Great series not only a well written book but complimented by a great narrator in Tim Reynolds.

After reading the second Riyria book, I am starting to understand some of the good reviews for the series. While the first two books were more single stories within the same setting, with Rise Of Empire, author Sullivan begins to expand the story beyond the exploits of Royce and Hadrian, and with this, the series begins to become a new and much more enjoyable experience. Characters from the first two books take on expanded roles, and new characters form to provide the listener with a larger epic fantasy type world.

I really enjoyed the larger roles for the women, Arista, Thrice/Modena, and new character Amelia. Their additions opened up what was an average story to something much more grand.

The narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds continues to be solid, and I think his voices are growing on me despite some of characters sounding the same.

Overall, I am enjoying this series very much, and have already moved on to the next book in the series.

This review is being written after having completed the entire series, which was very satisfying. This second in the series picks up where the first book left off and follows our two main characters through one swash buckling adventure after another. Tim Reynolds voices are consistent with those used in the first book and continue to be very enjoyable. I cannot imagine listening to this book without having listened to the first in the series, as Sullivan continues to develop the characters and their relationships with one another and continues towards the ultimate climax in book three. It does remind me a little of the LOTR trilogy in that respect but Sullivan is completely original in his plot development. Some pretty graphic violence, but not over the top and fits with the time period that the story appears to be written in. Thoroughly entertaining, and I would venture if you listen to this and the first in the series, you will not be disappointed with the final story.

Yes, I would. I'll probably listen to it again after the year prequels come out. It's just great story, with great narration.

Absolutely. I listen at work, so it only took a few days anyway.

If you've read the first book, and found it lacking in certain areas, listen to this anyway. Much better and leaves toy ready for the third. Highly recommended. I put Michael J Sullivan up there with the likes of Patrick Rothfuss, and Brandon Sanderson.

The story was great. Narration was great.

It kept me guessing, had great twists and turns, and great character development.

I'm not sure if I have. But he is superb.

I definitely laughed. I'm too much of a man to cry.

In this 2nd part of the trilogy (or books 3 & 4 of 6), the plot deepens as it becomes less obvious who is controlling events and what is true or false. The geography widens as we travel though oceans and jungles, meeting new races and creatures. We learn about the pasts of Royce and Hadrian and even some of their thoughts and feelings, which we really didn't get much in the first part. There are some dark moments, but don't worry, Royce and Hadrian still quarrel amusingly like an old married couple as they plan how to get out of various prisons and predicaments. The narration continues to be outstanding. It is a challenge to invent accents for people who are supposed to be foreigners but from no country we ever knew. There are many different voices and they are always easy to distinguish.

Be aware that this book ends in the middle of the story, even more so than the previous one, so you will want to go immediately to Part 3.

One pitfall of reading by audiobook is possibly misinterpreting names. I was sure the old wizard's name was Ezra Hardin, and I thought it amusing that he had such an ordinary name. Turns out, when I looked up the books on a print site, that the name is spelled in a much more elaborate way.

The Riyria Revelations are fast becoming one of my favorite series. Michael J Sullivan might not be the equal of Tolkien as some have written, but one Tolkien is enough for me. I enjoy Sullivan as he is. The continuing story of Hadrian, Royce, Arista, Thrace, et al, is fast-paced, with enough humor to keep the pathos from becoming overwhelming. Elves, dwarves, and goblins interweave through like threads of gold through silk - not taking away from the main story, but adding sparkle to the tale. I am looking forward to the last of the omnibus series - The Heir of Navron.

I do not open a print copy of this book but I enjoyed it so much I'm investing in a hardback copy. That being said, I will most likely only use the hard copies for reference purposes while listening.

Watching Arista's power grow as a witch as well as her strength as a woman.

The journey Arista, Royce and Hadrian took together in Book 3.

YES

I'm totally stuck on these books!!!

This series was pretty long, with each book over 20 hours long and book 3 was just over 30 hours IIRC. I couldn't be more thrilled they were that long. I enjoyed all 3 books immensly. The two main protaganists were the classic good guy/bad guy characters but the author did a fantastic job of not making you feel like you've seen it all before. They were well rounded and you could relate to both of them sometimes, even though they were as different as night and day
. The supporting cast was a little weak at the start but some of them filled out well. The other characters were developing well as the novel went on. I was a little worried about Princess Arista, thinking that she was going to be the typical fool girl who makes nothing but bad decisions. She didn't really flesh out in this novel but before the end of the next book I was starting to look forward to chapters involving more of her.

My one big disappointment was magic. This book, and these novels in general, had so much potential in bringing to life a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating magic system especially considering Princess Arista was supossed to be the first wizard in a long time. They didn't use much magic at all. This was why I left out 1 star from the Story. I would easily have given all 5 stars if the magic and sorcery would have been used more.
That said, even without the magic and sorcery I couldn't wait to start the next book and just as I was finishing one I was already downloading the next in the background.

In all honesty. With more magic and sorcery the series would have been really, really, really good. As it stands the series is really, really good. :)

Thanks for reading my review.

This was a great novel I can't wait until The Heir of Novron comes out Audible! =) stop taking forever!