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The Riyria Sampler
Three short stories and an excerpt from the upcoming novel (The Death of Dulgath) provides an introduction to Riyria, a team of rogues featuring Hadrian Blackwater (an idealistic swordsman) and Royce Melborn (a cynical thief). This sampler provides some examples to help the reader determine if the full-length novels are a good fit for their reading preferences.
Three short stories and an excerpt from the upcoming novel (The Death of Dulgath) provides an introduction to Riyria, a team of rogues featuring Hadrian Blackwater (an idealistic swordsman) and Royce Melborn (a cynical thief). This sampler provides some examples to help the reader determine if the full-length novels are a good fit for their reading preferences.
The Thieves: Originally, this was a scene written for Nyphron Rising (the first novel in the Rise of Empire omnibus). Eventually, it became the opening of Theft of Swords when Orbit purchased and republished the series as three, two-book volumes. Here is a bit about that story: A band of thieves sets upon two lonely riders in the middle of the night. They had a larger party. They had the element of surprise. There was no reason to be concerned, but they didn’t realize who they were dealing with.
The Viscount: Originally titled “The Viscount and the Witch,” this was published in the fall of 2011. It was written to provide a gift to my fans after my books were removed from the market to make room for Orbit’s versions. It’s also the seed that later became The Riyria Chronicles, and this short now appears as the second chapter of The Rose and the Thorn. Here is a bit about this short: Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief decides to teach his idealist swordsman partner that no good deed goes unpunished. Will Royce wind up proving his point or be schooled himself?
The Jester: Originally released in the Unfettered anthology (edited by Shawn Speakman and published by Grim Oak Press), I did something a bit unusual with this short story. Faced with the word count restrictions inherent with anthologies, I wrote what is essentially the climax for what could have been a full-length novel. I throw the reader into the middle of the story and make only brief illusions to what had come before. It’s an interesting experiment and seems to have worked out well based on the high praise it has received. Here is a bit about this story: 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.
The Death of Dulgath excerpt isn’t a short story. It’s the opening scene to the new novel, which will be coming out before the end of 2015. Here is a bit about that book.
Three short stories and an excerpt from the upcoming novel (The Death of Dulgath) provides an introduction to Riyria, a team of rogues featuring Hadrian Blackwater (an idealistic swordsman) and Royce Melborn (a cynical thief). This sampler provides some examples to help the reader determine if the full-length novels are a good fit for their reading preferences.
The Thieves: Originally, this was a scene written for Nyphron Rising (the first novel in the Rise of Empire omnibus). Eventually, it became the opening of Theft of Swords when Orbit purchased and republished the series as three, two-book volumes. Here is a bit about that story: A band of thieves sets upon two lonely riders in the middle of the night. They had a larger party. They had the element of surprise. There was no reason to be concerned, but they didn’t realize who they were dealing with.
The Viscount: Originally titled “The Viscount and the Witch,” this was published in the fall of 2011. It was written to provide a gift to my fans after my books were removed from the market to make room for Orbit’s versions. It’s also the seed that later became The Riyria Chronicles, and this short now appears as the second chapter of The Rose and the Thorn. Here is a bit about this short: Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief decides to teach his idealist swordsman partner that no good deed goes unpunished. Will Royce wind up proving his point or be schooled himself?
The Jester: Originally released in the Unfettered anthology (edited by Shawn Speakman and published by Grim Oak Press), I did something a bit unusual with this short story. Faced with the word count restrictions inherent with anthologies, I wrote what is essentially the climax for what could have been a full-length novel. I throw the reader into the middle of the story and make only brief illusions to what had come before. It’s an interesting experiment and seems to have worked out well based on the high praise it has received. Here is a bit about this story: 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.
The Death of Dulgath excerpt isn’t a short story. It’s the opening scene to the new novel, which will be coming out before the end of 2015. Here is a bit about that book.
- GenresFantasyHigh Fantasy
63 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2015
44 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Sullivan
86 books95.6k 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:
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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 FREE on YOUTUBE!
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:
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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 FREE on YOUTUBE!
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 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 17, 2018
First and foremost I must mention that the Riyria Sampler is free on Amazon and Michael J. Sullivan's website. Michael J. Sullivan's site has various format options while Amazon only offers a Kindle edition.
The Thieves
This short story is one I'm familiar with as it's in the omnibus Theft of Swords. Hadrian and Royce find themselves about to be robbed until a choice word changes the conversation. I do enjoy reading about Royce being helpful.
3 out of 5 stars
The Viscount
A woman asks for help, Hadrian springs to her aid, and Royce scowls.
The Viscount perfectly explains Hadrian and Royce's personalities. Hadrian sees himself as a hero and is willing to do good for good's sake. Royce is brooding and jaded while exuding an air of danger. The two are opposites in seemingly every way yet they balance each other's shortcomings.
The Viscount while simple provides a good look into the members of Riyria.
3 out of 5 stars
The Jester
Riyria has been hired by a candle makers widow to help find a treasure. A dwarf Jester left pieces to a map and dangerous traps for any who would come looking.
The Jester is a solid short story that depicts the kind of mess Riyria usually finds itself in. Nothing ground breaking occurs. This is the type of short story that truly doesn't add much to the larger story although it reinforces the duo's effectiveness and relationship.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Thieves
This short story is one I'm familiar with as it's in the omnibus Theft of Swords. Hadrian and Royce find themselves about to be robbed until a choice word changes the conversation. I do enjoy reading about Royce being helpful.
3 out of 5 stars
The Viscount
A woman asks for help, Hadrian springs to her aid, and Royce scowls.
The Viscount perfectly explains Hadrian and Royce's personalities. Hadrian sees himself as a hero and is willing to do good for good's sake. Royce is brooding and jaded while exuding an air of danger. The two are opposites in seemingly every way yet they balance each other's shortcomings.
The Viscount while simple provides a good look into the members of Riyria.
3 out of 5 stars
The Jester
Riyria has been hired by a candle makers widow to help find a treasure. A dwarf Jester left pieces to a map and dangerous traps for any who would come looking.
The Jester is a solid short story that depicts the kind of mess Riyria usually finds itself in. Nothing ground breaking occurs. This is the type of short story that truly doesn't add much to the larger story although it reinforces the duo's effectiveness and relationship.
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 27, 2017
I've been wanting to read Riyria Revelations for quite some times. But since I was defeated by my greed with lots of books in one time (well yeah, I want to read everything in one time which will put my brain scattered) which results to procrastination.
So, first off, I would like to thank Mr. Micheal J. Sullivan for giving me this opportunity to read the sampler of his Riyria Revelations as he predicted that I would love this short story.
I really love Hadrian & Royce friendship. They bickered quite a lot but they surely never leave each other. I did realised that they were both opposite to each other. One loved to help & friendly nature and the other always giving the I-don't-care vibe. But surprisingly they stayed loyal to each other. All these things happening in the sampler made me curious on how they actually met for the first time (oh, did it happened on the first book?).
Last but not least, I will give the first book a try once I settle down my currently reading. I like how the story goes. Not to mention, their journey kind of interesting. And the way the story written was easy to digest. I can't wait to get my hands on the first book!
So, first off, I would like to thank Mr. Micheal J. Sullivan for giving me this opportunity to read the sampler of his Riyria Revelations as he predicted that I would love this short story.
I really love Hadrian & Royce friendship. They bickered quite a lot but they surely never leave each other. I did realised that they were both opposite to each other. One loved to help & friendly nature and the other always giving the I-don't-care vibe. But surprisingly they stayed loyal to each other. All these things happening in the sampler made me curious on how they actually met for the first time (oh, did it happened on the first book?).
Last but not least, I will give the first book a try once I settle down my currently reading. I like how the story goes. Not to mention, their journey kind of interesting. And the way the story written was easy to digest. I can't wait to get my hands on the first book!
December 7, 2016
A great collection of short stories!
This was my first introduction to Riyria. Thank you Micheal J. Sullivan for sending me this. I'm excited to read the novels.
This was my first introduction to Riyria. Thank you Micheal J. Sullivan for sending me this. I'm excited to read the novels.
April 13, 2017
This Sampler is exactly what the title suggests. And it's a good one too. If you haven't read any Riyria novels, this (Free!) little short story collection can be a good place to start.
Most of the stories are actually chapters from Riyria novels. The first story 'Thieves' is the first chapter of Theft of Swords, Book one of Riyria Revelations. That's where I started reading MJS' books and I would recommend starting there too.
The only thing I felt this sampler needed was a little more editing for the short 'The Jester.' I loved the story, it just didn't have the same polish that most of MJS' writing usually has. It may be because he was trying to work with a word count limit, I don't know. It just didn't flow as well as everything else I've read from him.
I'm always so pleasantly entertained by the banter between Royce and Hadrian. I love that they are, deep down at least, best friends, yet almost complete opposites. The dialogue between them is always smile worthy.
Thanks Michael for introducing me to the duo :)
Most of the stories are actually chapters from Riyria novels. The first story 'Thieves' is the first chapter of Theft of Swords, Book one of Riyria Revelations. That's where I started reading MJS' books and I would recommend starting there too.
The only thing I felt this sampler needed was a little more editing for the short 'The Jester.' I loved the story, it just didn't have the same polish that most of MJS' writing usually has. It may be because he was trying to work with a word count limit, I don't know. It just didn't flow as well as everything else I've read from him.
I'm always so pleasantly entertained by the banter between Royce and Hadrian. I love that they are, deep down at least, best friends, yet almost complete opposites. The dialogue between them is always smile worthy.
Thanks Michael for introducing me to the duo :)
June 29, 2015
For Riyria aficionados this collection of short stories includes only seven pages of new material, but it is an excellent introduction to Royce and Hadrian (or Hadrian and Royce, depending on your proclivities). The byplay between this pair is the lietmotif of every Riyria book. (They are Riyria; it means “two” in the elfish tongue of their world.)
Never fear, each Riyria novel has a genuine plot and a basso continuo of the struggle of good versus evil in their world. As thieves, they would automatically seem enlisted on the dark side. Not so. (That shouldn’t be a spoiler.) But telling you why not and how it works out would be telling. So … I won’t.
If you’re intrigued, read this. It’s short, obvious, and fun. The price is right: free. (For a limited time.)
Enjoy.
Never fear, each Riyria novel has a genuine plot and a basso continuo of the struggle of good versus evil in their world. As thieves, they would automatically seem enlisted on the dark side. Not so. (That shouldn’t be a spoiler.) But telling you why not and how it works out would be telling. So … I won’t.
If you’re intrigued, read this. It’s short, obvious, and fun. The price is right: free. (For a limited time.)
Enjoy.
January 31, 2020
These short stories made me want to read all of Michael J. Sullivan’s books. I like his writing style and sense of humor. Besides, Hadrian and Royce are likeable and I want to know more about them.
April 4, 2017
This was my first introduction to Riyria and it totally exceeded my expectations. Hadrian and Royce have one of the most entertaining relationships I have encountered and I couldn't stop laughing at their constant bickering even in this short sample. The dialogue was lighthearted and funny which is refreshing amongst all the dark fantasy that is so popular nowadays (which I also l like, but sometimes need a break from). Thanks to Michael for sending me this - I'm excited to read the full novels!
March 9, 2016
Super stoked to get The Jester in ebook form since I've only had the audiobook (which was also free on audible). The excerpt from Death of Dulgath was so typical Riyria (read : the best bromance in fantasy) that Dec can't come fast enough. The other short stories in this Sampler, The Thieves Short Story and The Viscount Short Story, are some of my favourites scenes in the Riyria series. Great sampler collection!
December 28, 2025
Intreguing
These had a few intriguing stories that were a good sample of what to expect and seves as a good advertisement for the books.
These had a few intriguing stories that were a good sample of what to expect and seves as a good advertisement for the books.
February 6, 2016
If you are new to Mr. Sullivan's work then you are in for a treat. An excellent introduction to Royce and Hadrian and their exploits. Royce and Hadrian are similar to Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, but Mr. Sullivan has created something all his own. This e-book is just what it states in
the title: a sampler and it's free so enjoy.
the title: a sampler and it's free so enjoy.
June 29, 2015
Five stars! 3 free short stories and an excerpt! I wish I could read the first one without already knowing the characters, but such is the world we live in, with us only knowing how to move forward in time.
April 12, 2016
Just as is written, it is a sample of some of the books. I haven't read any of his books so I thought I would try this to see if I would like him. And it was free at Amazon kindle. Needless to say by the stars I gave it I am looking forward to reading some of his books. In fact I can't wait!
February 14, 2024
The Jester was the only story I hadn't read previously, and it was fun (though the audiobook version didn't exactly match the text, but whatever). I especially liked the last few lines of it.
This is altogether a solid intro to the Riyria series, which has absolutely captured my heart.
This is altogether a solid intro to the Riyria series, which has absolutely captured my heart.
June 28, 2015
Nice selection
Several stories about Riyria that serve to add depth to the characters and their relationship. Fun reads. An enjoyable collection.
Several stories about Riyria that serve to add depth to the characters and their relationship. Fun reads. An enjoyable collection.
September 9, 2015
I love these characters and the story!
May 17, 2018
Nice stories.
October 29, 2023
A selection of three short stories an introduction to Hadrian and Royce.
November 13, 2020
I love Hadrian and Royce so...its all love!! Great author Great Books!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews