By: Michael J. Sullivan
Publisher: Ridan Publishing
Publish Date: April 2010
Genre: Fantasy
Format: pdf ARC
Series: 4th in Riyria Revelation (If you would like to read my reviews of the first 3 books they are and in this order: The Crown Conspiracy, Avempartha, Nyphron Rising)
Recommendation: YES!! If you enjoy fantasy reads with magic, conspiracy, thieves, and other creatures I would start at the beginning of the series and enjoy every step along the way.
Book Synopsis:
A MESSAGE IS INTERCEPTED.
A SINISTER PLAN LAUNCHED.
TWO THIEVES STAND IN THE WAY.
Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Maruis. Fearing Hadrian is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his ex-partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again.
First Sentence:
Merrick Marius fitted a bolt into the small crossbow before slipping the weapon beneath the folds of his cloak.
My Review and Summary:
Michael has outdone himself, again. With each book I am amazed at how the story has grown, and each book is better than the last - which were impressive in themselves. Michael keeps raising the bar with each book.
The Emerald Storm starts shortly after Nyphron Rising's ending. The first chapter catches you up with happenings of the last three books, yet blends in many new happenings; an assassination plan, and a whole new set of issues now present in the change of seasons and rules.
Many old characters return, along with new characters who help grow the world. In this book I have started to realize how much the characters have grown through the books thus far. We also start to get more details on some of the characters to help place more pieces of the puzzle together. We come across new creatures, like the Ghazel - goblins in the land of Calis.
We visit different areas of the world and learn more about the different races and creatures. We go on a sea voyage, hike through the jungle, and fight a few battles - at sea and on land. Not only does each section of the journey build for the end of the book giving more details of what is happening, but they have their own peckes and valleys to keep meturning the pages and had my heart racing at times all to find out what happens next. This was a book I found very hard to put down. There is a great combination of conspiracy, mystery of a missing person, and a little of magic mixed into this fantasy world.
New dangers are in the works for the world of Avryn. New, threatening enemies and possible destruction come to the surface in this story. But one always seems to remain and working closer to their goal... The Empire.
In the end Michael left me shocked and my jaw hanging open. I enjoy when when an author can get a few twist and turns in on me I didn't foresee. This book did not let me down, and actually exceeded my expectations on all levels. I am left wanting to run out and buy Wintertide, but it's not out yet.
I received a pdf ARC from the author for reading.
This book qualifies for the Speculated Fiction Challenge at Book Chick City.
