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The Riyria Chronicles #2.6
Professional Integrity
Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan. Usually that means stealing something, but when a young heiress asks them to steal her…well, that's a first for the pair. All is not as it seems, but Royce is determined to get the bottom of what's actually going on. After all, he has his professional integrity at stake.
MP3 CD
First published June 3, 2015
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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 - 30 of 371 reviews
October 3, 2024
Another short story in The Riyria Chronicles series and one I enjoyed more than the previous one. The plot was interesting and the banter between my favourite duo was excellent as always. This time, the two are asked by heiress to be stollen from her home. Deciding to investigate the reason between the young woman's wish to leave home, Royce and Hadrian stumble over something quite intriguing and strange.
August 27, 2022
Michale J. Sullivan tells us the story of Riyria, which is a thieves-for-hire organization. Hadrian and Royce started this organization as help to various nobles in their town. Life was going well until one day, a lady visits them and asks them to steal her. They decide to unravel the mystery behind what was happening in her life. This book will be a good choice if you are a fan of the Riyria Chronicles.
“There is evil in all of us, and it is the mark of a man how he defies the evil within”
August 21, 2018
It all begins when a young woman asks the infamous Royce and Hadrian to kidnap her so that her suitor will realise that she is gone and fall in love with her. Yeah, I agreed with Royce - not a bright lass.
My standard for any additions to this Magnum Opus of a series (a series with a place nestled in my heart cozily next to The Lord of the Rings) isn't exactly lenient, and I expect nothing from the best from one of the Greatest Modern Fantasy Authors of All Time. But even though the banter between my beloved Royce and Hadrian was absolutely wonderful, and the plot twist wasn't too bad either, this ultimately fell flat and felt Just a tad stilted.
Look, I'm trying my best to rate this in terms of:
1)It being an Audible freebie
2)It being only 35 pages/1 hour and 15 minutes long.
But damn am I sorely disappointed since I can't help but keep this accountable to the standards of the usual Michael J. Sullivan fare. And let's face it, he sets the bar pretty high with the main series. I feel that this was rushed in audio production and rushed in writing.
I would NOT recommend this to people who aren't familiar with the series - this short does it a disservice. If you want to dive into this luscious series of masterful writing, characters, story, plot and twists - then don't read this. Go forth, my child, and read
However, I WOULD recommend this to those who have already read the Riyria series if you're thirsty for some Royce and Hadrian. I mean, it's like Supernatural - however mediocre the episode, you keep watching for Sam and Dean, right?
Another Riyria short that I'd recommend over this
. It's short and really gives you a taste of this beautiful, beautiful series and those beautiful, beautiful men
My standard for any additions to this Magnum Opus of a series (a series with a place nestled in my heart cozily next to The Lord of the Rings) isn't exactly lenient, and I expect nothing from the best from one of the Greatest Modern Fantasy Authors of All Time. But even though the banter between my beloved Royce and Hadrian was absolutely wonderful, and the plot twist wasn't too bad either, this ultimately fell flat and felt Just a tad stilted.
Look, I'm trying my best to rate this in terms of:
1)It being an Audible freebie
2)It being only 35 pages/1 hour and 15 minutes long.
But damn am I sorely disappointed since I can't help but keep this accountable to the standards of the usual Michael J. Sullivan fare. And let's face it, he sets the bar pretty high with the main series. I feel that this was rushed in audio production and rushed in writing.
I would NOT recommend this to people who aren't familiar with the series - this short does it a disservice. If you want to dive into this luscious series of masterful writing, characters, story, plot and twists - then don't read this. Go forth, my child, and read
However, I WOULD recommend this to those who have already read the Riyria series if you're thirsty for some Royce and Hadrian. I mean, it's like Supernatural - however mediocre the episode, you keep watching for Sam and Dean, right?
Another Riyria short that I'd recommend over this
. It's short and really gives you a taste of this beautiful, beautiful series 
January 2, 2025
I could listen to these Riyria shorts all day and never get bored.
P.S. Don't tell anyone but this one is free on Audible.
· Book 1: The Crown Tower ★★★★
· Book 2: The Rose and the Thorn ★★★★
· Book 2.5: The Jester ★★★★
· Book 3: The Death of Dulgath ★★★★
· Book 4: The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter ★★★★★
· Book 5: Drumindor ★★
P.S. Don't tell anyone but this one is free on Audible.
· Book 1: The Crown Tower ★★★★
· Book 2: The Rose and the Thorn ★★★★
· Book 2.5: The Jester ★★★★
· Book 3: The Death of Dulgath ★★★★
· Book 4: The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter ★★★★★
· Book 5: Drumindor ★★
June 15, 2015
Executive Summary: Another fun Riyria short story.
Audio book: Tim Gerarld Reynolds has spoiled me. I've owned the book this story was originally released in for a few months and didn't read it, but once an audio version was made available, I jumped all over it.
There is no other way for me to experience Riyria at this point than when narrated by Mr. Reynolds. He really brings the characters to life for me.
Full Review
For someone whose claimed they can't write short fiction, Mr. Sullivan once again does a good job in my opinion. I had largely backed BLACKGUARDS: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues because I knew a Riyria story would be in it.
I think I enjoyed this one more than The Jester, but it's hard to choose. The story is a lot of fun. I could listen to Royce and Hadrian banter for hours. Or 90 minutes as the case may be.
A bit of a strange job for a pair of thieves leads to a rather amusing story. While it won't be as legendary as some of their other capers, it's still a good story to share over a pint of ale at Rose and Thorn. That is if they ever talked to anyone about their past jobs.
If you haven't yet given Riyria a shot, you haven't been paying much attention to my reviews. Much like the Jester this is an excellent way to sample both the Riyria stories and the excellent audio narration to whet your appetite for what is a really excellent series.
Audio book: Tim Gerarld Reynolds has spoiled me. I've owned the book this story was originally released in for a few months and didn't read it, but once an audio version was made available, I jumped all over it.
There is no other way for me to experience Riyria at this point than when narrated by Mr. Reynolds. He really brings the characters to life for me.
Full Review
For someone whose claimed they can't write short fiction, Mr. Sullivan once again does a good job in my opinion. I had largely backed BLACKGUARDS: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues because I knew a Riyria story would be in it.
I think I enjoyed this one more than The Jester, but it's hard to choose. The story is a lot of fun. I could listen to Royce and Hadrian banter for hours. Or 90 minutes as the case may be.
A bit of a strange job for a pair of thieves leads to a rather amusing story. While it won't be as legendary as some of their other capers, it's still a good story to share over a pint of ale at Rose and Thorn. That is if they ever talked to anyone about their past jobs.
If you haven't yet given Riyria a shot, you haven't been paying much attention to my reviews. Much like the Jester this is an excellent way to sample both the Riyria stories and the excellent audio narration to whet your appetite for what is a really excellent series.
March 8, 2016
I love the Riyria books by Michael J. Sullivan. I enjoyed this novella as well as the other stories and novels in this world, but I suppose you can say that the rating here is lower than the others because the bar has been set pretty high. That said, this was pretty darn good. I enjoyed the banter of Royce and Hadrian, and it was great to see them handling another heist that didn't go as planned.
Read
October 24, 2015Well as usual, this isn't a review (as it's my own book) but as I've done with my other books, I'll instead do a bit of a "behind the scenes" kind o thing.
This short story was my contribution to the BLACKGUARDS: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues anthology. This is a compilation put out by Ragnarok Publishing and contains tales of rogues, assassins, and mercenaries set in the worlds of authors such as myself, David Dalglish's Dezrel, Mark Lawrence's The Broken Empire, Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori, Mark Smylie's Sword and Barrow, Anthony Ryan's Raven's Shadow, Shawn Speakman's Chronicles of Annwn, Carol Berg's Sanctuary, James A. Moore's Seven Forges, Django Wexler's Shadow Campaigns, Laura Resnick's Silerian Trilogy, Peter Orullian's Vault of Heaven, Kenny Soward's GnomeSaga, Paul S. Kemp's Egil and Nix, and more!
For my own story, author Shawn Speakman bought a Tuckerization, so I inserted his fiance, her father and even a cameo for Shawn. As it turns out, he's engaged to Kristin Lamb, and the name "Lamb" turned out to be a perfect name for a story involving wolves ;-)
I ran over the 7,500 word count limit and this short weighs in around 10,800, but I think it's the length it needed to be, and luckily the editor didn't require me to cut it as I like the story just the way it is. I hope you'll feel the same.
This short story was my contribution to the BLACKGUARDS: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues anthology. This is a compilation put out by Ragnarok Publishing and contains tales of rogues, assassins, and mercenaries set in the worlds of authors such as myself, David Dalglish's Dezrel, Mark Lawrence's The Broken Empire, Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori, Mark Smylie's Sword and Barrow, Anthony Ryan's Raven's Shadow, Shawn Speakman's Chronicles of Annwn, Carol Berg's Sanctuary, James A. Moore's Seven Forges, Django Wexler's Shadow Campaigns, Laura Resnick's Silerian Trilogy, Peter Orullian's Vault of Heaven, Kenny Soward's GnomeSaga, Paul S. Kemp's Egil and Nix, and more!
For my own story, author Shawn Speakman bought a Tuckerization, so I inserted his fiance, her father and even a cameo for Shawn. As it turns out, he's engaged to Kristin Lamb, and the name "Lamb" turned out to be a perfect name for a story involving wolves ;-)
I ran over the 7,500 word count limit and this short weighs in around 10,800, but I think it's the length it needed to be, and luckily the editor didn't require me to cut it as I like the story just the way it is. I hope you'll feel the same.
January 6, 2017
Best of the Riyeria short story. Audio as usual terrific with Tim Gerard Reynolds.
March 6, 2023
Excellent short story! A young noblewoman hires Royce and Hadrian to kidnap her, but the job is more complicated than it seems.
Found in the "Blackguards" anthology.
Found in the "Blackguards" anthology.
October 27, 2017
A young lady asked Hadrian and Royce to kidnap her in order for the love of her life to notice and jump into her rescue. Only nothing is as it seems to be.
Not as delightful as other Riyria adventures, but still a fun read.
It can be read at anytime, it's not related to the main books other than the characters.
Not as delightful as other Riyria adventures, but still a fun read.
It can be read at anytime, it's not related to the main books other than the characters.
February 2, 2019
It was nice to get back to Royce and Hadrian after a while. The pair of thieves is hired to do a very odd job and the outcome is very amusing. Lots of fun and great banter is a sure thing when this pair is hired to do such a strange job.
4.25/5
4.25/5
August 27, 2015
This was a fun little story. The perfect thing to listen to before going back to work. Hadrian and Royce were hilarious, as always. And this time around they play the part of Werewolf hunters...of some sort. :)
March 15, 2017
My Rating: 3.8/5
This is a good story. It is a fast read ( It's only 43 pages). You know, It's just fun reading these. The dialogues are good. You don't go around poking through the story finding literature quality. The story is just for fun and I liked it very much. Thank you.,
This is a good story. It is a fast read ( It's only 43 pages). You know, It's just fun reading these. The dialogues are good. You don't go around poking through the story finding literature quality. The story is just for fun and I liked it very much. Thank you.,
June 8, 2016
A free audible (short story) book following a massively successful Kickstarter for Sullivan's 3rd book of the Riyria Chronicles, Death of Dulgath - Christmas came early! I was so happy to get more Hadrian and Royce, and they did not disappoint. Both true to form - Hadrian ever the noble and idealistic chap, and Royce shrewd and cynical. Interesting story with a mystery slant and a twist at the end. No prior knowledge of Riyria is required but it's much more fun if you do.
November 16, 2015
This story is a little bit of a predictable one, but it's also a really funny one. I definitely enjoyed returning to the characters of Hadrian and Royce once more and they amused me to no end with their jibes, wit and funny adventures. This story is probably one of the more ludicrous of Sullivan's works, but it still managed to keep me listening (I had the audiobook version) and keep me entertained. I definitely would recommend this if you've read and enjoyed his other work :) 4*s
August 2, 2015
Let me begin by saying I do not know Michael Sullivan. I think I commented on someone's review of his book once, but that's about all the personal contact I have had with this guy.
Yet, I have downloaded two of his stories free on Audible (this one is currently free - go get it!). They were both immensely enjoyable. The author's character, Royce (and vicariously the author himself), has such a sharp wit and gift for dry comedic timing, sarcastic but not base, smart as all hell, that I could not help but fall in love with the voice.
This story starts off amusing, and as soon as I heard talk of the steel box, I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading. I sighed, thinking I was loving the telling of the tale but wishing I hadn't had it all figured out.
I didn't know shit.
Sullivan can not only write a great story, but he's mastered pacing, comedy, action, horror, and thrills. The poor guy has given me two free stories on audible, and I haven't shown him any support yet via a purchase. I mean to rectify that shortly.
Here's something else I've noticed about Michael Sullivan. I've seen him respond to new authors, showing them guidance and encouragement. Being a fairly young author myself, that gets 80,000 fist pumps, 100,000 props, and a great big hug he won't ever actually want from me.
So, Mr. Michael Sullivan, you've earned a fan, both of your writing and of your "professional integrity". Unlike Royce, you know what that term means.
Yet, I have downloaded two of his stories free on Audible (this one is currently free - go get it!). They were both immensely enjoyable. The author's character, Royce (and vicariously the author himself), has such a sharp wit and gift for dry comedic timing, sarcastic but not base, smart as all hell, that I could not help but fall in love with the voice.
This story starts off amusing, and as soon as I heard talk of the steel box, I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading. I sighed, thinking I was loving the telling of the tale but wishing I hadn't had it all figured out.
I didn't know shit.
Sullivan can not only write a great story, but he's mastered pacing, comedy, action, horror, and thrills. The poor guy has given me two free stories on audible, and I haven't shown him any support yet via a purchase. I mean to rectify that shortly.
Here's something else I've noticed about Michael Sullivan. I've seen him respond to new authors, showing them guidance and encouragement. Being a fairly young author myself, that gets 80,000 fist pumps, 100,000 props, and a great big hug he won't ever actually want from me.
So, Mr. Michael Sullivan, you've earned a fan, both of your writing and of your "professional integrity". Unlike Royce, you know what that term means.
August 7, 2015
Not bad if you're already a fan. Not that good either.
Free on Audible - excellent!
3 stars.
Free on Audible - excellent!
3 stars.
August 22, 2017
This was a great little story following Royce and Hadrian on another adventure. These two are so great together, it even shows in these short stories as they banter back and forth. One of the best friendships I've ever read.
Hadrian comparing Royce to a cat was one of my favorite things. It works so well. I also love how curious Royce is and how once he has a question he has to follow it back and find out the truth. He doesn't like being used and he has to be sure he doesn't let anyone get over on him.
A fun story with fantastic characters and a nice little taste of Riyria. You can read this before or after you've read the novels, it doesn't matter. It's not a needed addition to the story, so don't feel like you have to read it to get the full experience, but it is a lot of fun so it's worth it.
I listened to the audio of this and really love the narration. Now I want to try and get the novels on audio and do a reread in that format. I highly recommend anything Riyria or Michael J Sullivan.
Hadrian comparing Royce to a cat was one of my favorite things. It works so well. I also love how curious Royce is and how once he has a question he has to follow it back and find out the truth. He doesn't like being used and he has to be sure he doesn't let anyone get over on him.
A fun story with fantastic characters and a nice little taste of Riyria. You can read this before or after you've read the novels, it doesn't matter. It's not a needed addition to the story, so don't feel like you have to read it to get the full experience, but it is a lot of fun so it's worth it.
I listened to the audio of this and really love the narration. Now I want to try and get the novels on audio and do a reread in that format. I highly recommend anything Riyria or Michael J Sullivan.
June 9, 2015
Great little lunch time read. Originally printed as part of the BLACKGUARDS: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues anthology, now available as a FREE standalone. This story gives readers a good dose of Riyria that they have been missing since finishing Sullivan's other Riyria books, and if you've never read a Riyria book this is a great place to start. It shows how Royce and Hadrian work together and banter without giving away anything of the plots of his other works.
February 5, 2017
Professional Integrity (Riyria #2.6) by Michael J. Sullivan is an awesome book that had twists and turns all over the place. Our heroes were hired the a young lass to kidnap her so one of the guys would rescue her and she would be notice by this handsome guy. The heroes were not interested, even with the large amount of money she offered until she said that her dad locked her in a metal box on the nights the guy comes over. Now, intrigued, they took the case just to see what was going on. It was a very exciting and clever book. Loved it! LOTS of twists! It was free on amazon audio.
March 1, 2024
This is the second Riyria short story I have read in as many days, and while I thoroughly enjoyed The Jester (and gave it 5 stars), Professional Integrity was much better, in my opinion. If you haven't read any of the Riyria books yet (and aren't quite willing to invest $10 to grab the first book, Theft of Swords), I would suggest you start here.
It is a PERFECT introduction to two of my favorite characters in literature. And it's free!
It is a PERFECT introduction to two of my favorite characters in literature. And it's free!
August 2, 2015
This was an enjoyable short story - I listened to the audio version. I love Mr. Reynolds as a reader, and the story was very entertaining.
January 19, 2018
Fantastic short story about Riyria. This was my first taste of Royce and Hadrian, and I've loved them ever since!
February 2, 2023
For free on audible! Great narrator!
Not sure who these people are, but they should definitely take their show on the road. Longer and darker story than the Jester, with a bit more meat to it.
Not sure who these people are, but they should definitely take their show on the road. Longer and darker story than the Jester, with a bit more meat to it.
January 16, 2025
4.5 stars—-
October 6, 2019
Fun, as expected. This was my first listen to the team and I enjoyed it a lot.
December 16, 2018
Another excellent short story!!
April 24, 2019
This is a fun short story that's plotted a bit like an old Sherlock Holmes story (my best reference, as I don't read many short stories). It's a simple mystery that might bring to mind the Hound of the Baskervilles, but dressed up in the Riyria world, and featuring its characters. Fun light reading.
October 12, 2021
“You’re willing to pay fifteen tenents just in the hope your disappearance will be noticed by this Ianto fellow?” “Clever, right?” “Not if clever means the same in your world as it does in ours,”
A clever short story which fans of Riyria will enjoy. Others will perhaps wonder what’s going on. Of course, so did Royce.
“Years spent with Royce had taught Hadrian intimidation was a useful tool in saving lives. This wasn’t the lesson Royce intended him to learn, but Royce wasn’t the best teacher.”
A good introduction to the world of Hadrian and Royce, though many of the allusions are more like Easter eggs for insiders than information for the uninitiated. The tone of the tale is typical, as is the mix of benign and horrible. Humor.
“So if it was such a stupid idea, why are we here?” “Professional integrity.”
One question: How did they get the locket on the [redacted] neck?
“Oh, she needs help all right, but we’re not in the helping business.” “But she’s also paying fifteen gold tenents. You like gold tenents.”
A clever short story which fans of Riyria will enjoy. Others will perhaps wonder what’s going on. Of course, so did Royce.
“Years spent with Royce had taught Hadrian intimidation was a useful tool in saving lives. This wasn’t the lesson Royce intended him to learn, but Royce wasn’t the best teacher.”
A good introduction to the world of Hadrian and Royce, though many of the allusions are more like Easter eggs for insiders than information for the uninitiated. The tone of the tale is typical, as is the mix of benign and horrible. Humor.
“So if it was such a stupid idea, why are we here?” “Professional integrity.”
One question: How did they get the locket on the [redacted] neck?
“Oh, she needs help all right, but we’re not in the helping business.” “But she’s also paying fifteen gold tenents. You like gold tenents.”
May 10, 2016
Another short read following Royce and Hadrian on a job. I liked this one even more. Really, the only thing I can actually complain about is that it wasn't longer. Seems like an injustice to me. Ah, well. Still a great, entertaining read. AND IT IS FREE!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews