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

Great adventure fiction

Thoroughly enjoyable escapist literature. Good characters. Good story with some surprising twists. Echoes of Lord of the Rings but different, in a good way. Each book ends in a satisfying way. The performance is good, too. Reynolds does a good job with giving the different characters their own voice, but with so many characters it is a challenge.

Great Read

I was actually introduced to the world by the author's second series Tales of the First Empire. loved the story telling of that ongoing series. So I went to look at the first. Boy was that a great idea.

This has been my favorite read of the year. I highly recommend this of you are looking for a nice high fantasy to get into. Cool characters and huge world with rich lore .

Enjoyable

I liked it. A little predictable but was a fun listen/read. The narrator was wonderful and really brought the characters to life. I enjoyed Royce's practical nature and Hadrians jimmy Cricket vibes.

Very entertaining and a good story.

Even with some parts being fairly predictable the overall experience is well worth it. The characters are entertaining and the story doesn't stray too far into the mystical so if you are new to fantasy it would be a great book to start with. And even for fantasy veterans the story had enough depth to keep you enthralled.
Overall a 5 out of 5!

Twice the bang for your buck!

I am halfway through Volume 2 of the Riyria Revelations series and I am delighted to report that it, too, (AND the 3rd volume, I am told) has TWO full-length novels in the download! I was merrily listening along to Theft of Swords (this volume) when I realized, to my horror, the book had ended! The loose ends had been tied up, the major dilemmas had been resolved (leaving room for sequels, of course), but THIS story was done. Sure enough, I heard "the End." But ... what about the second half - the NEXT twelve hours Audible showed was still to be read?

That was a second full-length novel about Royce, Hadrian, Arista, and, of course, the inscrutable Esrahaddon (which, to my ear, sounds like Ezra Hardin). Their adventures continued - or rather, began again, picking up two years later. As the story developed, we learned more and more about the mysterious Royce, came to love the gregarious, not-quite-right-in-the-head Hadrian, and came to care about the characters who supported their story arc. Toss in swords, sorcery, chivalry, and a damned good time, and I was hooked! The second half of Theft of Swords was just as delightful as the first half, and I am thrilled to know Michael J. Sullivan has an entire universe in the wings, including prequels and pre-prequels! I cannot wait to see what he has in store.

Also - the voice actor is AMAZING. He *IS* the Riyria.




AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Outstanding

If you could sum up Theft of Swords in three words, what would they be?

Well-read story!

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

Don't have any at this time.

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

What an AMAZINGLY versatile reader. His ability to switch accents flawlessly makes the story so much more interesting. I look forward to many more books read by Mr. Reynolds.

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

No, but it often did keep me on the edge of my seat.

Any additional comments?

Just a great book... kept me interested and entertained while I worked with my horses.

Outstanding!

Royce, Haydrian, what a duo. One only caring for the well being of his companion and the job, the other caring for the plight of everyone he meets. This story unfolds with this pair of thieves getting themselves in a deadly pickle from the get go. It's action, adventure, with a cast of colorful characters being woven into a political power web of deceit and murder. Very entertaining for epic fantasy fans, with an excellent narrator bringing the story to life.

The end!

Ending was abrupt! Kind of left you in the lurch. otherwise the book was very hood.

A Solid fantasy tale

interesting characters, strong concepts to a fun fantasy world. some characters show no growth, however

great book!!!

This book was well worth a credit!! Fantastic characters and fun adventures. I will definitely be purchasing the next instalments in such a great series.