Sam asked Michael J. Sullivan:

Hi Michael. I'm curious about your decision to "revisit" a story at least somewhat already told in the Royce and Hadrian books. I've read other answers about the books exploring what really happened which I can get behind as a history major. But how do you feel about readers already knowing the ending? Thank you for your time! - Samantha

Michael J. Sullivan The first question that comes to mind is which set of books you are asking about...because the answers are a bit different. Let's assume (as I think this is what you are asking) you were talking about The Riyria Chronicles.

There have been some offhanded remarks about how the pair met and why they started working together but those statements have only scratched the proverbial surface. Writers are always told, "show, don't tell" but there are time when it makes sense to "sum up because there's too much" (yes, I'm stealing from Princess Bride there). So when writing Revelations there were statements made but it's not until you actually see the events play out that you can fully appreciate them for what they are. As for knowing the ending...I guess you can say, well we know Royce and Hadrian will live through any Chronicle as they are alive in Revelations, but that's not to say they aren't going to go through some trials and tribulations along the way.

As for The First Empire, it is also set in the past...very far in the past...and yes I've told you a lot about the founding of The First Empire in the Revelations...but...I've not been exactly honest about some of the things you've been told. After all, history is written by the victors. So why you "think" you know the ending, I'll venture to say that you'll get a much different perception about the world of Elan once you know what REALLY happened. Thanks for asking.

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