I loved that I was captivated from about 30 seconds into the book instead of a couple of hours like most books are for me. Additionally, this was one of the few books that I did not want to miss even a second of. Many books, if I am interrupted for just a few seconds. I will just continue on. In this book, it didn't matter how short the interruption was, I would hit the 30secondsback button.

I love all of the characters. Royce and Hadrian are compliment each other well, but they still have their own individuality and distinct personalities. I would have been able to know who said many of the line without being told by the narrative or by knowing the voice. The other characters have important roles and are easy to follow as well.

I love that I basically received a 2nd book for free. I'm not sure if they put 2 books together in each of these volumes just to have the length that many other epic fantasy books seem to have, but they did't have to that. Most of the other books in my library are about 11 hours and that's about how long these would be if they weren't bundled together.

I love that the greater story is only just unfolding. I can't wait to get the next volume.

I like that even though they are thieves, they are still good guys. Another of my favorite books is "the Lies of Locke Lamora". In that book, the thieves are good guys too, but they do steal from people who don't really deserve it and people get hurt through their misdeeds. In "Theft of Swords" it is implied that they have done some unsavory things, but we never actually journey along with them on anything but good deeds. It makes it easier for me to resolve liking and caring about them.

Nope, Great job on this one though. Spot on

Umm, can't think of anything at the moment. Maybe thats's the one negative I have so far. There were many parts that were somewhat moving, but none that stand out as particularly moving.

Wait, I just realized one part that did move me, but it might be a spoiler.

So, I have given "Theft of Swords" a glowing review. But, while it is already among my list of favorites, I'm not exactly ready to put it in my top 5 just yet. I stated that the larger story will unfold in the next 2 volumes and I'm hoping that will put this series in my top 5. I read somewhere (maybe another reviewer) that Sullivan intentionally (and at some risk) wrote this series so that it could build how he wanted to and end with the best part and have a satisfying conclusion despite the fact the 1st book would be the weakest.

One more thing. Each book in this 1st volume had a decent conclusion. While they did hint at the larger story and leave room to grow, the "smaller" story contained within each book did finish and didn't leave me annoyed that I HAVE to get the next book. I appreciate not being strung along like that.

This is probably my second favorite book i've ever listened to. It has everything you ask from a fantasy world. Deep history, an exciting mythos, tension and prejudice between the races, and a sprinkle of devilish monsters. This book constantly made me smile, due to it's overwhelming logic and awareness. Characters in this book, actually use emphatic reason. There are some awkward decisions here and there, but nothing too head-scrathing; there are far too many books that possess only 'mythic' adaptations of us, with no common-logic, or understanding. These characters actually feel alive, and by the end of it, you could probably guess each member of Riyria's decision before they voice it; which is a good thing in this case. Splendid!

This book is a combination of many wonderful ideas, from many wonderful authors. Lord of the Rings, The Song of Fire and Ice, and many other fantasy books come to mind while reading this, but honestly, Theft of Swords is its own book.

Most every character in this book is fantastically performed, but I would have to say Esrahaddon's early dialogue sticks-out above all the supportive cast, as the best; it even over-shadows Royce and Hadrian's dialogue in some cases.

Like many books, the ending is where all the ideas come to a head, or get escalated into a cliff-hanger. This book's ending is quite memorable, and Esrahaddon's dialogue made me grin from it's masterfulness.

Great read/listen. Highly recommend!!! I'm moving on to the next in the series.

The narrator

The story moved along very well.

Royce

Yes, but it is too long to listen it one sitting.

This was a great beginning to a series. I can't wait to listen to the next book.

100%. If you are a lover of great adventure stories that are witty and have great characters then you will love this book.

The main characters, Royce and Hadrian. They are humorous and sharp-tongued master thieves but they have the hearts of heroes.

The freeing of Ezra Hardin. I loved his dialogue.

Royce and Hadrian taking on the mission for the girl in the second part of the book.

If you are looking for a sweeping epic like Lord of the Rings,you won't find it here. But, if you want rousing tales of adventure with lovable scoundrels who are really heroes in disguise and action that is very well paced, I would highly recommend this book. I found my self smiling and laughing from start to finish.

I would recomend this to any in need to get lost in agood tail.

An exelant reader very expresive with good character portrail

This has to be one of the best, if not the best, books I have listened to.

My favorite character was Hadrian Blackwater. He seems to always want to do the right thing regardless of the consequences.

I especially liked his rendition of Maximus, the dwarf.

I chuckled a few times, gasped a few and thoroughly enjoyed all of its twists and turns.

I will be listening to the sequels.

Ive read most of the great fantasy novels out there or so I thought. When I started reading this book it felt different than the tipical fantasy novel . The more I read of it the more I liked it. The only weird thing about this book is it seems like it was two books or two not so short stories. The thing about this book is you have to realize it was writen in five different books and compressed into three. It was very well writen with twists and turns that suprised me. You dont find this well writen of a book very often. A very lucky find for a fantasy fan. Must read all three they only get better.

I devoured this story as quickly as possible. It is an adventure story with some mild fantasy elements. The story is quick moving, with lots of surprises, and the author has constructed a deep underlying story that is gradually revealed here and in the sequels, which I am currently listening to. The narration was very good, too.

The narrator has the perfect cadance for the action and humor for this series. Tim Gerard Reynolds is why I began this series. He did a such wonderful narration of the Tana French novel "Faithful Place", that I sought out other narrations by him. I understand that the author is trying very hard to keep Tim Gerard Reynolds the narrator of the two new prequel adventures of Royce and Hadrian due out later in 2013.

Fantasy is not the usual genre I listen to; but enjoyed it so much that I am downloading similar authors suggested from Michael J. Sullivans web blog. If you are sitting the fence about Fantasy don't hesitate to try this series. Action, Humor, and yes, a little romance (chaste kiss only), well written characters with lots of dialog. Also, there is a printable glossary and map on the authors web site to help keep everything straight, I know seasoned Fantasy readers won't need it; but I am a Fantasy newbie.