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The Riyria Revelations #6
Pradawna Stolica
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2012)Spadkobierca Novrona został odnaleziony, wojny ustały, a architekci nowego imperium nie żyją. Powinien nastać czas pokoju i dobrobytu, ale skończył się Uli Vermar i nadciąga armia elfów, siejąc po drodze spustoszenie. Ludzkość i świat Elanu może ocalić jedynie starożytny przedmiot, lecz jego odzyskanie wymaga dotarcia do miasta, które zniknęło przed wiekami. Imperatorka Modina wysyła grupę starannie dobranych ludzi na niebezpieczną wyprawę do Percepliquisu…
672 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2012
78 people are currently reading
5608 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Sullivan
100 books95.5k followersWe 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:
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The copyediting for Out of the Ashes has begun! Recording of the audiobook is scheduled for June 2026.
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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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 704 reviews
January 5, 2026
4,5/5
Michaelu, dlaczego tak długo musiałam czekać na tak wspaniały tom 5 i 6?
Szczęka mi opadła na tym cierpniętniczym plot twiście! (Kto czytał ten wie)
Wśród rozrywkowych fantasy, Sullivan zajmuje tron i pewnie długo mu nikt nie dorówna.
Michaelu, dlaczego tak długo musiałam czekać na tak wspaniały tom 5 i 6?
Szczęka mi opadła na tym cierpniętniczym plot twiście! (Kto czytał ten wie)
Wśród rozrywkowych fantasy, Sullivan zajmuje tron i pewnie długo mu nikt nie dorówna.
February 9, 2017
Sometimes the price of dreams is achieving it.
And the price of reading an amazing series is finishing it.
Just as I could barely put down this final book of Revelations, I also couldn’t bear the thought of finishing it and leaving these characters behind. While I know I can get more of Riyria via the Chronicles series, the relationships between all the characters in Revelations are so wonderful to read and experience that I felt sad that it is coming to end.
The final instalment finally brought back all the supporting characters that we love in the past 5 books – Myron, Alric, Mauvin, even Magnus and Wyatt – as they joined Hadrian, Royce, Arista and Degan to look for the Horn of Gylindora in the lost city of Percepliquis. And almost right from the start, the quest was fraught with danger and tension was at an all-time high.
Myron is one of the most endearing and amazing characters I’ve ever read - a monk that truly deserves to be loved and respected. Without his courage, wisdom, and compassion, I believe that there is a strong likelihood that the fellowship may very well fall apart.
The budding romance between Hadrian and Arista is inevitable by now, and this is where Michael J. Sullivan excelled as well. Beautifully done without being cloyingly sweet or cringe-worthy, and when the realisation finally hit both of them, the scene was so tender that I was close to tears (and this seldom happens to me as far as romances go). Ok, I’ll admit I’m a bit jealous of Arista also.
Being a finale after all, the revelations just kept on coming, especially in the last few chapters. I can’t say that I didn’t expect some of the reveals but even then I was still overwhelmed with the climax - it was nerve-wrecking, bittersweet and triumphant all at the same time.
A lot of great fantasy books out there may have awesome and epic climaxes but it's how one handles the very end of the book after the climax when things wind down, which truly makes an impact. On that note, the very last paragraph of this last book was possibly the best ending of a series that I’ve ever read. It was simply beautiful and yes, I cried.
The book hangover stayed with me for a good day or two, at least. I tried drowning my sorrows by starting on The Crown Tower, but writing this review made me all emotional again.
And the price of reading an amazing series is finishing it.
Just as I could barely put down this final book of Revelations, I also couldn’t bear the thought of finishing it and leaving these characters behind. While I know I can get more of Riyria via the Chronicles series, the relationships between all the characters in Revelations are so wonderful to read and experience that I felt sad that it is coming to end.
The final instalment finally brought back all the supporting characters that we love in the past 5 books – Myron, Alric, Mauvin, even Magnus and Wyatt – as they joined Hadrian, Royce, Arista and Degan to look for the Horn of Gylindora in the lost city of Percepliquis. And almost right from the start, the quest was fraught with danger and tension was at an all-time high.
Myron is one of the most endearing and amazing characters I’ve ever read - a monk that truly deserves to be loved and respected. Without his courage, wisdom, and compassion, I believe that there is a strong likelihood that the fellowship may very well fall apart.
The budding romance between Hadrian and Arista is inevitable by now, and this is where Michael J. Sullivan excelled as well. Beautifully done without being cloyingly sweet or cringe-worthy, and when the realisation finally hit both of them, the scene was so tender that I was close to tears (and this seldom happens to me as far as romances go). Ok, I’ll admit I’m a bit jealous of Arista also.
Being a finale after all, the revelations just kept on coming, especially in the last few chapters. I can’t say that I didn’t expect some of the reveals but even then I was still overwhelmed with the climax - it was nerve-wrecking, bittersweet and triumphant all at the same time.
A lot of great fantasy books out there may have awesome and epic climaxes but it's how one handles the very end of the book after the climax when things wind down, which truly makes an impact. On that note, the very last paragraph of this last book was possibly the best ending of a series that I’ve ever read. It was simply beautiful and yes, I cried.
The book hangover stayed with me for a good day or two, at least. I tried drowning my sorrows by starting on The Crown Tower, but writing this review made me all emotional again.
September 28, 2023
Historie z tymi bohaterami to taka przyjemność, że kompletnie nie czuję, jakbym przeczytał 10 książek o nich.
Cudowna przygoda, cudowna seria. Nie idealna, ale koniec końców kompletnie mnie to nie obchodzi.
To była przyjemność Panie Sullivan. Dziękuję ślicznie i dużo zdrówka życzę.
Cudowna przygoda, cudowna seria. Nie idealna, ale koniec końców kompletnie mnie to nie obchodzi.
To była przyjemność Panie Sullivan. Dziękuję ślicznie i dużo zdrówka życzę.
January 16, 2014
A fantastic finish to what has been an increasingly enjoyable series. Sullivan’s writing and storytelling in this last book is just miles ahead of where the series started in The Crown Conspiracy. The story has developed from just being about a couple rogues getting caught up in royal affairs, to where it is now which includes three thousand year old mysteries and histories of lost empires and elves and dwarves and goblins and wizards and imperial intrigue and conspiracies. Sullivan’s writing has gone from telegraphing just about every action in the first book, to now include twists and turns and revelations that are actually surprising. I did not see the end coming (even though some things are still telegraphed).
As the new Empire faces certain annihilation, Mordena commissions a quest to find an ancient horn in the lost city of Percepliquis – the ancient capital that has been Alric’s and Mauvin’s boyhood fantasy. To gain the prize our questers will have to face goblin hoards and evil conspirators and overcome obstacles - like 300 feet of bat shit. As Alric says, “Sometimes the price of dreams is achieving them.”
And sometimes the price of enjoying a good series is finishing it. Fortunately, I still have the prequels to left to see more of Royce and Hadrian.
I can highly recommend the series and in particular the audio version with Tim Gerard Reynolds as narrator.
5 stars
As the new Empire faces certain annihilation, Mordena commissions a quest to find an ancient horn in the lost city of Percepliquis – the ancient capital that has been Alric’s and Mauvin’s boyhood fantasy. To gain the prize our questers will have to face goblin hoards and evil conspirators and overcome obstacles - like 300 feet of bat shit. As Alric says, “Sometimes the price of dreams is achieving them.”
And sometimes the price of enjoying a good series is finishing it. Fortunately, I still have the prequels to left to see more of Royce and Hadrian.
I can highly recommend the series and in particular the audio version with Tim Gerard Reynolds as narrator.
5 stars
June 7, 2023
La ultima gran aventura de Riyria. Royce y Hadrian deben ir en busca del cuerno en la ciudad perdida de Percepolis. Esta vez compartirán la aventura con varios de los amigos que han hecho durante su vida. Deberán enfrentar a mas de un enemigo, entender una antigua cultura, descubrir los secretos de la Iglesia de Novron e intentar salvar a todos los seres humanos de la aniquilación por parte de los Elfos.
En el camino se darán cuenta de lo mucho que han cambiado, de lo diferentes que son ahora desde que comenzaron su vida como Riyria, Hadrian por fin abrirá su corazón y Royce conocerá el secreto de su pasado, y ambos podrán por fin dejar su carrera de ladrones y comenzar una nueva vida.
Para ser el final de la serie, es estupendo. La lectura te mantiene en tension durante todo el tiempo, no sabes como van a salvarse, no sabes quienes van a salvarse, y no sabes si el "arma" que van a buscar realmente puede vencer a los Elfos. Lo mas increíble, es la cantidad de cosas que el autor descubre en tan poco tiempo, todas las grandes preguntas son respondidas, tan rápido y tan fácil que uno se queda como "Porque no lo vi antes!".
Por supuesto, hay cosas que uno asume como lector porque si sabes que el libro tiene final feliz, sabes que nuestros protas tienen algo que ver, pero el como y el cuando lo logran, es lo que nos mantiene leyendo. Y libros como esta saga resultan atrapantes por como el autor manejo las expectativas durante toda la saga.
Me gusto mucho el final, pero la forma como descubren al verdadero heredero me pareció demasiado teatral. Como es posible que todos los personajes tenían las pistas en su nariz y nadie las vio?? Eran cosas tan sencillas y tan obvias que te da rabia que no se dieran cuenta.
En fin, es una excelente saga, se que hay varias sagas "precuelas" de esta del autor, y quizás las lea mas adelante, pero mientras tanto me quedo con un agradable sensación de haber leído una excelente saga.
En el camino se darán cuenta de lo mucho que han cambiado, de lo diferentes que son ahora desde que comenzaron su vida como Riyria, Hadrian por fin abrirá su corazón y Royce conocerá el secreto de su pasado, y ambos podrán por fin dejar su carrera de ladrones y comenzar una nueva vida.
Para ser el final de la serie, es estupendo. La lectura te mantiene en tension durante todo el tiempo, no sabes como van a salvarse, no sabes quienes van a salvarse, y no sabes si el "arma" que van a buscar realmente puede vencer a los Elfos. Lo mas increíble, es la cantidad de cosas que el autor descubre en tan poco tiempo, todas las grandes preguntas son respondidas, tan rápido y tan fácil que uno se queda como "Porque no lo vi antes!".
Por supuesto, hay cosas que uno asume como lector porque si sabes que el libro tiene final feliz, sabes que nuestros protas tienen algo que ver, pero el como y el cuando lo logran, es lo que nos mantiene leyendo. Y libros como esta saga resultan atrapantes por como el autor manejo las expectativas durante toda la saga.
Me gusto mucho el final, pero la forma como descubren al verdadero heredero me pareció demasiado teatral. Como es posible que todos los personajes tenían las pistas en su nariz y nadie las vio?? Eran cosas tan sencillas y tan obvias que te da rabia que no se dieran cuenta.
En fin, es una excelente saga, se que hay varias sagas "precuelas" de esta del autor, y quizás las lea mas adelante, pero mientras tanto me quedo con un agradable sensación de haber leído una excelente saga.
July 21, 2021
I just finished my new favorite book series. The Riyria Revelations are amazing and I am crying that I am finished and there is no more to read. I love the world building, the characters and the ending. I can see why Michael J. Sullivan doesn’t want to make any books that continue after the ending. Loose ends tied up. Questions answered. As close to a perfect ending as I can see. I have already read the Riyria Chronicles 1 - 4 and can’t wait for the next one. Royce and Hadrian are definitely my new book boyfriends. I would start the Age of series but alas, real life gets in the way and I must wait a little longer to go down that road. This series is a must have for any fantasy lovers collection.
August 10, 2023
Oh wow, the HEA is strong in this one.
Yes, I'm afraid this was a bit too much for my black, withered heart, hence the despicably low rating.
BUT.
The book also happens to be entertaining as fish, packed with scrumptious characters (that female cast! 😍), full of twists and turns and shockers and, um, revelations, and nicely sprinkled with hahahaha moments. Also, the many threads of the storyline are very nicely tied up in the final chapters (with a red bow at no extra charge) and the resolution is quite, quite satisfying indeed (despite all the despicably fluffy stuff).
All in all, this was a pretty fun series to read. Some installments are revoltingly meh (here's looking at you, #2 and #4 😑) but the last two books in the series more than make up for them. So I say well done Mr. Sullivan, methinks you deserve a little celebratory dance. At no extra charge, obviously 😬.
(It's Arista on the left and Modina on the right, in case you were wondering.)
· Book 1: The Crown Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 2: Avempartha ★★★
· Book 3: Nyphron Rising ★★★★
· Book 4: The Emerald Storm ★★★
· Book 5: Wintertide ★★★★★
Yes, I'm afraid this was a bit too much for my black, withered heart, hence the despicably low rating.
BUT.
The book also happens to be entertaining as fish, packed with scrumptious characters (that female cast! 😍), full of twists and turns and shockers and, um, revelations, and nicely sprinkled with hahahaha moments. Also, the many threads of the storyline are very nicely tied up in the final chapters (with a red bow at no extra charge) and the resolution is quite, quite satisfying indeed (despite all the despicably fluffy stuff).
All in all, this was a pretty fun series to read. Some installments are revoltingly meh (here's looking at you, #2 and #4 😑) but the last two books in the series more than make up for them. So I say well done Mr. Sullivan, methinks you deserve a little celebratory dance. At no extra charge, obviously 😬.
(It's Arista on the left and Modina on the right, in case you were wondering.)
· Book 1: The Crown Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 2: Avempartha ★★★
· Book 3: Nyphron Rising ★★★★
· Book 4: The Emerald Storm ★★★
· Book 5: Wintertide ★★★★★
November 26, 2015
So the series ties up and it does the thing that for me anyway says it's a great series. It leaves you wanting more.
From the climax of the fifth novel we spring into a finale that doesn't disappoint. We were left with a bad situation in one way and a sort of "finished" situation in another. From there we move into another fast moving, hard hitting thrill ride that will...as I noted leave you wanting more.
The big reveal comes here though I suspect many or most will have seen it coming...and that doesn't matter. While no one will claim this is a great literary work I think most readers will realize that it's going to last. The more readers who find these and recommend them to their friends the more it will stay around.
I have enjoyed them greatly, I look forward to the prequels that are due out later this year. I can strongly recommend this series.
Enjoy.
From the climax of the fifth novel we spring into a finale that doesn't disappoint. We were left with a bad situation in one way and a sort of "finished" situation in another. From there we move into another fast moving, hard hitting thrill ride that will...as I noted leave you wanting more.
The big reveal comes here though I suspect many or most will have seen it coming...and that doesn't matter. While no one will claim this is a great literary work I think most readers will realize that it's going to last. The more readers who find these and recommend them to their friends the more it will stay around.
I have enjoyed them greatly, I look forward to the prequels that are due out later this year. I can strongly recommend this series.
Enjoy.
February 19, 2020
If it's not such a wonderful and fabulous ending ever. The kind of ending that is so extremely beautifully told, you won't mind it even if it's a bit too much, especially for not too big a fan of romantic and fairy tale type of happy ending like me. The way the truth never revealed to people in the end is just annoyingly perfect. Because sometimes the truth doesn't matter so much as what people truly believe in, faith is the real power that give people hope and strength.
My love for a book doesn't come from the quality of it, but from how it's able to create connection, wove strings and threads to my heart, and despite so many epic fantasy books out there, The Riyria Revelations series will always occupy a special room in it.
My love for a book doesn't come from the quality of it, but from how it's able to create connection, wove strings and threads to my heart, and despite so many epic fantasy books out there, The Riyria Revelations series will always occupy a special room in it.
December 28, 2015
A breath-taking adventure came to its end and now I can barely find my voice. What I got from Mr. Sullivan is way more than I expected while reading the first book. In the beginning it was an easy-going, funny and simple tale about two thieves and their big adventure protecting a young king from conspiracy. Then this tale started to grow, became something bigger and more important. And in the midst of beautiful landscapes, battles, magic and friendships, this story became one of my favourites.
The writer created a world as big as Tolkien's, with its own mythology and history and it's just wonderful. The story is excellently planned, the speed is like a drum-solo: starting off quiet then became louder and louder, and faster! The characters were beginning their journey in dull, grey colours but in the end they became vibrant, lively personalities. I loved almost all of them, even the evil ones were great and.... just wow.
Seriously this series is something you should, no, you MUST read. Especially if you are a fantasy fan.
It was a really long time ago something touched me so deeply. And in the last book every puzzle pieces came together perfectly, every characters got what they deserved and I can't imagine a better ending for this masterpiece.
Mr.Sullivan is the absolute winner of the year for me at story telling. Best new author I discovered. Keep up the good work, sir, and I hope we meet in the new year as well.
The writer created a world as big as Tolkien's, with its own mythology and history and it's just wonderful. The story is excellently planned, the speed is like a drum-solo: starting off quiet then became louder and louder, and faster! The characters were beginning their journey in dull, grey colours but in the end they became vibrant, lively personalities. I loved almost all of them, even the evil ones were great and.... just wow.
Seriously this series is something you should, no, you MUST read. Especially if you are a fantasy fan.
It was a really long time ago something touched me so deeply. And in the last book every puzzle pieces came together perfectly, every characters got what they deserved and I can't imagine a better ending for this masterpiece.
Mr.Sullivan is the absolute winner of the year for me at story telling. Best new author I discovered. Keep up the good work, sir, and I hope we meet in the new year as well.
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November 7, 2021
What can I say? I'm basically speechless, it's just so brilliant.
September 14, 2016
3.75 stars. The six-book fantasy series ends here, on a positive and promising note. A good series, told in 3rd person with humor, a little romance, scary nightmare scenes, some clever strategizing, lots of adventure, and a cast of recurring characters I grew to love. The gang's truly all here in this culmination, lending a feeling of esprit de corps and adventure.
The dialogue brought down my rating. It's frequently too modern. Examples below. Also, I grew tired of the villainous imperial church leaders across the series, like Saldur, Thranic, etc. Cardboard villains.
Some inconsistencies across books or within books: If Merrick were so smart, would he really kidnap that particular person (see the end of WINTERTIDE)? Far too risky. Also, I see Wyatt as a villain, willing to feed thousands to the goblin Ghazel to save his daughter. I see no reason to sing his praises (but I liked the way things ended with Magnus the dwarf). Furthermore, I cannot like the idea of Gaunt holding any legal authority over people. He's a rapist, manipulative, and self-serving. Another thing: In The Death of Dulgath, Nysa knew right away that Royce was an elf, on first glance. So why didn't the Patriarch see it in this book? He had plenty of opportunity, spying as he was. Also, the recounting of the crown tower theft differs substantially from how it occurred in The Crown Tower.
I think the monk Myron is my favorite character. I especially loved his interactions with Royce. And Magnus the dwarf — I felt for him when he revealed his past. Loved Royce and his new pet. Funny! Across the series, some characters grew in maturity, wisdom and skill, especially Arista and Royce. Good stuff. Not great writing, but good entertainment.
The pace flows quickly, but not too furiously. There's time to catch your breath and reflect a little, just as the characters do.
The author put the whole series together nicely, building from book 1 and coming full circle. Supposedly trivial things eventually take shape in the plot, so pay attention if something or someone is mentioned more than once or twice. I guessed some things, but mostly I enjoyed the guessing game.
My only real quibble is the anachronistic language. The plot unfolds in an ancient setting. The author tears that fabric each time he uses 20th-C slang like "buddy" and "pal" and — worse yet— "gee, pal" (!!) as well as anachronistic phrases like "anywho" and "hey, daddy!" and "an eidedic mind" (too technical for the time period). Such language splintered the setting for me numerous times. I found it jarring.
The dialogue brought down my rating. It's frequently too modern. Examples below. Also, I grew tired of the villainous imperial church leaders across the series, like Saldur, Thranic, etc. Cardboard villains.
Some inconsistencies across books or within books: If Merrick were so smart, would he really kidnap that particular person (see the end of WINTERTIDE)? Far too risky. Also, I see Wyatt as a villain, willing to feed thousands to the goblin Ghazel to save his daughter. I see no reason to sing his praises (but I liked the way things ended with Magnus the dwarf). Furthermore, I cannot like the idea of Gaunt holding any legal authority over people. He's a rapist, manipulative, and self-serving. Another thing: In The Death of Dulgath, Nysa knew right away that Royce was an elf, on first glance. So why didn't the Patriarch see it in this book? He had plenty of opportunity, spying as he was. Also, the recounting of the crown tower theft differs substantially from how it occurred in The Crown Tower.
I think the monk Myron is my favorite character. I especially loved his interactions with Royce. And Magnus the dwarf — I felt for him when he revealed his past. Loved Royce and his new pet. Funny! Across the series, some characters grew in maturity, wisdom and skill, especially Arista and Royce. Good stuff. Not great writing, but good entertainment.
The pace flows quickly, but not too furiously. There's time to catch your breath and reflect a little, just as the characters do.
The author put the whole series together nicely, building from book 1 and coming full circle. Supposedly trivial things eventually take shape in the plot, so pay attention if something or someone is mentioned more than once or twice. I guessed some things, but mostly I enjoyed the guessing game.
My only real quibble is the anachronistic language. The plot unfolds in an ancient setting. The author tears that fabric each time he uses 20th-C slang like "buddy" and "pal" and — worse yet— "gee, pal" (!!) as well as anachronistic phrases like "anywho" and "hey, daddy!" and "an eidedic mind" (too technical for the time period). Such language splintered the setting for me numerous times. I found it jarring.
April 23, 2021
بعد از چندماه همراه بودن با هیدرین، رویس، آریستا و گروهشون، بالاخره امروز این سفر به پایان رسید.
همیشه وقتی یه مجموعه رو شروع میکنم به خودم میگم وارد یه ماجراجویی تازه شدم، و وقتی تمام میشه از خودم میپرسم حالا با زندگیم چیکار کنم؟؟؟
رایریا رو دوست داشتم، و با وجود تمام ترسایی که برای شخصیتا داشتم، پایان کتاب دلمو آروم کرد.
همیشه وقتی یه مجموعه رو شروع میکنم به خودم میگم وارد یه ماجراجویی تازه شدم، و وقتی تمام میشه از خودم میپرسم حالا با زندگیم چیکار کنم؟؟؟
رایریا رو دوست داشتم، و با وجود تمام ترسایی که برای شخصیتا داشتم، پایان کتاب دلمو آروم کرد.
June 29, 2021
Not sure I can really say much without spoilers, but I loved this book and this series. I'm an absolute sucker for endings and Michael J. Sullivan absolutely nailed the ending to Riyira Revelations. There are satisfying reveals (though some may be somewhat predictable). Each character in the series has an excellent and very fulfilling arc. The action and dialogue continues to be very enjoyable. And there are absolutely some moments that will tug at your heart strings without feeling cheap. And finally, the story just wraps up in a way that is extremely satisfying, but without that sense of complete finality. In other words you get a real sense that this world is going to continue to go on despite who may or may not be there to be involved and what that world may or may not look like. I'm very happy to have discovered and read this series.
March 11, 2012
I gave this an extra star for the enjoyment I got from the first two books in the series, and for the lively presence of the author on the internet forums. I'll be on the lookout for his next books, but as far as Percepliquis was concerned it was a bit of a letdown.
I was initially attracted to the Riyrya Revelations by the tight writing, focused plot and slightly irreverent dialogue. As the series developed, the focus shifted to darker deeds and the big epic canvas, until I got at the finish line and felt like I've read yet another generic fantasy with an apocalyptic scenario and a cackling evil overlord exposing at length on his masterplan instead of annihilating his adversaries. I think this is a particular issue of mine, and not necessarily a fault of the book, as I have been similarly disillusioned by the ending of: Mistborn, Crown of Stars, Kingdom of Thorn and Bone, Way of Shadows - series I also loved in the beginning, but fell flat at the finish line. It is also possible the long wait between Wintertide and Percepliquis pulled me out of the story and made me indifferent to the fate of the main actors.
A few words about the elves: I was hoping for a better rendering of their culture and of the reasons they went to war. A missed opportunity.
I feel bad thrashing a series I initially praised, so I will mention the best parts of the book for me. About a third of the story deals with an interesting "dungeon crawling" sequence, a classic fellowship on a quest for the artefact that will save the world from total destruction. Some of the verve and of the humor from Theft of Swords is recaptured here. I still loved the way Sullivan writes his characters, especially Modina, the kids and Arista, and I think for all the cheesy teary eyed moments that abound towards the end, the plot held together fine for a six book series.
I was initially attracted to the Riyrya Revelations by the tight writing, focused plot and slightly irreverent dialogue. As the series developed, the focus shifted to darker deeds and the big epic canvas, until I got at the finish line and felt like I've read yet another generic fantasy with an apocalyptic scenario and a cackling evil overlord exposing at length on his masterplan instead of annihilating his adversaries. I think this is a particular issue of mine, and not necessarily a fault of the book, as I have been similarly disillusioned by the ending of: Mistborn, Crown of Stars, Kingdom of Thorn and Bone, Way of Shadows - series I also loved in the beginning, but fell flat at the finish line. It is also possible the long wait between Wintertide and Percepliquis pulled me out of the story and made me indifferent to the fate of the main actors.
A few words about the elves: I was hoping for a better rendering of their culture and of the reasons they went to war. A missed opportunity.
I feel bad thrashing a series I initially praised, so I will mention the best parts of the book for me. About a third of the story deals with an interesting "dungeon crawling" sequence, a classic fellowship on a quest for the artefact that will save the world from total destruction. Some of the verve and of the humor from Theft of Swords is recaptured here. I still loved the way Sullivan writes his characters, especially Modina, the kids and Arista, and I think for all the cheesy teary eyed moments that abound towards the end, the plot held together fine for a six book series.
September 24, 2020
Damit ist die Reihe also abgeschlossen. Beendet. Die Reise ist Geschichte.
Und was für eine Geschichte!
Ich bin ja nicht nahe am Wasser gebaut. Ein "Awww" gibt es ab und zu, aber dass meine Augen plötzlich ganz feucht werden? Pft. Gibt es bei mir nicht.
Sullivan: "Na, dann schauen wir doch mal."
Oh man, was für ein Book Hangover ich grad hab. Oh man, wie oft ich mir am Schluss aus verschiedenen Gründen etwas Feuchtes aus den Augen wischen musste.
Oh man.
Ich weiss, das ist wahrscheinlich eine ziemlich bescheuerte Rezension und wenig brauchbar. Aber...
Oh man...
Oh man!
Und was für eine Geschichte!
Ich bin ja nicht nahe am Wasser gebaut. Ein "Awww" gibt es ab und zu, aber dass meine Augen plötzlich ganz feucht werden? Pft. Gibt es bei mir nicht.
Sullivan: "Na, dann schauen wir doch mal."
Oh man, was für ein Book Hangover ich grad hab. Oh man, wie oft ich mir am Schluss aus verschiedenen Gründen etwas Feuchtes aus den Augen wischen musste.
Oh man.
Ich weiss, das ist wahrscheinlich eine ziemlich bescheuerte Rezension und wenig brauchbar. Aber...
Oh man...
Oh man!
June 10, 2018
Rating: 4.5
I really enjoyed this 6th and final book and it gave me Lord of the Rings vibes when they were in the tunnel and caves. I laughed at the part where Arista had her “Gandalf moment” in those caves. Haha. Royce and Hadrian gave me mini heart attacks the whole time, I thought my babies were going to die. I enjoyed having all the characters that we’ve met on these journeys come together. I can’t wait to reread this series knowing what role each character eventually plays a few years from now. I can’t wait to read more Michael J Sullivan in the near future.
I really enjoyed this 6th and final book and it gave me Lord of the Rings vibes when they were in the tunnel and caves. I laughed at the part where Arista had her “Gandalf moment” in those caves. Haha. Royce and Hadrian gave me mini heart attacks the whole time, I thought my babies were going to die. I enjoyed having all the characters that we’ve met on these journeys come together. I can’t wait to reread this series knowing what role each character eventually plays a few years from now. I can’t wait to read more Michael J Sullivan in the near future.
January 4, 2012
I dare say that most of us were introduced to fantasy through books filled with burly heros with swords, sorcerers, shadowy evil people and epic quests. These are the stories that most of us fell in love with, that blazed the path into speculative fiction for us. These days the trend is toward graphic, gritty, dark and “different” but it’s these sword and sorcery roots that got us to desire these new trends. It’s sword and sorcery that brought us to love the genre. It’s books like Percepliquis that bring us back to our roots and remind us what fantasy is all about. Percepliquis reminded me of the magic of the genre. Percepliquis made me fall in love with fantasy all over again. It’s a book to be proud of, finishing off a series that has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. Percepliquis truly is Michael Sullivan’s magnum opus.
Read my full review here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...
Read my full review here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...
February 4, 2017
i couldn't review each book individually because i was too busy finishing them... so here is a one-liner for the wholes series
" this series is a once in a life time opportunity". so drop everything else and read it!
i am not an anti feminist and certainly NOT a misogynist but this is a kind of series that shouts that its author is a man. in case you missed it A MAN!!! don't get me wrong, most of favorite authors are the world-leading-ladies.... Jane Austen... Charlotte Bronte... J. K. Rowling... Sarah J Maas.... Morgan Rhodes need i go on? but if you love Brandon Sanderson and Dan Brown? then you know what i am talking about!
this is not a synopsis so i won't be going into details but i can tell you this much,
"price of some dreams is achieving them" and finishing this series? its a price enough.... Royce and Hadrien are definitely one of those characters that stick to you for ever and you find yourself thinking about them and repeating their lines at the most impossible of times.... they are the keepers, the real deals! top of the list of future husbands right after Kelsier!
Verdict: A Big YES!!
" this series is a once in a life time opportunity". so drop everything else and read it!
i am not an anti feminist and certainly NOT a misogynist but this is a kind of series that shouts that its author is a man. in case you missed it A MAN!!! don't get me wrong, most of favorite authors are the world-leading-ladies.... Jane Austen... Charlotte Bronte... J. K. Rowling... Sarah J Maas.... Morgan Rhodes need i go on? but if you love Brandon Sanderson and Dan Brown? then you know what i am talking about!
this is not a synopsis so i won't be going into details but i can tell you this much,
"price of some dreams is achieving them" and finishing this series? its a price enough.... Royce and Hadrien are definitely one of those characters that stick to you for ever and you find yourself thinking about them and repeating their lines at the most impossible of times.... they are the keepers, the real deals! top of the list of future husbands right after Kelsier!
Verdict: A Big YES!!
July 12, 2012
5 Big Stars
Percepliquis the exciting conclusion to the Riyria Revelations by Michael Sullivan is one of the most fun fantasy reads that I have had the pleasure to read in quite some time. If you are new to this series or are unfamiliar with them, you should go pick up book one The Crown Conspiracy and get started. Funny thing about this series is that the author intended these to be standalone books that all share the same world and characters while not being part of today’s popular “epic” fantasy genre that consists of massive tomes, huge casts, and deep and convoluted back stories. However, the more the series progressed, the more we learn about our lovable cast, the long time line backstory (1000 years), and the incredible depth to the world building, the more this series became epic by default. Sure, each of the novels of the Riyria Revelations play out as great standalone novels that really do not require you to have read any of the others, however you would really be missing out on the pleasure of getting to know our somewhat intimate sized cast of protagonists and you would lose the opportunity of watching the growth of Michael J. Sullivan as an author.
As a concluding novel to an epic series, Percepliquis really works. My only gripes about it is that one, it ends and thus our adventures with Royce and Hadrian with it, and two that things end up too tidy for my dark and twisted sense of right and wrong. I found the way that Sullivan closed so many long lived plot lines to be masterful. The way that so many of the previous novels turning points were pulled together made me hoot and holler. This is one fast read…It is pretty much non-stop action, tension, and excitement as the fate of the world and of our heroes are literally played out in this book. I stayed up late reading this book and did not want to put it down (I am a confessed baby that loves to sleep). What a pleasurable read.
Sullivan has done what I feel is the single most important thing a novelist must accomplish, and that is to create a cast, an adventure, or a plot that is memorable. The Riyria Revelations is filled with incredibly memorable characters and led the way by the amazing thieving duo of Hadrian and Royce. These two will stay with me for a long time and now sit on a small pedestal of my all-time favorite protagonists. They are the heart of Percepliquis, of The Riyria Revelations, and of the emotional impact of these stories. Percepliquis gives us more backstory of our duo protagonists, and really lets their relationship with each other act as the fulcrum to the entire damn story. A fun scene between the two discussing their first job together:
““Did you respect me then?”
“No. I figured you suffered from beginner’s luck. I expected you’d die on
the return trip that next night when he made us put it back.”
“Only, again I lived.”
“Kinda made me mad, actually. I’m not usually wrong, you know, about
people? And man, you could fight. I thought Arcadius was feeding me a load
of crap the way he went on about you. ‘The best warrior alive,’ he said.
‘In a fair fight Hadrian can best anyone,’ he said. That was the telling
part—a fair fight. He knew not all your battles would be fair. He wanted
me to educate you in the world of backstabbing, deceit, and treachery. I
guess he figured I knew something about that.”
“And I was supposed to teach honor, decency, and kindness to a man raised
by wolves.”
Royce rolled his head to the side and looked at him. “He told you about
me?”
“Not everything, just some of the ugly parts.””
There are so many amazing side characters that each brought a unique flavor to the world and the story. Thrace Wood, the former farm girl, filled with life, energy, and beyond naïve, probably grows the most and ends up becoming the amazing Empress Modina, who carries herself and her country with elegance and grace. Arista, the wizardess, comes in at a close second. The young prodigy of the notorious wizard Esrahaddon not only comes to grips and acceptance of her own place in the world, all the while acting like a queen, she also comes to understand her former mentor even more now, after he is already dead. The evil back stabbing, betraying dwarf Magnus plays a pivotal role both with the story and with our hearts. Other notables like Alric, Myron, Degan Gault, Mince, and Nimbus all play key roles and will be remembered fondly.
Slight spoiler about a favorite character of mine:
““Alric might not have been the best king, but he was courageous and
honorable. The idea of walking through that door, of facing death, must
terrify you. How terrible it must be to give up your life when you’ve
never taken the chance to live it. How cheated you must feel, like losing
a coin before spending it. To what can you hang on to and feel pride?
Nothing! Alric could have walked through that door, not because he was
king, not even because he was noble-born, but because of who he was. He
wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, but never on purpose, never with an
intent to do harm. He lived his life the best way he knew how. He always
did what he felt was right. Can you say that?””
Sullivan’s writing style and prose is imaginative, detailed, and sometimes a bit poetic:
““They came with hardly a warning,
thousands both beautiful and terrible;
They came on brilliant white horses
wearing shining gold and shimmering blue;
They came with dragons and whirlwinds,
and giants made of stone and earth;
They came and nothing could stop them.
They are coming still.””
One of my favorite lines is a simple one that came towards the end of the series, it made me smile and made me shout out f$@ yeah:
“Royce muttered and coughed. “My friend is going to kill you.””
Percepliquis and the entire Riyria Revelations series has been tied with my favorite current running epic fantasy series The Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. As a whole it ranks among my most enjoyed. Hadrian and Royce are two of the best heroes to be penned and should not be missed by any people with even the slightest interest in intelligent fantasy. These books are a blast to read. Highest recommendations!!
Percepliquis the exciting conclusion to the Riyria Revelations by Michael Sullivan is one of the most fun fantasy reads that I have had the pleasure to read in quite some time. If you are new to this series or are unfamiliar with them, you should go pick up book one The Crown Conspiracy and get started. Funny thing about this series is that the author intended these to be standalone books that all share the same world and characters while not being part of today’s popular “epic” fantasy genre that consists of massive tomes, huge casts, and deep and convoluted back stories. However, the more the series progressed, the more we learn about our lovable cast, the long time line backstory (1000 years), and the incredible depth to the world building, the more this series became epic by default. Sure, each of the novels of the Riyria Revelations play out as great standalone novels that really do not require you to have read any of the others, however you would really be missing out on the pleasure of getting to know our somewhat intimate sized cast of protagonists and you would lose the opportunity of watching the growth of Michael J. Sullivan as an author.
As a concluding novel to an epic series, Percepliquis really works. My only gripes about it is that one, it ends and thus our adventures with Royce and Hadrian with it, and two that things end up too tidy for my dark and twisted sense of right and wrong. I found the way that Sullivan closed so many long lived plot lines to be masterful. The way that so many of the previous novels turning points were pulled together made me hoot and holler. This is one fast read…It is pretty much non-stop action, tension, and excitement as the fate of the world and of our heroes are literally played out in this book. I stayed up late reading this book and did not want to put it down (I am a confessed baby that loves to sleep). What a pleasurable read.
Sullivan has done what I feel is the single most important thing a novelist must accomplish, and that is to create a cast, an adventure, or a plot that is memorable. The Riyria Revelations is filled with incredibly memorable characters and led the way by the amazing thieving duo of Hadrian and Royce. These two will stay with me for a long time and now sit on a small pedestal of my all-time favorite protagonists. They are the heart of Percepliquis, of The Riyria Revelations, and of the emotional impact of these stories. Percepliquis gives us more backstory of our duo protagonists, and really lets their relationship with each other act as the fulcrum to the entire damn story. A fun scene between the two discussing their first job together:
““Did you respect me then?”
“No. I figured you suffered from beginner’s luck. I expected you’d die on
the return trip that next night when he made us put it back.”
“Only, again I lived.”
“Kinda made me mad, actually. I’m not usually wrong, you know, about
people? And man, you could fight. I thought Arcadius was feeding me a load
of crap the way he went on about you. ‘The best warrior alive,’ he said.
‘In a fair fight Hadrian can best anyone,’ he said. That was the telling
part—a fair fight. He knew not all your battles would be fair. He wanted
me to educate you in the world of backstabbing, deceit, and treachery. I
guess he figured I knew something about that.”
“And I was supposed to teach honor, decency, and kindness to a man raised
by wolves.”
Royce rolled his head to the side and looked at him. “He told you about
me?”
“Not everything, just some of the ugly parts.””
There are so many amazing side characters that each brought a unique flavor to the world and the story. Thrace Wood, the former farm girl, filled with life, energy, and beyond naïve, probably grows the most and ends up becoming the amazing Empress Modina, who carries herself and her country with elegance and grace. Arista, the wizardess, comes in at a close second. The young prodigy of the notorious wizard Esrahaddon not only comes to grips and acceptance of her own place in the world, all the while acting like a queen, she also comes to understand her former mentor even more now, after he is already dead. The evil back stabbing, betraying dwarf Magnus plays a pivotal role both with the story and with our hearts. Other notables like Alric, Myron, Degan Gault, Mince, and Nimbus all play key roles and will be remembered fondly.
Slight spoiler about a favorite character of mine:
““Alric might not have been the best king, but he was courageous and
honorable. The idea of walking through that door, of facing death, must
terrify you. How terrible it must be to give up your life when you’ve
never taken the chance to live it. How cheated you must feel, like losing
a coin before spending it. To what can you hang on to and feel pride?
Nothing! Alric could have walked through that door, not because he was
king, not even because he was noble-born, but because of who he was. He
wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, but never on purpose, never with an
intent to do harm. He lived his life the best way he knew how. He always
did what he felt was right. Can you say that?””
Sullivan’s writing style and prose is imaginative, detailed, and sometimes a bit poetic:
““They came with hardly a warning,
thousands both beautiful and terrible;
They came on brilliant white horses
wearing shining gold and shimmering blue;
They came with dragons and whirlwinds,
and giants made of stone and earth;
They came and nothing could stop them.
They are coming still.””
One of my favorite lines is a simple one that came towards the end of the series, it made me smile and made me shout out f$@ yeah:
“Royce muttered and coughed. “My friend is going to kill you.””
Percepliquis and the entire Riyria Revelations series has been tied with my favorite current running epic fantasy series The Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. As a whole it ranks among my most enjoyed. Hadrian and Royce are two of the best heroes to be penned and should not be missed by any people with even the slightest interest in intelligent fantasy. These books are a blast to read. Highest recommendations!!
June 25, 2022
Michael J Sullivan is quite simply one of the best writers of epic fantasy, brilliant.
October 23, 2014
A very good end to a very good fantasy series. I was a bit surprised at the size of this book, easily twice that of the others, but it read the same - fast, smooth, & easily. There weren't a lot of surprises, if the reader paid attention, but that actually made it a better story. Most of the revelations made sense having been setup since early on in the series.
I liked the wrap up of most of the loose ends, too. A few things were a bit convenient, but for the most part I could forgive that because of the feel-good quality they left me with when I closed the book. It was a bit jarring in one case where a very new knight is suddenly winning a tournament, as if there was some time travel involved.
Overall, the book doesn't disappoint & certainly never drags for all the area & pages it covers. The Afterword was interesting to read, too. I've followed the creation of this series closer than most & wasn't too surprised by anything except some of the reader misunderstandings. Seriously, what's up with reader comprehension these days? That had to be frustrating for the author.
I liked the wrap up of most of the loose ends, too. A few things were a bit convenient, but for the most part I could forgive that because of the feel-good quality they left me with when I closed the book. It was a bit jarring in one case where a very new knight is suddenly winning a tournament, as if there was some time travel involved.
Overall, the book doesn't disappoint & certainly never drags for all the area & pages it covers. The Afterword was interesting to read, too. I've followed the creation of this series closer than most & wasn't too surprised by anything except some of the reader misunderstandings. Seriously, what's up with reader comprehension these days? That had to be frustrating for the author.
February 5, 2017
Fantastisches Ende für eine der besten Fantasy-Reihen. Alle Fäden der Geschichte winden und drehen sich nochmal und finden sich am Ende zu einem überaus gekonnten Knoten zusammen. Ein würdiger Abschluss für eine Welt, in die ich nur zu gern abgetaucht bin und deren Charaktere sich einen festen Platz in meinem Herzen erschlichen haben. Um ehrlich zu sein, kann ich es kaum erwarten nochmal von vorn anzufangen und wieder mit Royce&Hadrian (&Myron) loszuziehen ;-)
December 2, 2015
Very satisfying ending to a wonderful series. There were a few Reveals that surprised me and all the loose ends tied together.
December 6, 2017
Not a bad ending to a good fantasy series, but if you expect big surprises (meaning, some of the dead to come to life, or others things like that), there aren`t any. Not.So.Big surprises.For.Me.Anyway.
In the end this is a solid series of classic epic fantasy, with well built characters and events, with bloodsheed and murderers, villains and heroes, elfs and dwarves, flying demons and goblins, etc, and a lot of attractive adventures.
I have my personal complaints, but still, the book deserves a solid four stars because, in the end, the writing is very good.
In the end this is a solid series of classic epic fantasy, with well built characters and events, with bloodsheed and murderers, villains and heroes, elfs and dwarves, flying demons and goblins, etc, and a lot of attractive adventures.
I have my personal complaints, but still, the book deserves a solid four stars because, in the end, the writing is very good.
January 27, 2012
The concluding novel to Michael J Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations, Percepliquis, is available as part of Heir of Novron (along with Wintertide). I was graciously sent a copy of the book by the author. If Winteride is the Empire Strikes Back of the Riyria Revelations, then Precepliquis is Return of the Jedi. Indeed much The Trilogy, Riyria Revlations wraps up in a similar manner things are tied up nicely and neatly. This series has always been of a more traditional bent hearkening back to the classics of the genre so the fact that the novel and series wraps things up in very neat package. There are twists and turns on the journey, surprising revelations on the way and while the finale might lack the grit and menace of more modern subversive fantasy there is a welcome heft to the ending that left me feeling satisfied and hopeful the Sullivan may one day explore future adventures in this world.
Wintertide concluded on a dark note. Things were looking grim, our heroes were split apart, and a shadowy threat was emerging out of the chill winds of winter. In the opening pages of Precepliquis that threat is revealed in all its might and as the novel progresses you begin to wonder if our heroes can manage the Hail Mary save. What I love about Precepliquis is that it could have easily been a gritty fantasy had Sullivan wished it to be. The fledgling Empire is hopelessly outmatched, winter beats down on Aquesta, and humanity stands on the precipice of destruction. It’s hard to get darker than that. There is plenty of room in Percepliquis for long, bloody last stands, for really hammering home in agonizing detail precisely how bad humanity has it near the end. Sullivan offers brief glimpses of that dire position but never goes overboard. As the Empire’s back is pushed ever closer to the wall the threat of annihilation places greater and greater importance on Royce and Hadrian’s quest to uncover a mystical horn.
I love the classic dungeon delving feel of the search for the titular city of Percepliquis, ancient seat of Novronian Empire. As I’ve stated in the past I’m a sucker for the exploration of things in my fantastic literature. Haunted houses, ancient ruins, and derelict spaceships are always an easy sell for me and so the journey to Percepliquis was quite an awesome moment for me. While I do wish we could have seen more of the city, Sullivan does and excellent job of stringing you along with a bit of mystery. Arista’s flashbacks were also rather neat and it was fun to get a brief glimpse of the ancient empire.
While Royce and Hadrian are in top form (more or less, poor Royce) in this novel not enough is said about the supporting cast. The arrogant and haughty Deegan Gaunt makes for great comic relief and constant source of frustration. The bookish monk Myron, blessed with eidetic memory, makes for some of his own rather comical moments (his encounter with his sister in particular) while also serving as a surprisingly apt spiritual guide for those questing for the horn. Wintertide saw Modina finally come out of her shell and Percepliquis sees that trend continue as she proves that she is not just playing the part of the Empress. Even some of the less than noble knights glimpsed in Wintertide get some redemptive moments in Perceliquis.
There are some elements with characters that didn’t work as well as I would have liked. The growing romance between Arista and Hadrian could have used more time. It works well enough as is but I would have liked to see more groundwork laid earlier in the series; it would have made for a slightly more believable pairing. I was also disappointed with Nimbus at the end of the novel. I don’t want to spoil things but I sort of wish that part was left more open to conjecture and interpretation rather than outright explanation. I think there were enough hints dropped to draw the proper conclusion.
Percepliquis provides an appropriately thrilling conclusion to the grand adventure that began in The Crown Conspiracy. The climax of the novel offers several expected and unexpected twists and includes some moving character moments (particularly Magnus). There are some truly great moments over the course of novel (Royce’s “escape plan” from Percepliquis, everything with Myron, and Hadrian’s fight come to mind) that will have readers shouting for joy, cursing in anger, and maybe even shedding a tear. Moreso than in Wintertide, Percepliquis brings a certain joyousness back to the series and the more humorous elements seen in earlier novels definitely return to the fore here. While the novel’s denouement may tie things up a bit to prettily for some readers it leaves room for exploration in future volumes (maybe with future generations). An excellent conclusion to an entertaining series.
Wintertide concluded on a dark note. Things were looking grim, our heroes were split apart, and a shadowy threat was emerging out of the chill winds of winter. In the opening pages of Precepliquis that threat is revealed in all its might and as the novel progresses you begin to wonder if our heroes can manage the Hail Mary save. What I love about Precepliquis is that it could have easily been a gritty fantasy had Sullivan wished it to be. The fledgling Empire is hopelessly outmatched, winter beats down on Aquesta, and humanity stands on the precipice of destruction. It’s hard to get darker than that. There is plenty of room in Percepliquis for long, bloody last stands, for really hammering home in agonizing detail precisely how bad humanity has it near the end. Sullivan offers brief glimpses of that dire position but never goes overboard. As the Empire’s back is pushed ever closer to the wall the threat of annihilation places greater and greater importance on Royce and Hadrian’s quest to uncover a mystical horn.
I love the classic dungeon delving feel of the search for the titular city of Percepliquis, ancient seat of Novronian Empire. As I’ve stated in the past I’m a sucker for the exploration of things in my fantastic literature. Haunted houses, ancient ruins, and derelict spaceships are always an easy sell for me and so the journey to Percepliquis was quite an awesome moment for me. While I do wish we could have seen more of the city, Sullivan does and excellent job of stringing you along with a bit of mystery. Arista’s flashbacks were also rather neat and it was fun to get a brief glimpse of the ancient empire.
While Royce and Hadrian are in top form (more or less, poor Royce) in this novel not enough is said about the supporting cast. The arrogant and haughty Deegan Gaunt makes for great comic relief and constant source of frustration. The bookish monk Myron, blessed with eidetic memory, makes for some of his own rather comical moments (his encounter with his sister in particular) while also serving as a surprisingly apt spiritual guide for those questing for the horn. Wintertide saw Modina finally come out of her shell and Percepliquis sees that trend continue as she proves that she is not just playing the part of the Empress. Even some of the less than noble knights glimpsed in Wintertide get some redemptive moments in Perceliquis.
There are some elements with characters that didn’t work as well as I would have liked. The growing romance between Arista and Hadrian could have used more time. It works well enough as is but I would have liked to see more groundwork laid earlier in the series; it would have made for a slightly more believable pairing. I was also disappointed with Nimbus at the end of the novel. I don’t want to spoil things but I sort of wish that part was left more open to conjecture and interpretation rather than outright explanation. I think there were enough hints dropped to draw the proper conclusion.
Percepliquis provides an appropriately thrilling conclusion to the grand adventure that began in The Crown Conspiracy. The climax of the novel offers several expected and unexpected twists and includes some moving character moments (particularly Magnus). There are some truly great moments over the course of novel (Royce’s “escape plan” from Percepliquis, everything with Myron, and Hadrian’s fight come to mind) that will have readers shouting for joy, cursing in anger, and maybe even shedding a tear. Moreso than in Wintertide, Percepliquis brings a certain joyousness back to the series and the more humorous elements seen in earlier novels definitely return to the fore here. While the novel’s denouement may tie things up a bit to prettily for some readers it leaves room for exploration in future volumes (maybe with future generations). An excellent conclusion to an entertaining series.
March 22, 2016
Them plot twists though!
And at the ending i was like.
December 24, 2014
4.5 STARS
My review for the omnibus edition(books #5-6): here
December 2, 2016
Fantastic ending to the saga.
Just one too many coincidences.
Just one too many coincidences.
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