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The Riyria Chronicles #2.5
The Jester
WHO WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH?
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.
This is a standalone short story of 7,200 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Riyria veterans to spend a little more time with old friends. The Jester is a story of adventure, bonds of friendship, and a recognition that the choices we make dictates the future we find.
NOTE: This short story was originally published in the Unfettered Anthology edited by Shawn Speakman.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.
This is a standalone short story of 7,200 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Riyria veterans to spend a little more time with old friends. The Jester is a story of adventure, bonds of friendship, and a recognition that the choices we make dictates the future we find.
NOTE: This short story was originally published in the Unfettered Anthology edited by Shawn Speakman.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2014
131 people are currently reading
3875 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Sullivan
106 books95.5k followersFor a limited time (holiday gift giving) the following titles are on sale and have free US shipping (for orders over $50. Click the image to shop the sale. Out of print hardcoers just $10 each. Deluxe boxsets 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 01/27/26
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 01/27/26
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 521 reviews
September 19, 2024
The Jester is a short story from the Riria Chronicles series. While I am always happy to read about any adventure that involves my now favorite duo, it wasn’t a particularly interesting read. Or too well written.
The men are stuck in a cave together with two other characters and are looking for a treasure.
The men are stuck in a cave together with two other characters and are looking for a treasure.
August 19, 2021
Mini-review
It’s always a good time to be back with Royce and Hadrian. My investment in this duo has grown so much that it leads me to seek every story related to them. That’s how I stumbled upon The Jester, a short story that takes place after The Rose and The Thorn, but before the events of Theft of Swords. To be precise, although this is published before The Death of Dulgath, this short story takes place six years after The Crown Tower, which means that The Jester occurred three years after the events in The Death of Dulgath.
There isn’t much to say regarding this short story; The Jester is only 7,200 words long. All I can say is that I had a good time reading The Jester, but the reading experience did suffer a bit due to its short story format. It felt like reading a missing chapter out of an entire novel, which who knows, just might happen in the future. Don’t get me wrong, it’s always great to read more about Royce and Hadrian, but the short story format is equivalent to meeting your best friends that you haven’t met for years, but you’re only allowed to spend 10-30 minutes with them. I need more.
You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Element, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
It’s always a good time to be back with Royce and Hadrian. My investment in this duo has grown so much that it leads me to seek every story related to them. That’s how I stumbled upon The Jester, a short story that takes place after The Rose and The Thorn, but before the events of Theft of Swords. To be precise, although this is published before The Death of Dulgath, this short story takes place six years after The Crown Tower, which means that The Jester occurred three years after the events in The Death of Dulgath.
There isn’t much to say regarding this short story; The Jester is only 7,200 words long. All I can say is that I had a good time reading The Jester, but the reading experience did suffer a bit due to its short story format. It felt like reading a missing chapter out of an entire novel, which who knows, just might happen in the future. Don’t get me wrong, it’s always great to read more about Royce and Hadrian, but the short story format is equivalent to meeting your best friends that you haven’t met for years, but you’re only allowed to spend 10-30 minutes with them. I need more.
You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Element, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
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June 1, 2024
I can never get enough of Royce and Hadrian; it’s always fun to go on an adventure with them. This short story, published in the Unfettered anthology, is a Riyria Chronicles tale, set sometime between The Rose and the Thorn and the first novel of the Riyria Revelations. Short and entertaining for all Royce and Hadrian fans!
February 6, 2017
The Jester is a fun adventure sketch. It presents almost like a chapter that is taken out of a larger work, although it does stand-alone fairly well.
I have never read any of the Riyria stories, so maybe I would appreciate what is going on a little more if I had. The characters Royce and Hadrian seem interesting and the story is well written. Sullivan certainly has a hand for fantasy adventure and this is crafted in a fast moving, excited pace. His inspiration from Fritz Leiber is apparent.
Think I may check out some more of his work.
I have never read any of the Riyria stories, so maybe I would appreciate what is going on a little more if I had. The characters Royce and Hadrian seem interesting and the story is well written. Sullivan certainly has a hand for fantasy adventure and this is crafted in a fast moving, excited pace. His inspiration from Fritz Leiber is apparent.
Think I may check out some more of his work.
July 22, 2015
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
“The Jester” is a Riyria story that throws readers directly into — a well. Literally! You begin this tale following along with Hadrian as he, Royce, a candlemaker, and a pig farmer plunge down an open well and crash into the underground pool below.
As Hadrian and Royce frantically attempt to save themselves and their companions from the dark waters, it becomes apparent that they are on a mission to uncover a jester’s treasure hidden somewhere in this dwarven mine, that they are having a pretty tough go of it, and that they threw themselves down the well to escape something horrible that is after them.
At this point, things look really bleak for Riyria. So much so that long time fans will be gripping their seats wondering how their favorite fantasy duo will be able to escape this seemingly insurmountable situation and complete their contract. And the truth is they DON”T!
No, that isn’t a spoiler, it is a warning. This is a short story that pulls the rug out from under our heroes, showing them struggling to survive. Sure, Hadrian and Royce still crack a few sarcastic jabs at one another, mock the others view on life, but here getting out alive is the name of the game, not witty repertoire — though there is a bit of that, as I mentioned. And even the conclusion is more morality play than standard fantasy ending, though Mr. Sullivan still manages to pull all the tangled story threads together to deliver the nice, tight climax that he is known for.
Does all that gushing mean this is the best fantasy short story I’ve ever read? No, it doesn’t. What it does mean is that “The Jester” is an entertaining way to visiting our old friends Hadrian and Royce while we wait for The Death of Dulgath (The Riyria Chronicles #3) to hit bookshelves!
“The Jester” is a Riyria story that throws readers directly into — a well. Literally! You begin this tale following along with Hadrian as he, Royce, a candlemaker, and a pig farmer plunge down an open well and crash into the underground pool below.
As Hadrian and Royce frantically attempt to save themselves and their companions from the dark waters, it becomes apparent that they are on a mission to uncover a jester’s treasure hidden somewhere in this dwarven mine, that they are having a pretty tough go of it, and that they threw themselves down the well to escape something horrible that is after them.
At this point, things look really bleak for Riyria. So much so that long time fans will be gripping their seats wondering how their favorite fantasy duo will be able to escape this seemingly insurmountable situation and complete their contract. And the truth is they DON”T!
No, that isn’t a spoiler, it is a warning. This is a short story that pulls the rug out from under our heroes, showing them struggling to survive. Sure, Hadrian and Royce still crack a few sarcastic jabs at one another, mock the others view on life, but here getting out alive is the name of the game, not witty repertoire — though there is a bit of that, as I mentioned. And even the conclusion is more morality play than standard fantasy ending, though Mr. Sullivan still manages to pull all the tangled story threads together to deliver the nice, tight climax that he is known for.
Does all that gushing mean this is the best fantasy short story I’ve ever read? No, it doesn’t. What it does mean is that “The Jester” is an entertaining way to visiting our old friends Hadrian and Royce while we wait for The Death of Dulgath (The Riyria Chronicles #3) to hit bookshelves!
January 2, 2025
Scrumptious Riyria shenanigans + Royce the Canary + human tea kettles + heist-gone-wrong type thingie + HAHAHAHAHAHA + great audio narrator =
P.S. This short is free on Audible so what the fish are you waiting for?
· Book 1: The Crown Tower ★★★★
· Book 2: The Rose and the Thorn ★★★★
· Book 2.6: Professional Integrity ★★★★
· Book 3: The Death of Dulgath ★★★★
· Book 4: The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter ★★★★★
· Book 5: Drumindor ★★
P.S. This short is free on Audible so what the fish are you waiting for?
· Book 1: The Crown Tower ★★★★
· Book 2: The Rose and the Thorn ★★★★
· Book 2.6: Professional Integrity ★★★★
· Book 3: The Death of Dulgath ★★★★
· Book 4: The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter ★★★★★
· Book 5: Drumindor ★★
September 9, 2018
The Jester is available for free on Audible. It's a nice little addition to anyone who loves the Riyria series and just needs more Royce and Hadrian in their lives. As usual, Sullivan is great at wrapping things up at the end.
Riyria is the best thing to happen to fantasy since the Earthsea Cycle and no-one can convince me otherwise
Credit: https://za.pinterest.com/source/mrsru...
Credit: https://za.pinterest.com/source/mrsru...
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November 13, 2014As the author of this book, I'm obviously not going to to rank or review it. But I did want to take this opportunity to say a bit about the book. Originally, I wrote this for Shawn Speakman's Unfetteredanthology. If you aren't familiar with that book, it was a collection of short stories by some of the masters of fantasy: Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore, Jacqueline Carey, and many more. It was an honor to be included. None of the contributors were paid for their work...we donated the stories and sales of the anthology went to repaying a huge medical debt which Shawn had amassed during his battle with cancer. If you haven't read Unfettered, I highly recommend you check it out.
As to my story, I wanted to write about Royce and Hadrian, the two main protagonists from my Riyria stories. I also wanted it to be something that could be enjoyed by both veterans of my work, and those who have never read anything by me. I'll be honest, short stories are always difficult for me, as my writing style lends itself to novel-length works. So for this story, I did something unusual. I essentially wrote this short as if it were the end of longer work. The climax, if you will, of a longer story. In it, I reference prior events for context which allowed me to take what COULD have been a novel and made it into a short story.
This story is priced at the lowest price allowed on sites such as Amazon & Barnes and Noble ($0.99), but it is also available for free on Audible.com, and I'll be more than happy to email an ebook version if you write me at michael(dot)sullivan(dot)dc(at)gmail.com. This story isn't about "the money." It's something to help out a friend, and introduce people to my work. The hope, of course, is you'll like it enough to try some of my other works.
Thanks for listening to me ramble on, and I hope you'll try and like the story.
As to my story, I wanted to write about Royce and Hadrian, the two main protagonists from my Riyria stories. I also wanted it to be something that could be enjoyed by both veterans of my work, and those who have never read anything by me. I'll be honest, short stories are always difficult for me, as my writing style lends itself to novel-length works. So for this story, I did something unusual. I essentially wrote this short as if it were the end of longer work. The climax, if you will, of a longer story. In it, I reference prior events for context which allowed me to take what COULD have been a novel and made it into a short story.
This story is priced at the lowest price allowed on sites such as Amazon & Barnes and Noble ($0.99), but it is also available for free on Audible.com, and I'll be more than happy to email an ebook version if you write me at michael(dot)sullivan(dot)dc(at)gmail.com. This story isn't about "the money." It's something to help out a friend, and introduce people to my work. The hope, of course, is you'll like it enough to try some of my other works.
Thanks for listening to me ramble on, and I hope you'll try and like the story.
January 4, 2017
Fun Royce and Hadrian mini-episode on audio with the great Tim Gerard Reynolds.
3.5*
3.5*
June 21, 2016
4.5 Short Story Stars
This was free from audible and it was such a fun quick short story of just one of the predicaments Hadrian and Royce got themselves into during the Riyria Tales.
Trapped in a room with their client and a pig farmer they must chose between 3 options to get out and only one will work while the other will lead to certain death. What to do, what to do?
Great if you want to get a glimpse at one of my favorite bromances in literature or if you just can't get enough of the Riyria couple and their shenanigans
This was free from audible and it was such a fun quick short story of just one of the predicaments Hadrian and Royce got themselves into during the Riyria Tales.
Trapped in a room with their client and a pig farmer they must chose between 3 options to get out and only one will work while the other will lead to certain death. What to do, what to do?
Great if you want to get a glimpse at one of my favorite bromances in literature or if you just can't get enough of the Riyria couple and their shenanigans
August 9, 2016
Nice little short story that ties into the Riyria series giving us another look at "our heroes" in the midst of their employment as "Thieves for Hire". A few wise cracks with a philosophical lesson as an ending.
Actually could be used in a D&D game...
but don't let that put you off if you're not a gamer.
Fun, enjoy.
Actually could be used in a D&D game...
but don't let that put you off if you're not a gamer.
Fun, enjoy.
March 6, 2023
Decent short story set 5 years after The Crown Tower. It begins with Hadrian and Royce in the middle of a job involving a cave full of deadly traps.
I do wish that the story showed more of their journey through the cave instead of just showing the characters talking about it, though.
I do wish that the story showed more of their journey through the cave instead of just showing the characters talking about it, though.
January 22, 2015
This is a free audiobook right now, so I picked it up. Despite being an in-betweener for two of the author's other works, the beginning announces that it is a complete story. I'm not so sure of that as it lacks a beginning. We "begin" with four characters, falling into an abyss. Something is chasing them, though we are only vaguely informed what it is. The characters are a knight/swordsman-type, a thief, a wealthy candlemaker and a pig farmer, all searching together for some legendary treasure. They are all stereotypes: the thief being the somewhat sinister, self-interested and self-preserving anti-hero; the swordsman the classic hero; the wealthy woman an uppity snot; and the pigfarmer a sniveling coward.
Despite that, we get some interesting action and conflict right off the bat. I enjoyed the story and its fast pace until about halfway through when it screeches to a halt. Then, the characters talk about all the things that happened out of the readers purview. Annoying.
But then the action starts again, and the ending is tongue-in-cheek clever.
All in all, it was a fun time, and I would consider reading more of these characters. 3.5 stars
Despite that, we get some interesting action and conflict right off the bat. I enjoyed the story and its fast pace until about halfway through when it screeches to a halt. Then, the characters talk about all the things that happened out of the readers purview. Annoying.
But then the action starts again, and the ending is tongue-in-cheek clever.
All in all, it was a fun time, and I would consider reading more of these characters. 3.5 stars
November 17, 2017
I read this one a couple of years ago, in
Unfettered
anthology. But today I was in the mood of reading again an adventure of the Riyria duet, so I read it again. And I enjoyed it even more, now being more familiar with Hadrian and Royce. These two guys can make a rainy day quite sunny ;)
It can be read as standalone anytime.
It can be read as standalone anytime.
February 2, 2019
Royce and Hadrian are hired to do a job, but they're not doing it alone but with their employers - a pig farmer and a candle-maker. The job appears much more deadly than anticipated. Who has the wits shall survive.
A very enjoyable and witty short story, MJS knows how to deliver.
4.25/5
A very enjoyable and witty short story, MJS knows how to deliver.
4.25/5
March 14, 2017
My review: 4/5
I came through the Riyria novels while surfing and They sounded (or looked) really fun. So I ordered them and While I am waiting The author of those books accepted my friend request and offered me this short story and also another one. As I was saying I haven't read the novels yet and these short stories reveal nothing about the novels.
Okay, This story is really really good. It is 33 pages long and It is really really fast. It felt like It only took 5 minutes to read it. I liked the way he wrote the story , right from the middle. Just try this one out . I would recommend it. thank you and see you later in my next review.
I came through the Riyria novels while surfing and They sounded (or looked) really fun. So I ordered them and While I am waiting The author of those books accepted my friend request and offered me this short story and also another one. As I was saying I haven't read the novels yet and these short stories reveal nothing about the novels.
Okay, This story is really really good. It is 33 pages long and It is really really fast. It felt like It only took 5 minutes to read it. I liked the way he wrote the story , right from the middle. Just try this one out . I would recommend it. thank you and see you later in my next review.
December 11, 2017
What happens when a candle maker, a pig farmer, and two thieves go into a mountain cave looking for treasure? Well, from past experiences reading books with mountain caves involved, it usually doesn't end well.
The Jester drops you right into the midst of Royce and Hadrian's latest job, and it's not going so great for the dynamic duo.
This was a fun and really short read. I wanted to leave no stone unturned when it comes to my two favorite thieves for hire, so I decided to catch up on some Riyria shorties.
If your a Riyria fan, or just want to get to know Royce and Hadrian a little before starting one of their main series, this one is definitely entertaining.
4 stars ****
The Jester drops you right into the midst of Royce and Hadrian's latest job, and it's not going so great for the dynamic duo.
"This job was feeling much too similar to the Crown Tower, the first job he and Royce had done together. It had nearly killed them both."
This was a fun and really short read. I wanted to leave no stone unturned when it comes to my two favorite thieves for hire, so I decided to catch up on some Riyria shorties.
If your a Riyria fan, or just want to get to know Royce and Hadrian a little before starting one of their main series, this one is definitely entertaining.
4 stars ****
May 18, 2023
This is the best short story ever!! And it was just what I needed to get me out of my slump after the last upsetting book I read. This is hysterical. There's no story quite like those of Royce and Hadrian!
February 14, 2014
This short story on Audible (54 minutes), starts off with Royce and Hadrian running for their lives in an underground labyrinth on a mission gone wrong. To get out they will have to solve the Jester’s puzzle or die.
Recommended for fans of Riyria. The story is a bit meh – but it’s more of Royce and Hadrian and their banter - which is good. It’s more of Tim Gerard Reynolds’ audio narration – very good. And it was free on Audible – most excellent.
3 stars
Recommended for fans of Riyria. The story is a bit meh – but it’s more of Royce and Hadrian and their banter - which is good. It’s more of Tim Gerard Reynolds’ audio narration – very good. And it was free on Audible – most excellent.
3 stars
August 1, 2016
This short story should be enjoyable to anyone whose already Riyria fan, and a decent intro the main characters of the series without any concern towards spoilers for anyone who hasn't read any/all of the books yet.
The author's note indicates it takes place after The Rose and the Thorn, and I believe the story itself comments it's been 6 years since Riyria has been formed, making it about about 4 years after that book in fact.
It's very short and there are additional details I would have liked, but I think Mr. Sullivan does a good job of alluding to a more action packed adventure without going into detail.
I think this story really shows off his growth as a writer from the early Riyria stories as he's able to do a lot more with so few words.
Audio book: I sound like a broken record, but I believe Tim Reynolds reading of the Riyria books makes audio book the best way to experience them. Plus you can pick up it up for free on audible (at least at time of this review) so no reason not to check it out.
The author's note indicates it takes place after The Rose and the Thorn, and I believe the story itself comments it's been 6 years since Riyria has been formed, making it about about 4 years after that book in fact.
It's very short and there are additional details I would have liked, but I think Mr. Sullivan does a good job of alluding to a more action packed adventure without going into detail.
I think this story really shows off his growth as a writer from the early Riyria stories as he's able to do a lot more with so few words.
Audio book: I sound like a broken record, but I believe Tim Reynolds reading of the Riyria books makes audio book the best way to experience them. Plus you can pick up it up for free on audible (at least at time of this review) so no reason not to check it out.
May 10, 2016
A nice little short story with some meaning behind it. Nothing particularly special, but I enjoyed it all the same. The 2 characters beyond Royce and Hadrian were actually pretty interesting. And I think each represented what they were supposed to represent extremely well. Plus It was a free read, so I really can't complain. :D
June 8, 2016
An entertaining short story with a message at the end regarding the choices that one makes.
The Riyria duo are true to form, with Hadrian being ever-noble and compassionate, while Royce shrewd and cynical. The story started with the duo caught right in the middle of action and danger with two other characters. While I would have loved to read more of the preceding action, this was still a neat and fun package with a great ending.
The Riyria duo are true to form, with Hadrian being ever-noble and compassionate, while Royce shrewd and cynical. The story started with the duo caught right in the middle of action and danger with two other characters. While I would have loved to read more of the preceding action, this was still a neat and fun package with a great ending.
February 6, 2018
4.5 stars
This is a short story -- no longer than an average chapter -- that starts Royce and Hadrian in the middle of some action in their early career. They're fighting their way out of a booby-trapped cave. (Oooo!) It gives good insight into their characters if you aren't familiar with them yet.
This is a short story -- no longer than an average chapter -- that starts Royce and Hadrian in the middle of some action in their early career. They're fighting their way out of a booby-trapped cave. (Oooo!) It gives good insight into their characters if you aren't familiar with them yet.
February 10, 2025
This was a fun little short listen. It didn't draw me in like other stories, but the characters were okay and the story was not bad either. It was free and short, coming in at only 53 minutes. It was an easy listen at work.
December 16, 2018
Excellent short story, narration was perfect as always!
February 9, 2014
This short story was written as part of a book called Unfettered. This book is well worth a look as it has a few writers who aren't to bad at throwing a couple or three sentences together.
The Jester is a quick fast paced story that once again has our intrepid heroes accepting a job that drops them, literally, in the deep end. Whilst the story line is pretty simple there are some decisions to made, once again, life and death decisions, that play very nicely on the personalities of our two friends. I thought that Sullivan was well disciplined with this story. I assume that it was written recently and it would have been easy to write the characters as we know them now. But he was able to 'bring back' the old Royce and Hadrian from the early books and I loved reading them again to see how much they had changed.
The intro to the book states that you don't need to have read the Riyria series to enjoy this book, whilst that is true, I think that a big part of the fun of the book is the relationship between R and H and whilst you may 'like' the story you'll not get as much from it as you could. It should at least pique your interest enough to buy the series.
I listened to this on audio. Once again, Tim Reynolds does a wonderful job and I completely unreservedly recommend you get yourself into some Riyria and watch a talented author grow with his story.
The Jester is a quick fast paced story that once again has our intrepid heroes accepting a job that drops them, literally, in the deep end. Whilst the story line is pretty simple there are some decisions to made, once again, life and death decisions, that play very nicely on the personalities of our two friends. I thought that Sullivan was well disciplined with this story. I assume that it was written recently and it would have been easy to write the characters as we know them now. But he was able to 'bring back' the old Royce and Hadrian from the early books and I loved reading them again to see how much they had changed.
The intro to the book states that you don't need to have read the Riyria series to enjoy this book, whilst that is true, I think that a big part of the fun of the book is the relationship between R and H and whilst you may 'like' the story you'll not get as much from it as you could. It should at least pique your interest enough to buy the series.
I listened to this on audio. Once again, Tim Reynolds does a wonderful job and I completely unreservedly recommend you get yourself into some Riyria and watch a talented author grow with his story.
January 30, 2014
The Jester is an excellent short story which reunites readers with Royce and Hadrian - Michael J. Sullivan's dynamic duo, otherwise known as Riyria. The story serves both as a window into one of the pairs early adventures as well as to illustrate the potential consequences of the choices one makes in life. Tim Gerard Reynolds narration for the audiobook version is up to his usual excellent standard. Highly recommended for fans of Sullivan's Riyria books.
January 26, 2014
"Enjoyable narration and tight story (with message)"
My "Q&A review" from audible:
What other book might you compare The Jester to and why?
I wouldn't compare The Jester to another 'book', per se, as it think it's quite unique. However, there were some elements in it that I likened to, believe it or not, the "Saw" franchise of movies. And not because there's blood, gore, torture, and the like. Because there isn't. Instead, I thought of this given the predicament Hadrian and Royce find themselves in. And like any 'ticking time bomb' storyline, they have to think fast before it's too late.
What about Tim Gerard Reynolds’s performance did you like?
Everything. Tim's an excellent narrator who I happily followed through all six (three) of the Revelations books. He's in my top five narrators for fantasy, hands down. He's a "purchase maker" in my view.
My two cents: Any fantasy tale that starts off with the hero falling down a well/cave/hole is worth my time :)
My "Q&A review" from audible:
What other book might you compare The Jester to and why?
I wouldn't compare The Jester to another 'book', per se, as it think it's quite unique. However, there were some elements in it that I likened to, believe it or not, the "Saw" franchise of movies. And not because there's blood, gore, torture, and the like. Because there isn't. Instead, I thought of this given the predicament Hadrian and Royce find themselves in. And like any 'ticking time bomb' storyline, they have to think fast before it's too late.
What about Tim Gerard Reynolds’s performance did you like?
Everything. Tim's an excellent narrator who I happily followed through all six (three) of the Revelations books. He's in my top five narrators for fantasy, hands down. He's a "purchase maker" in my view.
My two cents: Any fantasy tale that starts off with the hero falling down a well/cave/hole is worth my time :)
August 21, 2015
For a short story this was so good and so fun. I loved what the Jester had them chasing after. This takes place 9 years after the duo first came together. They are inside a mountain, trying to get to the end of a treasure hunt that a woman had paid them to accompany her at. This had all the great aspects of the actual novels. Hadrian and Royce kept me entertained for this short hour. There were twists and a big reveal at the very end. Loved it :)
January 25, 2014
I'm running out of adjectives to describe the brilliance of Michael J. Sullivan so let me just say that this was a bloody good tale!
Reminded me of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in that we have our heroes, who we know and love, we have adventure and danger and humor all wrapped up in a tight story.
Every reason that I love to read can be found in this story.
Highest possible recommendation.
Reminded me of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in that we have our heroes, who we know and love, we have adventure and danger and humor all wrapped up in a tight story.
Every reason that I love to read can be found in this story.
Highest possible recommendation.
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