Rise of Empire [Dramatized Adaptation]

Riyria Revelations, Book 2

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Andy Brownstein, Bradley Smith, Chris Genebach, Duyen Washington, Jeff Allin, Jonathan Feuer, Kimberly Gilbert, Laura C. Harris, Niusha Nawab, Terence Aselford

Length: 20 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Rise of Empire contains Nyphron Rising and The Emerald Storm, books 3 and 4 of Riyria Revelations.

A puppet is crowned. The true heir remains hidden. A rogue's secret could change everything.

War 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 may end their friendship and break Riyria in two.

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 Marius. Fearing his friend is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his old 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.

Performed by Bradley Foster Smith, Chris Genebach, Danny Gavigan, Laura C. Harris, Andy Clemence, Duyen Washington, Alejandro Ruiz, Nora Achrati, Michael Glenn, Carolyn Kashner, David Jourdan, Jonathan Lee Taylor, Andy Brownstein, Colleen Delany, Nick DePinto, Sasha Olinick, Niusha Nawab, Bradley Smith, Matthew Pauli, James Konicek, Scott McCormick, Henry Kramer, Zeke Alton, Matthew Bassett, Jefferson A Russell, Elliot Dash, Michael John Casey, Chris Stinson, David Coyne, Andrew Quilpa, Jacob Yeh, Dylan Lynch, Jeff Allin, Nanette Savard, Mort Shelby, Rose Elizabeth Supan, Richard Rohan, Christopher Graybill, Dani Stoller, James Lewis, and Terence Aselford.

©2009 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2021 Graphic Audio

Loved it!

I really love the full cast and background sounds truly making it a movie in my mind!

Its ok!

Not my favorite of the Riyira Chronicles, but I am glad the story continues!…Fun world!

Another magnificent entry

What a great follow up to this series and superb voice acting, along with a rich narrative, once again rounds out a riveting and interesting read. Like a beautiful movie playing out in your head, I can’t go back to normal audiobooks after having been spoiled by this series.

The story

The story is great. Love the fact that all the characters had their own voice.
I wasn't a fan of the narrator, however that may be biased due to just finishing the first book that was not the dramatized version. There was also a few times where the music and background sounds did not fit at all with the story.

Wow!! Just awesome

I don’t quite know where to begin. The incredible storytelling, or the incredible performances, and the amazing sound team that just brings the home book to life and is truly a movie in your head. Recommended it to all!

The graphic audio is the amazing twist and a nice touch

While the series is not overly complicated. The graphic audio immerse meant is an exceptional concept. I’m glad I stumbled onto this series.

I wish non-main characters could think more

Firstly, the audio was good, except when background sounds and music were too loud or overpowered the voices.

Regarding the story, it's easy to follow, scoped to be epic, and not complicated (which can be frustrating), but it is really frustrating when people are warned of impending danger and just shrug. It seems that only the MCs can think which means the story relies heavily on others making mistakes, or being incompetent, for the MCs to be heroes.

Needs a bit of work

Sound effects were too loud, and drowned out the voices at times; the accents were a bit too thick and hard to understand in a couple of instances.

love this author.

I've gone through a lot of fantasy series within the last 10 years and I have to say this Author is now a favorite right along side the likes of Salvatore. I started with Legends of the First Empire and won't stop till I've read all his works.

My New Favorite

As a massive fantasy fan, I came into this series with relatively mediocre expectations. I was completely wrong. This was my first book from the author, as well as the first graphic audio work I’ve given a shot to. Both were absolutely freaking amazing and hit it out of the park. Loved every millisecond of it!