By: Michael J. Sullivan
Publisher: Ridan Publishing
Publish Date: November 2009
Format: Paperback, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy/Epic
Series: Book 3 in The Riyria Revelations; Book 1- The Crown Conspiracy, Book 2- Avempartha
Recommendation: Yes! Do you love a great fantasy story with familiar characters you love through an epic journey? You should read this one.
Book Synopsis:
A PUPPET IS CROWNED.
THE TRUE HEIR REMAINS HIDDEN.
A ROGUE'S SECRET COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING.
AWar has come to Melengar. To save her kingdom, Princess Arista runs a desperate gamble when she defies her brother and hires Royce and Hadrian for a dangerous mission. As the power of the Nyphron Empire grows, so does Royce's suspicion that the wizard Esrahaddon is using the thieves as pawns in his own game. To find the truth, he must unravel the secret of Hadrian's past - what he discovers could change the future for all of Elan.
First Sentence:
Amilia made the mistake of looking back into Edith Mon's eyes.
My Review and Summary:
Once again Michael Sullivan has delivered an amazing story. I love how these stories are complete in themselves yet there is the underlying thread through them all. Michael gives you all the pieces from the previous books to refresh your memory or if you haven't read them so you know what is happening. You could very well read this book without reading the first two books. BUT I would suggest reading them so you get to know the characters through their growth of trials through each other and to understand the intertwining plot involving religion and politics. As it appears to me the underlining thread is starting to come closer to the surface in the stories now, which is a bonus for me to go along with the individual stories.
Along with old friends I have meet a few new ones I look forward to reading more about in the future books. These characters have come to life for me through these books. There is humor in the characters, which is not over done or forced. There is a respect between characters and caring in that respect which is all earned.
This book has our wonderful thieves; Royce and Hadrian, but also the amazing character Princess Arista. In the story Princess Arista stays true to here character, yet she seems real in that she has her moments of doubts and anxieties in herself and what she is doing - wondering if what she is doing is right for all. Arista is a strong women in these stories and is not a normal princess: in always having beautiful dresses, sitting in the castle doing needlepoint, and not thinking of politics. She is willing to do what it takes to save her country and help others, along with using the magical arts she learned from the powerful wizard Esrahaddan and her professor, in magic, Arcadius.
I have had thoughts and questions on the characters and the plots. In each book Michael has answered these questions and has added to or solved the thoughts on the plots. In doing this I have come to realize the answers are true because I can think back and remember a word here and a sentence there that were used to take me through this remarkable path to the solutions.
I am looking forward to the next book scheduled to come out April 2010. As all my questions are answered, but I have thoughts on where the conspiracy in the politics and church are going.
This review qualifies for my Speculative Fiction Challenge for at Book Chick City.
Oh I want to read this so bad! NICE review!
ReplyDeleteI am dying to read this series. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete-Bryce
Sheila - I am hoping you enjoy these books. I think you just may with all the wonderful books you read.
ReplyDeleteBryce - I do hope you get the chance to get these books and enjoy the journey. Its not just the journey but in the presentation and characters that makes the series enjoyable and fast reads for me.
Love it when series books can stand alone, but are enhanced when read in order. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good one, great review
ReplyDeleteYou are so much better at reviewing epic fantasy than I am. Great job, can't wait to read these.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, I'm so glad you enjoyed the books. I'm Michael's wife. Michael's "The Crown Conspiracy" (Book 1) has sold out and the publisher is fast at work getting a second printing completed. (When you do a next printing you fix any typos found etc so we are waiting on new proofs)
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime you can still buy signed copies of the first edition directly from Michael from this link.
http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com/special_offer_soldout.htm
I'll let you know when Crown is reprinted and back into the distribution channel but this may take some time.
Thanks
Alexia - The series that can stand on its own makes it all the better for me. I don't feel as much as left down when I come to that major cliff hanger. Then I forget the feeling and happenings by the time the next book comes out.
ReplyDeleteDeb - Thank you!
Ryan - I don't know about being better at review epic than you. It is hard to do. I just try to come up with something new based on just that book. But, thank you for the complement.
Robin - Thank you for stopping by and leaving the link. It is great to hear the books are doing well.
Wonderful review. I love Fantasy and you've convinced me that I need to read this series. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteBetween The Lines&More - Thank you for the wonderful complement. I hope if you do read these books that you enjoy them. Listed above is a link to use to go to Michaels site to order the books currently until the next set can be printed. (I copied it to here as well.)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.michaelsullivan-author.com/special_offer_soldout.htm
What a terrific cover, so atmospheric don't you think? Thanks for a great review Melissa, another book to be added to my tbr mountain I fear.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific cover, so atmospheric don't you think? Thanks for a great review Melissa, another book to be added to my tbr mountain I fear.
ReplyDeletePetty Witter - I really liked this cover. I think it may be from one scene in the book at ruins with Arista. Glad you liked the review! Thank you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteIt will be awhile before the book populates throughout the sales channel, bookstores, B&N etc but the link has become available on Amazon. The second edition can be purchased at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979621135