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

Truly a gem.

You're missing out. I wish I had some way to make everyone I know read this. Alas based on this review you can seenI lack the potential to do so. Truly a shame, this is one of the best fantasy book(s) I've ever read.

Must read!

I was never that into fantasy books/series/movies. Happened on this one and am now hooked! The main characters were beautifully written and have terrific dialogues. It was a great deal of fun as was the entire series. Very well written and woven together in an artful way.

These books make me happy

Keep listening to these books over an over to the detriment of other books I want to listen to.
Love the characters. The plot is excellent. Hope Mr. Sullivan writes more. (really like the pre-quels too)

Thoroughly enjoyed these books!

Any additional comments?

Theft of Swords was a really fun book to read. Royce and Hadrian is introduced in a way that you automatically feel intrigued and impressed, and want to know much more about them. The plot is great fun, and will definitely make you want to keep on reading. Michael Sullivan managed to catch my attention throughout the book and really pulled me into his world, I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy book.

Enthralling epic

Story that captivates, twists and turns. Characters who are so real you look over your shoulder to see if they are there. Terrific performance. Will be repeating this listen event many times to enjoy over and over.

I'm not in love with the narrator...

What made the experience of listening to Theft of Swords the most enjoyable?

The characters and the plot. The characters were unique and each one leant something to the story. While most of the story seems to have common fantasy tropes, they are done well and in a way that the story cannot be guessed from page 2.

The narrative was occasionally a bit plodding and awkward, but not so much that I ever thought of "putting it down". Just a minor annoyance at times.


What did you like best about this story?

The scheming characters. The entire first half was hard to "see in advance" because we kept getting told different things by unreliable characters. Even by the end of the book there are several characters whose motives are almost completely hidden from the reader.


Did Tim Gerard Reynolds do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes, the accents for each of the characters was unique, some had queen's English, some had foppish-royal accents, he was wonderful at creating those different voices.

But I'm going to be picky: I completely disagree with his cadence at times, since some of the narrative is a little stilted. One of the main characters comes off as a bored teenager rather then menacingly aloof. And then there's a female character who comes across as a whiny brat in the second half... even though I think it's a little unjustified to portray her that way...

But again, it's really me being picky. He's not a bad narrator and I'm not going to "return" the book because of him.


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

Both. The dialogue between several characters is definitely chuckle-worthy at times, and there were several sad moments in the second half of the book.


Any additional comments?

It's a worthwhile "read" for anyone who likes epic fantasy.

Excellent!

Great epic story, without getting too dramatic. The main characters are wonderfully written and the narration is superb.

Great Read

This book is amazing. I am ready for the next book and getting started right away.

2 Thieving Friends Rollicking Adventures

I loved this book! Fun character dynamics between the two main protagonists. A different take then the other fantasy books I've listened. Outlaws getting mixed up in political intrigue with patriarchal religious organization vying to subtlety pull all the strings and have ultimate power thru brokering deals and using kings and such as pawns. 2 am, gotta work early but getting next in series right now to start..Thus, can't write any longer of review and have to listen to what happens next. Stoked to have another author in my wheelhouse and love the narrator too. A must listen if you enjoy this genre. Indubitably you will enjoy this epic adventure of how the two thieves look to mess up the Church's plans by accidently getting involved in this complex political and war torn medieval fantasy world so artfully created by Michael J. All Livan. ☆☆☆☆☆

Fantastic novel!

I absolutely loved this novel! The characters were amazing and the twists definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!

The narrator was fantastic in his oratory prowess and I will definitely look for more books read by him! Bravo!