By: Michael J. Sullivan
Publisher: Ridan Publishing
Publish Date: October 2011
Format: eShort Story
Genre: Fantasy
Series: 1st in The Riyria Chronicles
Recommendation: YES! I love revisiting and learning of Royce and Hadrian's beginnings. And seeing their personalities again.
Book Synopsis:
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 and idealist swordsman, were just learning how to work together as a team. In this standalone first installment of The Riyria Chronicles, Royce is determined to teach his naive partner a lesson about good deeds. Join Royce and Hadrian in this short story (5,400 words) about one of their earliest adventures.
First Sentence:
A woman wielding a broom charged at them, looking as much like a witch as anyone Hadrian had ever seen.
My Thoughts and Summary:
Hadrian always a soft heart stops to see what the ragged dressed woman, tripping through the brush, is calling to him and Royce, his partner of just about a year, for help. There is an unknown man in her barn and she fears for her life. Hadrian wants to go take care of the problem, Royce is ready to move on but lets Hadrian learn a lesson on people.
I'm not going to say to much as it's such a short read and if I do I just might give it all way. I want you to go read this quick read for yourself and enjoy it.
First and foremost, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ THE SERIES TO READ THIS. Actually, you could read this to get a taste of Hadrian and Royce.
I loved getting to see these two characters again, Hadrian and Royce. I love them, Hadrian and his big soft heart and Royce with his syndicalism of the two. But the two together are fun. There are jokes, the familiarity of the two carrying on together, and a great story as well. I love the way Royce is and the mystery with him. Even knowing Royce after five books of the series I still love the mystery here. And do want to know more!
The nice thing about this short story is mention of some of the future characters in the series. You are introduced to some names and who they are, which will give you a little background for when you read the series. And yes, I think once you read this short story you will want the series. Michael has created amazing characters and a great world here that all should read. I do hope you go check this out.
Also included with this short story is the first chapter of Theft of Swords, to be released in November, then the next two books each month after.
So, do you want to read this short story? Well, just your luck as it's a free download! Yep! Absolutely Free! Follow this link over to the site and download the version that works best for you. Do enjoy!
I read this short story for my own enjoyment.
This book qualifies for the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling books.
Read this past weekend, now love Sullivans characters and want to read more some day. Have to write my review up soon and get it out there, what a wonderful series he has created Melissa!
ReplyDeleteJackie B - Oh, if you loved this you have to pick up the series when it comes out by Orbit, November, December, & January. 3 months in a row for complete sret. You will LOVE the series too. :) But this short chronicles series is lovely! I love it. :) So glad you did as well!
ReplyDeleteHow can I say no to free and the fact that it's not necessary to have read the series first?!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny I'm not very into fantasy books since a few months, I don't know really why. Maybe I must begin to change my mind to try this one. Thanks for the review !
ReplyDeleteStephanieD - :) I hope you got the short story and enjoy it. And this series is not the heavy epic fantasy reads. I've very much enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteMelliane - Oh, I do hope you give this short story a try and enjoy it. :) And the series is just wonderful as well. :) Thank you!
It is sitting on my desktop :) I so hope I like it now or I will be afraid when book 1 finally arrives
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd - I think you will enjoy it. But remember this is just such a short story. But you will get to see a glimpse of the two men I'm loving. ;) And don't be afraid of the books. I have a great feeling you will love them as much as I did... now I'm worried. ;/
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this yet but I'm looking forward to doing so. Love to find out more about how Hadrian and Royce got together.
ReplyDeleteSimcha - I do hope you enjoy this one when you get to it. It's so short but is fun to see the boys again. :)
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