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The Riyria Revelations #5
Das Fest von Aquesta
Der Erbe – in den Händen des Feindes. Die Hochzeit – eine tödliche Falle. Der Gegner – ein alter Bekannter. Beim Winterfest will das Neue Imperium seine ganze Macht und Grausamkeit zeigen, doch Hadrian und Royce haben vor, diese Pläne zu durchkreuzen.
Mit den Feierlichkeiten will Saldur, der Regent des Neuen Imperiums, das Schicksal seiner Widersacher endgültig besiegeln: Arista, die Hexe von Melengar, und Degan Gaunt, der Erbe Novrons, sollen öffentlich hingerichtet werden. Um Arista und Gaunt zu retten, muss Hadrian am großen Turnier von Aquesta teilnehmen und einen Ritter töten. Royce hingegen jagt Merrick Marius, seinen größten Feind – und ältesten Freund. Gleichzeitig steht die Hochzeit der Imperatorin Modina an, der Höhepunkt der Feierlichkeiten, auf den schon bald ein tödlicher Unfall folgen wird...
Mit den Feierlichkeiten will Saldur, der Regent des Neuen Imperiums, das Schicksal seiner Widersacher endgültig besiegeln: Arista, die Hexe von Melengar, und Degan Gaunt, der Erbe Novrons, sollen öffentlich hingerichtet werden. Um Arista und Gaunt zu retten, muss Hadrian am großen Turnier von Aquesta teilnehmen und einen Ritter töten. Royce hingegen jagt Merrick Marius, seinen größten Feind – und ältesten Freund. Gleichzeitig steht die Hochzeit der Imperatorin Modina an, der Höhepunkt der Feierlichkeiten, auf den schon bald ein tödlicher Unfall folgen wird...
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
58 people are currently reading
5379 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 537 reviews
September 25, 2023
Chyba sobie ze mnie kurwa Sullivan żartujesz. Przestań robić takie rzeczy w książkach psychopato.
Najlepszy tom, serce boli.
Najlepszy tom, serce boli.
June 5, 2023
Hadrian esta en problemas, Arista esta encarcelada, el imperio parece haber apoderado de todo, no parece haber ninguna oportunidad para revelarse. Pero no todas las esperanzas estan perdidas, la ayuda puede llegar desde cualquier lugar, hasta el mas inocente de los ninos puede salvar el reino si esta en el lugar apropiado. Quizas necesiten suerte, o quizas sea su destino, pero Hadrian, Royce, junto con Arista, Modina y Amelia tendran que buscar la manera de liberar al Imperio del gobierno que los tiene reprimidos y darle un poco mas de libertad y paz.
Guao!, este libro lo agarre y no pude soltarlo hasta que termine de leerlo!, tenia mucho que no me pasaba esto con un libro de este genero. Claro, ya conocemos a los personajes, ya conocemos la trama, ya sabemos lo que deberia pasar, pero eso no le quita para nada la emocion de leerlo, de sorprendernos con alguno de los personajes. Tampoco evita que te duela la muerte de otros, ni te rias con alguna de las cosas que pasen, ni te indigne lo inocente que siguen siendo algunos.
En fin, esta saga se ha desarrollado de la mejor manera, va de menor a mayor, nos lleva, en cada libro, a una aventura diferente pero en el mismo camino. Conocemos y nos enamoramos de los personajes, queremos que todos tengan su final feliz. Ahora voy con el ultimo libro de la saga, espero que llene mis expectativas, y si es posible que las supere.
Guao!, este libro lo agarre y no pude soltarlo hasta que termine de leerlo!, tenia mucho que no me pasaba esto con un libro de este genero. Claro, ya conocemos a los personajes, ya conocemos la trama, ya sabemos lo que deberia pasar, pero eso no le quita para nada la emocion de leerlo, de sorprendernos con alguno de los personajes. Tampoco evita que te duela la muerte de otros, ni te rias con alguna de las cosas que pasen, ni te indigne lo inocente que siguen siendo algunos.
En fin, esta saga se ha desarrollado de la mejor manera, va de menor a mayor, nos lleva, en cada libro, a una aventura diferente pero en el mismo camino. Conocemos y nos enamoramos de los personajes, queremos que todos tengan su final feliz. Ahora voy con el ultimo libro de la saga, espero que llene mis expectativas, y si es posible que las supere.
January 22, 2014
I haven't time to write a full review so I am going to keep this brief. If you haven't started this series yet, you NEED TO.
For five books now we have followed the journey of Hadrian and Royce. I must say, for the amount of books involved, Sullivan has kept this story very tight. With my love for big epics from authors like Erikson, Hamilton and Reynolds, whose side stories become novels in themselves, it is really great to read a story with a central story with almost no side stories. Everything correlates to the main story and if there is a branch it is quickly brought back to relevance to the plot.
The characters just continue to grow and for a character dev fan like me, that makes all the difference between that 4 or 4.5 star to the big one. This book has finally tipped me into the 5 star range. This one had it all. I was absolutely engrossed and actually sat in my car being late for work the other day because the build up and anticipation for a jousting event had me on the edge of my seat. I haven't felt that much anticipation since the Gunslinger took on Blaine in a riddles contest.
This author has grown and grown with this series and has easily become one of my favourite. A wonderful series that I am completely hooked on.
For five books now we have followed the journey of Hadrian and Royce. I must say, for the amount of books involved, Sullivan has kept this story very tight. With my love for big epics from authors like Erikson, Hamilton and Reynolds, whose side stories become novels in themselves, it is really great to read a story with a central story with almost no side stories. Everything correlates to the main story and if there is a branch it is quickly brought back to relevance to the plot.
The characters just continue to grow and for a character dev fan like me, that makes all the difference between that 4 or 4.5 star to the big one. This book has finally tipped me into the 5 star range. This one had it all. I was absolutely engrossed and actually sat in my car being late for work the other day because the build up and anticipation for a jousting event had me on the edge of my seat. I haven't felt that much anticipation since the Gunslinger took on Blaine in a riddles contest.
This author has grown and grown with this series and has easily become one of my favourite. A wonderful series that I am completely hooked on.
December 24, 2025
Trochę się poryczałam co nie.
4,25/5
4,25/5
August 28, 2023
This book in gifs (because I'm lazy like that):
P.S. There is a slight chance this might be the best installment in the series so far. Maybe.
· Book 1: The Crown Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 2: Avempartha ★★★
· Book 3: Nyphron Rising ★★★★
· Book 4: The Emerald Storm ★★★
· Book 6: Percepliquis ★★★★
P.S. There is a slight chance this might be the best installment in the series so far. Maybe.
· Book 1: The Crown Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 2: Avempartha ★★★
· Book 3: Nyphron Rising ★★★★
· Book 4: The Emerald Storm ★★★
· Book 6: Percepliquis ★★★★
Read
October 8, 2024This was so good wow.
December 16, 2014
Best book in the series so far! It had it all. Easy 5 stars! I finished it a while ago but RL(being very hectic) prevented me from posting accurate updates since I'm mostly listening to the audiobook and using the omnibus edition. I'll try to write a proper review at some point.
November 14, 2016
Initially, I thought I would rate these books by their two part bind ups, but I've changed my mind. This book needs to receive the individual attention and 5 star rating it deserves, no matter what part 6 may bring.
This series has had its ups and downs, overall I love the characters and the world, but sometimes the story itself drags. This book is flawless. I can't think of a single thing in this story I would change. It made me smile and laugh, but it also broke my heart.
I look forward to continuing this adventure :)
This series has had its ups and downs, overall I love the characters and the world, but sometimes the story itself drags. This book is flawless. I can't think of a single thing in this story I would change. It made me smile and laugh, but it also broke my heart.
I look forward to continuing this adventure :)
February 8, 2017
Given how the series was progressing over the past 4 books, I wasn’t surprised to find myself gushing at the end of Wintertide and giving it a stonking 5-stars! The story really started to soar by now with Hadrian and Royce finally arriving into Aquesta where Empress Modina “reigns” and Arista was imprisoned. The tension and pacing of this book had me almost on the edge throughout.
Those who have followed my status updates will know that I have a crush on Hadrian and this book gave me more of him. His plot provided some humour, especially during his scenes with Nimbus (oh, how I love this endearing man as well), and places Hadrian in a challenging moral dilemma. Of course, no scenes of Hadrian can be complete without some form of badassery and I lapped it all up with relish.
Royce’s arc finally places him directly in the path of Merrick Marius. Without giving too much away, the culmination of their relationship at the end of book was truly heartwrenching.
While the Riyria storylines were really good, this book belonged to Empress Modina. As anything more I say may be considered spoilerish, I’ll just leave it at that.
The tone of the series really got darker, and the ending of this book was jaw-dropping! I actually couldn’t breathe for a while and was almost afraid to keep reading. BUT, needless to say, I jumped straight into Book 6.
Those who have followed my status updates will know that I have a crush on Hadrian and this book gave me more of him. His plot provided some humour, especially during his scenes with Nimbus (oh, how I love this endearing man as well), and places Hadrian in a challenging moral dilemma. Of course, no scenes of Hadrian can be complete without some form of badassery and I lapped it all up with relish.
Royce’s arc finally places him directly in the path of Merrick Marius. Without giving too much away, the culmination of their relationship at the end of book was truly heartwrenching.
While the Riyria storylines were really good, this book belonged to Empress Modina. As anything more I say may be considered spoilerish, I’ll just leave it at that.
The tone of the series really got darker, and the ending of this book was jaw-dropping! I actually couldn’t breathe for a while and was almost afraid to keep reading. BUT, needless to say, I jumped straight into Book 6.
April 3, 2014
You ripped out my heart Mr. Sullivan. You ripped it out from within my rib cage in a matter of pages. You just shoved your fist into my chest, got a hold and just... ripped it out. Just like that. And then you took out your dagger and started cutting it, strand by strand, in front of my face as I watched, helpless. Then you smiled and threw it away.
These tears.
Dear God.
--10 minutes later--
I have never seen an author grow with their book the way Michael J. Sullivan has. This book was brilliant in any and every way. When an author has your full emotional capacity under his control, you know he's a dangerously good author and holds the ability to send you to a blissful heaven, or torture you.
7/5 (the last one was 6/5). This entire series is recommended to every one.
(Complete review will come in the omnibus edition).
These tears.
Dear God.
--10 minutes later--
I have never seen an author grow with their book the way Michael J. Sullivan has. This book was brilliant in any and every way. When an author has your full emotional capacity under his control, you know he's a dangerously good author and holds the ability to send you to a blissful heaven, or torture you.
7/5 (the last one was 6/5). This entire series is recommended to every one.
(Complete review will come in the omnibus edition).
October 6, 2014
I finished this a few days ago but hadn't taken time to review it. I must say that I have enjoyed this series and can recommend it. This series and these characters are so well done I'm very glad I found it. I'd had it recommended to me some time ago but never got around to reading it. If the same is true with you try it...really.
This is the 5th out of 6 volumes and it's another good story. The plot takes a darker turn (as it's been headed that way from the first). We get to know these guys and the supporting cast from book one and they fill out rather than shift or change as we go along.
I wasn't actually surprised by the major turn here but I must say a part of me didn't really think "it would go that way" so to speak.
This story, as Tolkien said, grew in the telling. I'm not going to run down the story as this is the fifth volume and spoilers would be unavoidable...I will simply say that if you are a fantasy fan of most any stripe, don't miss this one.
Really. Highly recommended.
This is the 5th out of 6 volumes and it's another good story. The plot takes a darker turn (as it's been headed that way from the first). We get to know these guys and the supporting cast from book one and they fill out rather than shift or change as we go along.
I wasn't actually surprised by the major turn here but I must say a part of me didn't really think "it would go that way" so to speak.
This story, as Tolkien said, grew in the telling. I'm not going to run down the story as this is the fifth volume and spoilers would be unavoidable...I will simply say that if you are a fantasy fan of most any stripe, don't miss this one.
Really. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2020
FREAKING TERRIFIC!! This is definitely the best of the series so far. The stories told in such a way that it kept me on edge all damn time and the scene of Royce and Gwen in the ending......., pretty sure I died there. WOW Michael, WOW.
February 17, 2025
Another enjoyable ride with Royce and Hadrian!
I’ve noticed that some books in the series focus more on Royce and his backstory, while others delve into Hadrian's. This one leans more toward Hadrian, with Royce stepping into the background. This might even be the first time they’ve gone their separate ways.
The story primarily takes place in one location—Aquesta, the capital city of the new empire. This setting shifts the focus to politics and intrigue within the empire. But the pacing feels just right and remains consistent throughout the book, so do not expect boring moments.
As for the characters, Modina’s growth is particularly prominent in this installment. We also see more of Amilia and Nimbus, with Nimbus stepping into a more significant role and delivering some standout moments. Sir Breckton, previously more of a side character, finally comes into focus. We get to know him better and develop a newfound respect for him.
The cunning Merrick Marius plays a larger role in this book, adding depth, tension, and conflict to the story. He always makes things more interesting when he’s around. Arista, on the other hand, has fewer scenes and stays mostly in the background. However, I suspect she’ll shine in the final part of the series.
The ending was both surprising and well-executed.
All in all, I think this is one of the best books in the series so far, and I expect Percepliquis to be even better.
4.25/5
I’ve noticed that some books in the series focus more on Royce and his backstory, while others delve into Hadrian's. This one leans more toward Hadrian, with Royce stepping into the background. This might even be the first time they’ve gone their separate ways.
The story primarily takes place in one location—Aquesta, the capital city of the new empire. This setting shifts the focus to politics and intrigue within the empire. But the pacing feels just right and remains consistent throughout the book, so do not expect boring moments.
As for the characters, Modina’s growth is particularly prominent in this installment. We also see more of Amilia and Nimbus, with Nimbus stepping into a more significant role and delivering some standout moments. Sir Breckton, previously more of a side character, finally comes into focus. We get to know him better and develop a newfound respect for him.
The cunning Merrick Marius plays a larger role in this book, adding depth, tension, and conflict to the story. He always makes things more interesting when he’s around. Arista, on the other hand, has fewer scenes and stays mostly in the background. However, I suspect she’ll shine in the final part of the series.
The ending was both surprising and well-executed.
All in all, I think this is one of the best books in the series so far, and I expect Percepliquis to be even better.
4.25/5
July 28, 2017
"Happiness comes from moving toward something. When you run away, ofttimes you bring your misery with you."
I had a feeling going into this one that it would break my heart and I was right. Something had to go wrong eventually. Well, I mean, stuff had already gone wrong, but something else was going to go wrong. And it did. There was plenty to break my heart here. There was also plenty to love.
It's no secret that Royce is my favorite character and this installment did nothing to lessen him for me. His character has been building through the series, his layers being revealed one by one, and we get yet another layer (or more) here. His story is extremely sad, but so real. And that's what I love about him. Honestly, I have a hard time putting into words just how much I like Royce.
Hadrian and Royce are separated for most of this installment, each dealing with different aspects of the same problem. Hadrian's portions were quite entertaining, for the most part. There were darker, harsher moments, because what he was trying to do was tearing him apart, but so many little things happened that made his story quite humorous. Which is excellent. A story can't always be dark; that's just not how life works.
I don't know how Sullivan manages to build every single character so well, but he does. All of the side characters are brilliant and either have me loving or hating them. Sometimes both. Nimbus really shone here and he was hilarious. Seriously. Which makes me curious about his past. Hopefully we get more about that in the next installment.
Another new favorite is Sir Breckton. The guy is pretty much perfect, but not in a bad way. He was just great. I really want to see more of him in the last book.
And of course there is Arista. She isn't as involved in this one, which makes sense if you've read The Emerald Storm. But she manages to have some good scenes and make a difference. She has probably grown on me the most through the course of the books.
Modina and Amilia each have important roles to play here. And I really like both of these women. Modina more than Amilia, probably, but both of them have their moments. And some of those things are brilliantly executed.
The plot really gets amped up here, taking us to a new level. Most of the questions that have been building through the series are yet to be answered, but the setup for the conclusion is excellent. The stakes are high, higher than ever, and I'm ready to see what happens. The subtlety with which Sullivan is able to weave his story honestly amazes me. The smallest things done or said books ago come back time and again with huge impact. Piecing all of that together is so much fun.
The ending of this shattered me. It tore my heart out and broke it into a million pieces. What will happen next? I really have no idea.
I was going to pause for a day between books, but I don't think I can keep myself from starting that final journey. I need to know what happens.
November 12, 2024
Ta końcówka… przykro mi się zrobiło
March 7, 2021
فقط یک جلد دیگه مونده و من به شدت برای پایان مجموعه میترسم
January 8, 2014
These books just keep getting better. The writing is better, the characters have developed some depth and complexity, and even though things have gotten a little darker, it’s still not dark fantasy – and that’s a good thing for this series I think.
And it’s ditto what I have already said about the previous books regarding Tim Gerard Reynolds audio narration ie very good.
Royce and Hadrian are back and go right into the heart of the Empire, determined to save the Heir of Novron and Princess Arista. I won’t say too much more about that, but it will involve jousting – and what medieval style fantasy would be complete without jousting!
The puppet Empress Mordena is to be married off at the culmination of the Wintertide celebrations. But Mordena has her own plans to clog up the wheels of the Nyphron Church. And it’s not going to be all smooth sailing for Royce and Hadrian either. Hadrian will be faced with the choice to sell his soul for those he cares for most – and Royce’s path will take a dark turn he might never come back from.
I’ve already started listening to the final book. This one gets my highest rating yet for the series at...
4.5 stars
And it’s ditto what I have already said about the previous books regarding Tim Gerard Reynolds audio narration ie very good.
Royce and Hadrian are back and go right into the heart of the Empire, determined to save the Heir of Novron and Princess Arista. I won’t say too much more about that, but it will involve jousting – and what medieval style fantasy would be complete without jousting!
The puppet Empress Mordena is to be married off at the culmination of the Wintertide celebrations. But Mordena has her own plans to clog up the wheels of the Nyphron Church. And it’s not going to be all smooth sailing for Royce and Hadrian either. Hadrian will be faced with the choice to sell his soul for those he cares for most – and Royce’s path will take a dark turn he might never come back from.
I’ve already started listening to the final book. This one gets my highest rating yet for the series at...
4.5 stars
October 23, 2014
May2012: Read it again in preparation for the final book of the series & really enjoyed it, even though I knew what was coming. Great!
Sep2010: Again, I had the privilege of reading an ARC & enjoyed the experience tremendously. Sullivan took me for another great ride. I'd highly suggest reading the previous four books first. While he's again done a great job of filling in the background, there are a lot of details & emotional investment that you'll miss out on.
The next book is supposed to wind up the series. While I'm eagerly awaiting it, I'm kind of sad, too. I hate to think of it ending.
Sep2010: Again, I had the privilege of reading an ARC & enjoyed the experience tremendously. Sullivan took me for another great ride. I'd highly suggest reading the previous four books first. While he's again done a great job of filling in the background, there are a lot of details & emotional investment that you'll miss out on.
The next book is supposed to wind up the series. While I'm eagerly awaiting it, I'm kind of sad, too. I hate to think of it ending.
July 22, 2021
It would've been much nicer to have been wrong. I need a drink.
June 13, 2021
Geil, geil, geil! Bester Band bisher! 😍 Ich bin gespannt auf das Finale!!!
June 26, 2021
Exceptional continuation of the Ryiria Revelations series, and the best one of the 5 I have read so far. Wonderful twists. Great characters were well established already, but those characters had arcs that had some really satisfying events in this while setting up the final volume. Exactly what you want in a penultimate entry in a series like this. Excellent action and pacing, and some really big emotional moments that left me momentarily stunned. Easy 5 stars.
October 11, 2021
Have you ever read something more than once, and hope that something doesn't happen that you know happens because you've read it more than once? That sums up the ending of this one perfectly for me.
November 30, 2017
In all of the series I seem to have problems with the construction of some of the characters and their ulterior evolution, but, maybe, it`s only a personal thing. In one moment some of them are the most despicable and feared across the land, in the next one, they`re dead- easyyy as a piece of cake......
I don`t know, sometimes their initial image doesn`t add up with their ulterior evolution.
And the bad guys, are making a lot of crimes, but still their main motivation is that those action are for the good of the people
... Oh!!!..please!!! Cut the Bul*hit!
But, anyway, reading some of the writers` notes about these series I realized that he had also targeted the 13+ age, so, maybe, it`s understandable that there are some inconsistency in their construction.
Again, on the side if the evolution of things, there aren`t big surprises here, some of the characters are dying, some not, the second ones are evolving slowly to the main scene.
And for what is worth the second ones are getting better and better by the book.
After all these books, I`m guessing that this will not be a fantasy series that resides on surprises, but mostly one that wants to reconnect the younger people, but also the other readers, to this kind of fantasy style and characters.
I don`t know, sometimes their initial image doesn`t add up with their ulterior evolution.
And the bad guys, are making a lot of crimes, but still their main motivation is that those action are for the good of the people
... Oh!!!..please!!! Cut the Bul*hit!
But, anyway, reading some of the writers` notes about these series I realized that he had also targeted the 13+ age, so, maybe, it`s understandable that there are some inconsistency in their construction.
Again, on the side if the evolution of things, there aren`t big surprises here, some of the characters are dying, some not, the second ones are evolving slowly to the main scene.
And for what is worth the second ones are getting better and better by the book.
After all these books, I`m guessing that this will not be a fantasy series that resides on surprises, but mostly one that wants to reconnect the younger people, but also the other readers, to this kind of fantasy style and characters.
December 10, 2015
The atmosphere becomes darker here, with some horrendous scenes right out of my worst nightmare. That mustache-twirling church went overboard at times. And what's with that holy idiot squirreling away his enemies in prison? It would make more sense to just execute most of them. Plot contrivance.
Nonetheless, an engrossing read, with old characters and some new ones.
Royce and Hadrian can't truly trust anyone except each other. We've seen that play out in several books now. That treacherous little man really twisted the knife, but I saw it coming. He does like his knives. And I have my doubts about Nimbus. He seems too good to be true.
I'm liking this series, but not fully loving it. Wish we'd see more of the monk Myron.
Nonetheless, an engrossing read, with old characters and some new ones.
Royce and Hadrian can't truly trust anyone except each other. We've seen that play out in several books now. That treacherous little man really twisted the knife, but I saw it coming. He does like his knives. And I have my doubts about Nimbus. He seems too good to be true.
I'm liking this series, but not fully loving it. Wish we'd see more of the monk Myron.
November 23, 2015
Best book in the series so far. That ending!
May 1, 2021
Wintertide is the fifth and penultimate book in Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations series. Again, the story picks up right where the last one left off. The Wintertide festival is almost here and events set in motion in the second book finally come to a head.
Each character goes on an arc. It's amazing how much growth they all have in just over 300 pages. I loved the nod to A Knight's Tale in Hadrian's story thread. My heart is breaking for Royce and I'm a little worried about what that's going to do to his mental state. The horrible situation Arista was in has taught her to be humble and I think she's going to bounce back fantastically. Now if only she'd experiment with the Art more! Thankfully Modina finds her way through her own personal darkness and is back in the game as an active participant. Between her and Nimbus the Empire is in good hands. With all the hubbub over the real heir Best of all, it was satisfying for Saldur to finally get his comeuppance.
While I don't think anything will match the pure fun of meeting Royce and Hadrian for the first time, this book came close and is a tie for my favorite in the series. I can't wait to see how it all ends in Percepliquis.
Each character goes on an arc. It's amazing how much growth they all have in just over 300 pages. I loved the nod to A Knight's Tale in Hadrian's story thread. My heart is breaking for Royce and I'm a little worried about what that's going to do to his mental state. The horrible situation Arista was in has taught her to be humble and I think she's going to bounce back fantastically. Now if only she'd experiment with the Art more! Thankfully Modina finds her way through her own personal darkness and is back in the game as an active participant. Between her and Nimbus the Empire is in good hands. With all the hubbub over the real heir Best of all, it was satisfying for Saldur to finally get his comeuppance.
While I don't think anything will match the pure fun of meeting Royce and Hadrian for the first time, this book came close and is a tie for my favorite in the series. I can't wait to see how it all ends in Percepliquis.
June 19, 2022
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Read as Part 1 of the Heir of Novron omnibus. Fantastic set up for what I hear is an epic conclusion. Lots happens and this book solidifies Royce and Hadrian as one of my favourite friendships / duos ever. In fact, I struggle to come up with better. Fast paced, clever and full of heart, with a few emotional moments that land well. Can't wait for the final part to the main Riyria Revelations "trilogy".
Read as Part 1 of the Heir of Novron omnibus. Fantastic set up for what I hear is an epic conclusion. Lots happens and this book solidifies Royce and Hadrian as one of my favourite friendships / duos ever. In fact, I struggle to come up with better. Fast paced, clever and full of heart, with a few emotional moments that land well. Can't wait for the final part to the main Riyria Revelations "trilogy".
August 6, 2017
Definitivno najbolji deo do sada, ali i dalje malo fušari Salivan sa svim koincidencijama (lošom realizacijom narative), ali to se da zanemariti kada se knjiga proguta. Još jedan deo i sve pokazuje da će biti najbolji.
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February 10, 2015
What kind of characters do you like? Do you like them to be tortured, tormented and fail at everything they do? If so, then this series is just for you!
By best advice for this series: cheer for the bad guys, hope that everyone dies, and you won't be too disappointed. The bad guys are virtually omnipotent and everyone else are inept amateurs whose fate is fodder for the fire.
This book at least was not that bad up until near the end, except for the fact that the characters just never act realistically at all. It's a great example of an author forcing characters to meet a predetermined storyline. As a result the reader is frustrated again and again because just like in a bad horror flick, the characters do the most stupid thing and blatantly ignore an obvious solution to their problem. Most annoying was the lady Amelia, as she spends pages and pages of self-depreciating monologue. Every character who has ever played a role in the series has to suddenly make an appearance (usually dying).
It's the tacked-on ending that ruins this book. It is so forced and straight out of a bad Hollywood cliche that I was laughing during it. Its a classic example of forcing something into a mold, and not properly setting up your plot right. I'm sorry and I don't mean to be insulting, but if this wasn't self published I don't think it would have made it past the editors. By that point I literally just gave up and hoped that everyone would die (which most did). They're so incompetent that it feels like a waste of my time to listen. Furthermore, I now consider Royce to be one of the villains and I don't care if he gets killed. His whole life has been a pointless, tragic waste and considering they help the villains more than the good guys it would be better if he has kicked the bucket long ago.
Boy, I just can't wait for this series to end so that I can move on.
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