember what it was. Lucky you and stuff.



👋 To be continued and stuff.

· Book 1: The Crown Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 2: Avempartha ★★★
· Book 4: The Emerald Storm ★★★
· Book 5: Wintertide ★★★★★
· Book 6: Percepliquis ★★★★

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadrian ya esta cansado de la vida de mercenario, pero como un favor a Royce se va con el y la princesa Arista a buscar al lider los Nacionalistas para hacer una alianza. Pero en el camino se daran cuenta de que los espias estan en todas partes y son capaces infriltrarse hasta en los grupos mas cerrados. Sin embargo, tambien se encontraran en el camino con viejos amigos, viejos enemigos y por supuesto al hechicero, que los ayudara a encontrar de nuevo el camino a lo que el piensa que es la proteccion del verdadero heredero de Nyphron.

En este libro conocemos por fin el proposito de Hadrian, y quien es el heredero, pero tambien vemos como Royce y Hadrian luchan por encontrar su nuevo proposito en la vida. Ademas, conocemos otro aspecto del Hechicero y sabemos mucho mas de la conspiracion que tiene a "Modena" en el poder.
Me gusto bastante lo mucho que adelantaron en este libro, de todos los personajes, como no se olvidaron de practicamente ninguno de los principales, y como poco a poco va armando el cuadro de lo que espero, sea un final estupendo.
Asi que si, por su puesto voy a continuar con la saga, emocionada de saber que mas va a pasar con nuestros protas.

[Zoe Artemis Spencer Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transforming from entertaining to splendid and marvelous stories.

[TS Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book into the Riyria Revelations and the pace is picking up as the plot thickens. The characters really do start to evolve in this instalment, especially Arista. Female leads are usually not the easiest to write, and there are too many out there whom I just don’t really care for. Arista was an exception to me. She wasn’t portrayed to be overly spoilt nor too aggressive nor ridiculously innocent. Although a fairly predictable arc, I find that her progression and growth in character seemed just right given the circumstances.

Hadrian’s back story and relationship with his father was explored further as the duo ventured to his hometown. We also see glimpses of the many layers of Royce’s personality. The scene where Royce watched the a little boy struggling in the streets of Ratibor (where he grew up as an orphan) was quite heart-breaking, as was the one where he confessed to Hadrian the real reason for him holding back on Hadrian’s true identity. So yes, by now I have really warmed up to Royce while still crushing on Hadrian. Both really different characters and I love both of them for different reasons.

The introduction of another female character in the form of a scullery maid, Amilia, who was tasked to ‘look after’ the new empress Modina, formerly known as Thrace, provided the necessary yet unorthodox POV into the machinations of the New Empire.

I flew through this book and I don’t foresee myself slowing down until I finish the entire series. It is that addictive! So onwards to Book 4 – immediately!!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first stated this series I read a lot of reviews first. They all commented on how good the relationship between Hadrian and Royce was. After the first book, the Crown Conspiracy, I was a little disappointed, as this aspect of the story was quite underplayed. Yet as the series develops, we start to understand more of their dynamic and their history together. I love the way the overall arc of this story is unfolding. I very much enjoyed living through Arista's adventures and how she is developing as a character. Looking forward to many more.

[Metodi Markov · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enough is enough...

Историята пропада със страшна сила, докато мамин Радинчо продължава да се гаври с превода ѝ. Надявам се, че няколко лошкави имперковци са го докопали и са му извили вратленцето своевременно. Бих посрещнал новината за това с широка ухилка...

Приключих с Ририя! Може би, някой ден на английски, но по-скоро надали...

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Najlepsza do tej pory!

[Bogdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a standalone novel this one isn`t a big hitter, but in the whole plan, the story develops some interesting new threads.

There is one big surprise in the end, but, until there, things are quite straight forwarded.

The writing it`s in the same tone of the series, not impressive or anything, but good, enjoyable, you go with the flow.

Starting now also the fourth book, I could understand why the writer has so
much Goodreads wins over his side, mostly because most of his characters are lovable and come from different backgrounds altogether and he has created them very well.

I wanted that some of the secondary stories, the one with the Empress, to develop more, but I guess that the next book will see to that.

I was tempted to go with a four stars rating, but because of it`s enjoyable structure, characters and plot, not necessarily for it`s innovative ideeas, I`ll go with five.

[Adela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 5 out of 5]

GraphicAudio review only: I am appeased. The story about a certain god being awarded a feather after doing a good deed, which was shamefully left out in Avempartha, is finally included. I think this production generally benefited from being split into two parts and I am happy to say that it upholds the high standard I am used to. This gave me all the feels - thanks to a great story, great voice actors, and music/sound effects.

Hadrian's voice as well as Royce's remain my favorites (Chris Genebach and Danny Gavigan, respectively.) They are outright perfect and swoon-worthy. James Konicek, another of my favorite voice actors, is used to voice Thranic (he also does Vasher in Warbreaker and the Stormfather in Stormlight Archive), which I’m actually not that happy about as Thranic is a sadistic SOB. I'm warming up to Bradley Smith as a narrator, though I will maintain that his voice acting as evidenced in Mistborn (Elend and Wayne) is far superior. Terence Aselford is still the best narrator!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

review will follow soon.

[C.P. Cabaniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread July 2018
I was not as enchanted with this installment on this reread. One of the biggest downfalls this time around was Arista. She annoyed me throughout the whole book, instead of just at the beginning. I'm hoping that she does improve in the rest of the series (because I liked her fairly well the first time around), but I guess only time will tell.

The best part, once again, is the bromance between Royce and Hadrian. They are the best duo I have ever read. The scenes with these two can carry this whole book for me. Every time that I was getting frustrated, something with these two would come along to make me love it.

I'm leaving my rating the original five for now, but this reread definitely didn't impress me as much as the first time through. Here's to hoping that The Emerald Storm lives up to my memories.

Original Review
Michael J Sullivan is quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite authors and Nyphron Rising only made the climb easier. This is an excellent third book in the series. It's a little darker than the previous two novels, but that's to be expected after the events of Avempartha. I am going to try and avoid spoilers here, but there may be minor ones from the previous books.

Let's talk about my favorite part first--the characters. Sullivan certainly knows how to write compelling characters. I grow more attached to them with every book I read. Royce is still my favorite, but all of the others deserve some love too.

"The world was at war with him and nothing was sacred."

So, Royce and Hadrian. Their partnership is tested more heavily here than it has been in the previous installments. Their friendship is intact, for the most part, but what about Riyria? It was somewhat sad to read about their doubts, after loving them so much together, no matter how understandable some of those doubts were. This also made them more realistic though, since friendships are never only going to be the good times. If you want the good times you have to take the bad ones with them.

We find out a lot more about both Royce and Hadrian, where they came from, some of what they've gone through. Neither of these guys have had it easy, that's for sure. We don't know everything, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I'm sure there are many more layers to their stories that we have yet to uncover.

Arista really grew on me in this. I've always liked her well enough, but at the beginning of this installment she was really frustrating. Some of her actions were understandable, but she didn't seem to be learning from the mistakes she was identifying in herself. She developed so much through this phase of the story, however, and I am excited to see where she goes from here. And I hope we get to see more of Alric and Mauvin in the next one.

"Time was a concern of the living, and if she knew anything, it was that she was dead."

I wasn't sure at first what to think of the additions of Modina and Amilia into the story, but I really grew to like these two. And a lot is happening around them, though we only pick up hints here and there. I'm not entirely sure where these two are headed in our story, but I look forward to seeing their story continued.

Alright, let's touch on the plot and world that we're invested in here. This is another indication that Sullivan is a master storyteller in my book. The Crown Conspiracy was a fun adventure that, aside from the great characters and fun adventures, didn't seem to have a lot else happening. Then Avempartha deepened the worldbuilding, delving more deeply into the political and religious side of things, highlighting the unrest that has been building over time. And Nyphron Rising kicked all of this up another notch, bringing all of that unrest to a boil and dropping us in. Everything gets deeper, not just the characters. And it's all so interesting. I honestly just love how this builds.

The ending leaves a lot of questions to be considered. There are new enemies that we have only heard about, new allies we have yet to meet, secrets still hidden. Now it's time to see what the next book can deliver.

I am reading this in Rise of Empire , which is the republished combination of books three and four in the series. Now that book three is behind me, I will continue straight into book four.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apr 2012: Reading the actual book this time, in order. Liked it again, maybe a bit more.

Sep 2009: I read the ARC & was not disappointed, except that book 4 isn't available yet (darn it!). It was an excellent continuation of the series. Plenty of action & twists as we learn more about the conspiracy. I really can't say more without spoilers, so I'll just say if you've read the first two, this one won't disappoint!

Today I got my signed copy of the finished work. Yahoo! Nice note in it from Michael.

[ChopinFC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Excellent third entry into the 'Riyria Revelations'! This story adds many more layers of complexity and intrigue to the already awesome tale of Royce and Hadrian! Sullivan develops each character even more, and what you think you know is far from the truth! The linear plot works so well, as each recurrent character evolves with the telling of the story. Can't wait to finish up the series in another 3 books!

[Renee M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining series. Each book gives a deeper understanding of the series characters and of the overall history that have brought events to their current turn. The denouement of this book was a monstrous tease but also perfectly timed to make me want to jump right into the next book! I'm especially fond of Arista. Watching this brace brilliant young woman come into her own has been a treat. And I'm loving the mystery with all its clues and feints. Good stuff!

[Narilka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

Royce and Hadrian continue to aid the kingdom of Melingar as war looms in Nyphron Rising, the third book in Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations series. An Empress has been crowned and the Imperialists are out for conquest.

It's clear at this point that what might have started off as a buddy adventure series is expanding to be epic in scope. This is not in itself a bad thing though it does lead to slower plot movement and less time with Royce and Hadrian while more space is given to bigger world events. The change in narrative splits the story into three main threads.

The Empire thread follows the freshly crowned Empress Modina and her newly appointed secretary Amilia. While the Church's schemes are still well underway, and Saldur is still the evil mastermind, this new focus has greatly reduced the villains tendency to monologue. I found Amilia and Modina's situation enthralling. Amilia's determination to not just survive but help her and her mistress thrive was easily my favorite part of the book. I kept looking forward to their chapters. I think Amilia may be my new favorite character.

The time spent with our favorite thieves is enjoyable if a tad melancholy. Royce digs into Hadrian's past as he tries to solve the mystery of the heir while Hadrian suffers from a midlife crisis. This in turn leads to revealing more about Royce's childhood, which was not the happiest. It lends a more serious tone to their story thread and I found myself missing the easy banter from the first book.

Most problematic is Arista's story thread, who we spend the most time with. After realizing she's an utter failure as an ambassador, Arista is determined to help her kingdom even if it means doing something foolhardy and deliberately undermining her brother's authority though she doesn't give that any thought. I both love and am irritated by her progress as an Artist. She's ok with using her powers to save herself but balks at using them in battle to save a whole city? Also highly problematic is when she gets drunk while undercover and immediately blabs to all and sundry who she is and what their mission is. Don't get me started about the bad case of insta-love Arista suffers. She's lucky this is a Michael J Sullivan novel!

While technically the main plot is resolved, the story ends abruptly on a bombshell that left this reader with many questions.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

End of Nyphron rising.
This story is really starting to gain momentum. I am really enjoying the character building of not only the two main characters but some of the side characters too. In this story we are finally given a hint, a sliver of a glimpse at the bigger picture. Sullivan is really protecting the overall story from the reader and is just giving enough to keep you coming back. Thankfully Sullivan doesn't seem to influenced by Jordan so isn't dragging the story out for pages and chapters of dross. In fact it is somewhat of the opposite, there are times where I still feel that the story is somewhat rushed, but am overall happy with the way it is being told.

There are some nice twists and turns with what the characters are being told and so you are never quote sure if you know exactly the truth, I find this to be clever writing as I have a lot more empathy with the characters as they unravel another layer of deceit to find a wrapping of lies.

Just about to start the next book and am looking forward to it muchly.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good story in an enjoyable "universe".

[Kasia (kasikowykurz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ✰

Pamiętam, gdy sięgnęłam po pierwszy tom i on dosłownie nie chciał się skończyć. Tutaj zaczęłam i wciągnęłam się tak mocno, że nawet nie zauważyłam, kiedy to minęło i był koniec! Z każdym tomem coraz lepsza, bardziej wciągająca i pokazująca kolejne karty! W tym tomie pojawiają się nowe wątki i cholera, chcę już wiedzieć, co będzie dalej i jak rozwinie się wątek Hadriana!

Jestem totalnie zachwycona tym tomem i naprawdę niewiele brakowało, żebym od razu nie wlazła w kolejny. Zapewne dam sobie jeszcze kilka dni (albo godzin) na ochłonięcie i pędzę dalej, bo po prostu nie mogę się doczekać ciągu dalszego ♡

[Kemery Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

For the full review, check out: medium.com/@kemerysjourneythroughstor...

What’s the story about: Nyphron Rising picks up with familiar characters Hadrian, Royce, Arista, and a few new ones as a new empire has emerged over night and a war is on the verge of taking over all of Elan, with those that haven’t joined the new empire finding themselves on the wrong side. A desperate coup is attempted at the last hour in order to make sure an inevitable takeover doesn’t occur.

Nyphron Rising, like each other story in the series, progressed quickly and effectively without taking too long in any specific area. It read cleanly and progressed evenly throughout, a pleasant consistency on Sullivan's part. While the last 20% seemed a little forced and plot-driven for some of the characters, it's nonetheless satisfying to see there be a big battle and events of significance taking place. The ending plot twist is surprising and builds excitement for the second half of Rise of Empire and story four in The Emerald Storm. An enjoyable and fun third entry!

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quickly read this third book in the Riyria Revelations series. Sullivan stirred the plot pot and more questions than answers swirled to the top, steaming away hopes of resolution and instead simmering revolution.

Arista's character developed well, learning and appreciating the hard lives led by her subjects. Amilia quickly became my favorite new character, succeeding where all others failed in nursing Thrace, now know as Empress Modina, back from near catatonia. We learn more of Hadrian's past and he learns and accepts his role as Guardian of the Heir.

The battle scenes felt staged, nonthreatening and short. Watching a battle through the stunned nearly paralyzed eyes of Arista left a bad taste in my mouth. Perhaps that was Sullivan's intent.

I hope more progress is made in the next installment in the series. I consider Nyphron Rising the weakest of the three published novels to date.

[Sydneroo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this installment as much as I deeply enjoyed the first two books, which are both on my absolute favorite books list. I had a very hard time getting into this book because of one main reason, Arista. I just don't like her character and I felt like she was in this book more than Hadrian and Royce so it was WAY too much Arista for me. Haha. I love Modina and Amilia's parts sooooo much. But overall I just didn't have as much fun in this book, didn't laugh as much, but I think that because the characters weren't having fun and laughing as much in this book either. It gets darker in this one. I will obviously still continue with the series though :)

[Lazybee · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
MJS sure knows how to write and epic fantasy. Loved every page.

Third book deals with adventure of arista with the Riyria. And this book transforms our dear princess into a capable lady. And Royce and Hadrian gets more awesome. And mr. Esra is mysterious as always.

[Kinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I've read this in Hungarian back in 2015, so my review was in Hungarian but here's a rough translation:)

The structure of this book was brilliant, this novel is a fantastic part of this journey.

The story was exciting throughout the whole novel, and I got to love the new characters just as much as I already loved the old ones. And although some mysteries finally unfolded before our eyes and we got our answers, I still have just as many questions as before (like the last dialogue??).

Not everything went according to plan; there were quite a few twists I was not expecting at all, and sadly not all my favorite characters lived to see the last pages.

If I were to recommend someone a great fantasy series, this would definitely be in the top5. (2020 edit: I think it still would be.)

-----------------------------------------------------
My original Hungarian review from 2015:

Egy nagyszerűen felépített könyv, ami méltó folytatása a sorozatnak. Végig izgalmas volt, az új karaktereket legalább annyira megszerettem, mint a régieket, és igaz, hogy néhány rejtélyre fény derült, de legalább ugyanannyi új kérdésem született (az az utolsó párbeszéd??). Nem minden alakult terv szerint, volt jó pár kiszámíthatatlan fordulat, és nem minden kedvenc szereplőm élte túl az eseményeket. Ha valakinek egy fantasy-könyvet/sorozatot kellene ajánlanom, ez a sorozat mindenképpen a TOP5-ben lenne.

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[David Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The church of Nyphron raises Thrace up as a puppet Empress, claiming that her slaying of the Gilarabrywn is proof that she is the Heir of Novron. The church's conspiracy to have Imperialists occupy every throne in Averyn comes to fruition as one by one kings give up their title and bow to the will of the Empress - as administered by the church of Nyphron of course. All succumb - except for Melegar, where the church failed in it's coup attempt. The story begins some six months after the events of Avempartha, with King Alric besieged by the armies of the Imperium and a breath away from losing it all.

For our two enterprising thieves, Royce and Hadrian, war is good for business with plenty of work requiring spying, subversion, and general mayhem. This book sees out friends on a mission with Arista where we will learn more about the Heir of Novron. We will also learn who the Protector is. We will catch up again with Ezra and learn what he's been up to lately. Arista's magical abilities also develop this book.

The story is really starting to develop and unfold more layers of complexity - which isn't saying too much because this has not been a complicated story to begin with - but this book adds a bit more depth to the world building and characters which leaves me eager to keep going to find out how things are going to work out.

Again, this is a light read with a lot of the plot telegraphed. Every time I read "a short man and a tall man" it's eye roll time and I'm like "I know that's you Royce and Hadrian in disguise" wink wink nudge nudge.

This is the first book in the two book Omnibus Rise of Empire. I've been listening to these on Audible and Tim Gerard Reynold's audio narration is top notch and certainly has contributed to my rating of...


4 stars

[Chris Haught · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through the First Reads program here on Goodreads. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Once again, Michael J. Sullivan delivers. I believe these books are getting better each time. Where Avempartha took a little while to get off the ground, this started with intrigue and never let up.

Some of the plot twists and surprises from Avempartha were explored, and some things from both that and the first book, The Crown Conspiracy, came together.

Once more, the story was contained to the novel, but even more than with the first two, this left me wanting more.

In the fantasy genre, waiting 6 months for the next installation of a series is remarkably soon, but in this case it will be a frustrating wait. The last two chapters of this book made me want to rush out and immediately get the next volume.

Let's just say I'll be one of those snatching up a copy of The Emerald Storm at the first chance I get.

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the extremely entertaining Ryria was a page turner like the first two but also a step back at least in the first half which was very imbalanced; Avempartha took the series to a higher level, this one reverted to a fun but pulpier read. I liked the ending and the second half was very good, but overall I had high expectations after Avempartha and they were only partly met; next book is still an asap for me since I want to see where the series goes

Further thoughts on reread march 2010 upon receiving the fourth book The Emerald Storm

In hindsight I realize that I failed to fully appreciate Nyphron Rising the first time because it took the series in a different place than I expected after Avempartha which now reads more like a standalone as The Crown Conspiracy was; Nyphron Rising finally starts the maneuvers at the heart of the big-picture in the series and on re-read, a lot is much clearer; while the Thrace/Modina thread is weak - though it improves markedly in Emerald Storm - the one following Arista is just brilliant and it continues strongly in the next volume too; Royce and Hadrian have more of an exploratory/back-story role here, though of course they have an adventure or two, but again the setup is perfect for what is to come...

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wenn man die Charaktere in sein Herz geschlossen hat, sieht man ihnen nach, dass ein Band mal leicht schwächelt. Aber wahrscheinlich liegt das nur an mir. Ich bin kein großer Freund von Schlachten in Büchern - nicht davor, während oder danach. Trotzdem ist es spannend mitzuverfolgen, wie alles ineinander greift.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Read over at Epic Fantasy group!

I think this installment was all about Arista's character development. And oh, how I loved it! For someone who always kept herself locked away, she sure did become a people's princess.

The mystery surrounding the heir just fell down a deeper rabbit hole. What I learnt was that wizards are secretive and shady af.