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

Good flow and interesting characters

Solid high fantasy book with good character development as well as some decent plot twists

Page turning

The story was amazing. Edge of the seat listening. There was never a boring moment.

The story carries well

The story itself develops well and the interweaving is fun to follow. Would be considered a low fantasy (magic wise) with a high fantasy feel and just enough historical accuracy, in the plot formation and intrigue design, to keep everyone entertained.

Listened After Ezra Hardin

Second time listen was even more enjoyable!
Tge author has to commended for tying the past to this story and has now added an even bigger incentive to listen to all 3 books again

The story kept you riveted to your seat

The author did such a good job with the little things on not just describing the places and characters but with over all effect of the story. I did not want it too end and am glad it has other books too. Some of the descriptive words of the people truly where excellent. The narrator’s characters voices did a lot to bring the story alive too. It was an adventure that I will listen to again. Thank You

great story

I enjoyed the book like all other he's written. I listen to Esrahardon first and was a little frustrated by the inconsistencies between the 2 books, i.e the names and information like the tower. In this book elf blood is needed to open the tower vs blood of Nefron ( unless this was on purpose)

Interesting

It is incredible to read this series having read Legends and Rise and Fall beforehand. There are things I do not know if are plot holes or foreshadowing. I hope they are foreshadowing. It is clear that Ryiria was written first, but I really like the fact Legends and Rise and Fall make sure to show history is lost, changed or recounted to what is convenient to the people in power. So nothing felt like retconning until now

Love the Narration and the Story!

I am going to be honest, I came across this series because I was trying to build my credits back up to do another book series, so I was looking for something that was free. I have never read/listened to this author before but it was “free” and the description looked interesting enough…. This series has been one of my most favorites I have ever listened to. The narrator is brilliant and brings the story to life. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I have enjoyed these books so much I wanted to share how much I have loved them. I am on the last book now and sad the story will be over soon.

Solid Book

Great story, I found a few character to be slightly predictable but overall was very happy with the story. I would definitely recommend it you are a fan of GRRM , Abercrombie ,Tolkien etc.

Entertaining from beginning to end!

The basic ingredients here are pretty typical for a fantasy series: multiple races, a religious mythos, plots & politics, and of course, swords & sorcery. However, Michael J. Sullivan and Tim Gerard Reynolds combine to prepare those ingredients in a masterful way that makes the whole greater than the sum of the parts. Reynolds in particular does an excellent array of voices and seems to fits the material very well.

The main characters, Royce and Hadrian, both have a sense of humor which keeps the tale humorous and entertaining throughout. Although they are both thieves who take jobs for morally ambiguous individuals, they maintain their own moral code so it is easy to root for them to succeed when things go awry. At times it can be hard to tell if Royce and Hadrian are one step ahead or one step behind but that's all part of the fun.

This audiobook is actually two books in one and well worth the single credit. The first book, The Crown Conspiracy, is a nice introduction to the characters and their surroundings and thus allows the listener to get oriented within the world. There is clearly more than meets the eye going on but the details remain hidden for the most part. In the second book, Avempartha, those details come to the forefront and the bigger picture starts to paint itself. For a while things get confusing but eventually enough details surface for it all to make sense. When book two ends there is still a lot left to sort out so the story won't feel complete without continuing on.

Theft of Swords is a worthy listen for both Fantasy veterans and newbies alike and it will leave you wanting more.