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Theft of Swords

By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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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

Featured Article: The top 100 fantasy listens of all time


When compiling our list of the best fantasy listening out there, we immediately came up against the age-old question: Is this fantasy or science fiction? The distinction is not as clear as you may think. Dragons, elves, and wizards are definitely fantasy, but what about wizards that also fly space ships? (Looking at you, Star Wars.) For the sake of fantasy purity, the top 100 fantasy listens include the best audio works in all manner of fantasy subgenres.

What listeners say about Theft of Swords

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

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.

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

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.

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

very entertaining

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

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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

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

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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

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.

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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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 .

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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

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.

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

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!

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