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Theft of Swords  By  cover art

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

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What listeners say about Theft of Swords

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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic start to one of my most favorite trilogies

Royce an Hadrian are two of my all-time favorite characters. The way they work off each other utilizing each other's skills and weaknesses is just fantastic writing

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Great dynamic in 2 main characters


The stories are creative, the characters well established, and the dynamic between the 2 thieves is great. Makes you want to continue to uncover their story.

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    5 out of 5 stars

So much more than I was expecting

I was in a DEEP sci-fi, lit-rpg, fantasy hole for the last year. When I started this book I was worried it would be too “renascence fair” meets Harry Potter. It was not.

More along the lines of Joe Abercrombie with no cussing, less gore, and a bit of morale building.

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Excellent

Exactly the kind of fantasy I was craving and Michael J Sullivan delivered. I heard he gave up writing at one time, I’m really glad he changed his mind!

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

Brilliant Narration

Such a fun book. Well written, engaging and fast paced. Perfect mix of adventure, humor, and fantasy. The best part was the narrator tho, he was amazing, I found myself completely forgetting it was just one man reading, as he performed each different character so perfectly.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Chronological order-Spoiler Free advice

I just re-listened to all the books of Elan in chronological order, not order of release.

Before I get started, everyone I know who listened to Theft of Swords first loved Royce and Hadrian and stuck with the world of Elan. Not everyone loved Age of Myth (I did). It is whimsical and prehistoric. That is the best argument for not taking my advice.

Michael J Sullivan crafted an entire world with a complete history... releasing them out of chronological order. There are 9 or 10 books that were released after this one but take place chronologically before this one. This was a great series the first time I read it but I kept thinking certain events subplots and characters needed more background or historical context.

After listening to it in chronological order seeing how history is misremembered hundreds and even thousands of years later was amazing. But the characters (Sullivan's biggest strength) are even better.

Great in any order. Phenomenal in chronological order.

START WITH AGE OF MYTH and you will be glad you did. With that said I listened to Age of Swords first and I still loved it, so...

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Fun read

It was an enjoyable story. Having a good narrator has the story flow smoother which I prefer from audio books.

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  • Overall
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Great modernization of a classic fantasy world

So far loving the Riyria Revelations series. It’s a great modernization telling of a very classical fantasy world. Many of old fantasy tropes are there if only to looked, laughed at, or turned on its head. I knew I was gonna love it 5 minutes and continue to be surprised. Can’t wait to listen to the next book.

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WOW!!!

Just absolute fun. Non stop fun. Characters and set up is so clever and really makes you care about them and the story. Cannot wait to start book 2!

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Love this Series

Riyria is awesome. I love this duo!
Story is wonderful, rich in details and characters.
Backstories unfold throughout the tale and makes it all the more interesting.
Deep tales upon tales that weave into the lives of the nobles, peasants and thieves!

Wonderful story that does not disappoint.

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