Theft of Swords

Riyria Revelations, Volume 1

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Acclaimed author Michael J. Sullivan created instant best sellers with his spellbinding Riyria Revelations series. This first volume introduces Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two enterprising thieves who end up running for their lives when they’re framed for the death of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy bigger than they can imagine, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery - before it’s too late.

Theft of Swords contains The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha, books 1 and 2 of Riyria Revelations.

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

Spellbinding!

Where does Theft of Swords rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened and loved many books but this series ranks up there with the best.

What does Tim Gerard Reynolds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tim Gerard Reynolds is a great storyteller, I loved the voices so distinct, rich, and consistent. I would purchase a book just to hear him tell it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Well now I don't want to give anything away, but there were several moments especially later in the series that really got to me.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this series right now! Don't wait, don't stick it on your wishlist for some future date... start it now and you won't be able to put it down till all three books are done. I can't wait for his prequel books coming out later this year. Kudos on a great series and a great reader.

Good story, Great reader

What did you love best about Theft of Swords?

The depth of the characters, while seeming a bit simple at first, is quite very well done. This increases as the story goes on through books 2 & 3.

What other book might you compare Theft of Swords to and why?

Not a looming epic like A Wheel of Time or A Song of Ice and Fire. More like a Shannara book, or a D&D novel by Weis and Hickman.

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

Only the continuation of this story. He is excellent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not quite, but close. I found myself foregoing some y favorite activities to listen to this instead.

Draws you in and keeps you there

I haven't had this much fun in a long time. Michael Sullivan's writing style draws you in immediately and keeps you there. The narration by Tim Gerard Reynolds is solid -- even the female voices. This is my first Michael Sullivan book and it won't be my last.

Excellent Trilogy

Would you consider the audio edition of Theft of Swords to be better than the print version?

Eh? I never read the book so why would I answer this question. Really Audible this is a stupid question.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything! The narration was great the story line exceptional, the characters believable and well defined. There is nothing to dislike in this audiobook.

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

No this was the first one but I bought the remainder of the series because it was so good.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Um I never do that. I only listen while I drive.

Any additional comments?

BUY THIS SERIES, IT'S AMAZINGLY GOOD.

Enthralling adventure you won't want to put down!

Theft of Swords is perfect if you're looking for high-quality fantasy, that isn't too bogged down in florid language and tediously convoluted world building. This is the first in the trilogy, and the story expands steadily and logically to a really brilliant climax in the final book. I could not stop listening, I wanted to follow Riyria forever!

Something I really loved about this trilogy was how characters genuinely changed and developed, even small characters who you think at first will make a brief appearance and then disappear, can turn out to hold the balance of power in the end. And characters who appear shallow or callous at first can mature and grow into real, complex people. I also appreciated that there were women characters with some get-up-and-go, who weren't just window dressing hanging around waiting to get ravaged.

Also the sense of adventure is unstoppable in these books and the pacing is masterful. If you want solid, fun, engaging fantasy that draws you in from the first word and never lets you go, then Theft of Swords is for you.

Excellent All Around!

The story has everything you could want, and the main characters are entertaining. Great sound control for hearing everything and listening anywhere. Diverse and realistic character voices compliment the excellent story well.

very entertaining

Great character development and interesting story. Tight interweaving of details and plot development. It was fun!

Best fantasy novel I have heard in very long time

No seriously, this is the Best fantasy novel I have heard I a very long time

two times reading, third time listening

I loved hearing this book being read. The first time I read these books, twice. This was a lot of fun hearing another person's take on the characters responses, it enlightened me on my perception of the characters relationships, hearing the conversations.

Great series--second time thru was awesome

Really enjoyable, second time thru now I realize how well woven the story was. Highly recommend. Glad I found this.