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The Rose and the Thorn  By  cover art

The Rose and the Thorn

By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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Publisher's summary

Two thieves want answers. Riyria is born.

For more than a year, Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner, Hadrian Blackwater, from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception - Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn't realize is what the two are capable of - but she's about to find out.

©2013 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2013 Recorded Books

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What listeners say about The Rose and the Thorn

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Can't wait for the next one!

Would you listen to The Rose and the Thorn again? Why?

YES! Royce and Hadrian are written so well that they seem like friends...I miss them in between books and it is difficult to find other books as engaging.

What did you like best about this story?

The friendship and comedy between the two leads.

Which character – as performed by Tim Gerard Reynolds – was your favorite?

Hadrian or Royce...hard to choose.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, both!

Any additional comments?

Even though each story is stand alone, these books leave the reader craving more. The author suggests reading the first three books, Riyria Revelations, first even though chronologically the others come first, and I agree. There are minor points in The Rose and Thorn that won't mean anything on their own, even being invisible to a first time reader, but that add a lot to the understanding of the characters when you have already read the three Revelations.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • 10-20-13

Outstanding! Cannot get enough!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved this book! I love this series- my only concern is that I finished all of the books and am upset that there aren't any more!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A+. BEGIN with REVELATIONS. Then read CHRONICLES.

Michael J. Sullivan wrote two FANTASTIC series, "REVELATIONS" and "CHRONICLES". I read both series, beginning with Chronicles first, per the author's suggestion. But reading them in that order was a MISTAKE...

NEW READERS: read Revelations before Chronicles. Begin with The Crown Tower, the first book in the Revelations series. Revelations was written after Chronicles in order to placate enthusiastic fans (and Tim's wife). Revelations essentially introduces readers to Royce and Hadrian, the history of supporting characters, and details of their epic adventures together — many of which are mentioned or referred to in the Chronicles series. Chronicles, however, takes place twelve years after Revelations.

The Rose and the Thorn is fantastic. Tim G. Reynolds is a fantastic narrator. This fantasy series was not written for millennials or gen Xer's (thank you, Mr. Sullivan!).

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great series

Loved the book. The characters and storyline kept me coming back to see how it would end. Can't wait to see what happens next...

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Completely addicted

The title will make so much sense after you read this gem. Continuing the saga of Royce and Hadrian, and exploring their partnership, the ups and downs of the team will have you laughing and cheering at their exploits, without losing any sense of depth or complexity to this oil and water pair - each of whom harbors dark shadows in their pasts.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Ryira books are so awesome.

This book had me in tears a few times, which never has happened before. This is writing at its finest.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Ryiria Rules!

I love Royce and Hadrian. They are the best duo ever. Although I like it best when they're the focus of the story--in this book they play second fiddle to the story about the King and His conflict with the Novron Church.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Masterful.

These characters continue to steal my heart and make this story come to life. Recommended.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Glued

I'm enthralled. Great story and Gerard delivers it well. Can't wait to see what the series has in store.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • ZW
  • 01-31-18

Good story and excellent narration

Story starts off slow, stick with it as the plot develops and you will enjoy this book. Not the best book in the series and it tends to drag out, buy worth the price for bridging the story and excellent narration!

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