Rise of Empire

Riyria Revelations, Volume 2

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 26 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Michael J. Sullivan’s mesmerizing Riyria Revelations series has found a welcome home with fans of magic, clashing swords, and daring heroes. This second volume finds Royce and Hadrian on a quest to enlist the southern Nationalists to aid the ever-weakening kingdom of Melengar. Royce suspects an ancient wizard is manipulating them all, but to find the truth he’ll have to decipher Hadrian’s past—a past Hadrian wants to keep secret.

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

©2011 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2012 Recorded Books

This is becoming one of my favorite series

There are a few series that, after finishing a volume, leave me with an almost obsessive urge to get the next volume and continue the story. The Dark Tower books by Stephen King and The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan are two examples (I actually had "Michael Jordan" written... glad I caught that). After finishing the second volume of Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations I am left with this same feeling. I want the next book...right now! I think I will just have to go buy the print version - if the local book store has it - because this story is really, really good. Definitely do not buy it if you haven't read the first volume though. In that case, go get "Theft of Swords" and hope that by the time you get to the end of "Rise of Empire" audible has released the next book in the series.

A good continuation

Would you listen to Rise of Empire again? Why?

Maybe - the story is good and entertaining, but I'm not sure there is enough depth to listen to the series over and over again. As another reviewer mentioned it's sometimes annoying in how easily the conflicts are overcome.

It might be one worth bringing out again later when I just need a fun "light" listen. The adventures are fun and move at a good pace.

Would you be willing to try another book from Michael J. Sullivan? Why or why not?

Yes, but I wouldn't expect to be wowed.

Have you listened to any of Tim Gerard Reynolds’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I'm not sure, but he is a very good narrator and would like to see what other stories he's narrated.

Great continuation from 'Theft of Swords'

This is Book 2 in the Riyria trilogy and it's as good as the first. It was great to spend more time with Hadrian and Royce.

ENJOYABLE

While not my favorite, It is fun and enjoyable story. Just finished the series and found it a perfect filler while waiting for the next installments of my fantasy favorites (WoT final and Rainwilds). Even though "somewhat" predictable ... this was a fun and interesting story,very likable characters and quite well read.

Getting better

If you could sum up Rise of Empire in three words, what would they be?

This series does get better as you develop more of a connection to the main characters. This series is definitely a worthy listen / read and most definitely should be experienced by fantasy fans.

I would give this series 6 stars if I could

Would you listen to Rise of Empire again? Why?

Yes, without question. There is lots of foreshadowing in the series, and it's obvious the author had the story planned out from the beginning. To me, a good book has a great story, but a great book has great characters.. And you can't help but care about the characters in this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rise of Empire?

There's no one moment, but I will say that it's very satisfying to have hunches about the main characters, Royce and Hadrian, and find out that your hunches are right. The author gives very little away about their background, and just gives nuggets as you go. Enjoy this, it's one of the best elements of the book.

What about Tim Gerard Reynolds’s performance did you like?

I owe him an apology. I bashed him on his performance in his performance on against all things ending, and I didn't realize he was narrating this series till after I bought the first book. He is BRILLIANT. His voices are fantastic, and I'm now a huge fan.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Consequences.

Great second, just as good as the first.

This series is great!  I rate it right up there with the, "Walt Longmire Mystery" series.
The writing just flows and I love Sullivan's almost lyrical descriptions of places and landscapes.  He incorporates little side stories that are a wonderful way to help you attain more insight into each characters past and complexity.  Just one example:  Royce sees a young, street urchin, boy and while he watches him the reader is able to hear Royces nostalgic, endearing thoughts. It helped us to see the softer side of Royce which is not depicted at all in his outside character.   

This is an exciting, adventurous and at times comical read.  The relationship between the two main characters is entertaining and not at all predictable. It is interesting that they are so completely different from eachother, but, so inquestionably in synce, and the facetious, dry humor they share at the most inappropriate times is very funny and clever. Both are very likable in their own ways.

I suggest reading the first book before this one, it is just as enjoyable and will add richness to this story line and it's characters. The narrator is great and keeps a steady pace.  I hope Audible will soon offer other books by Michael Sullivan.  I Highly Recommend this series, definitely credit worthy.  On to the next.

Great Series!

This is the 2nd book in Sullivan's series. They are best read in order. The story is adventurous and fun. Just a warning, it is a bit gruesome in parts.

Great Series!

The Riyria Series of books should be on the big screen. Truly interesting and enjoyable adventures!

Worth listening to, but nothing extraordinary.

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure how I feel about these books. It lacks real complexity and seems more like a series of short stories instead of a book. At the same time, I enjoyed listening to it. The characters went out to accomplish things and they had definite conclusions. It's nice to see this instead of a story where there is one goal and 500 things keep deterring its success.
I would recommend this book but its much more of a relaxing listen then a mind blowing tail.