The Crown Tower

The Riyria Chronicles, Book 1

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Two men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making.

Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Hired by an old wizard, they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most prized possessions. But it isn’t gold or jewels that the wizard is after, and if he can just keep them from killing each other, they just might succeed.

©2013 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2013 Recorded Books

Back to the beginning.

As explained in the prologue narrated by the author, Michael J. Sullivan was very satisfied with the way he ended the Riyria Revelations series so his only option for continuing with these characters was to go the route of prequels. He also explained that he penned this book in such a manner that it works well for both readers new to Riyria as well as veterans of the first series. I listened to this one as the latter and having Tim Gerard Reynolds back at the mic made me feel right at home.

Many hints are dropped throughout the Revelations series about how Royce and Hadrian first met and at last here is that tale. Revealed within is the "what" and the "how" behind the forming of Riyria, while series veterans will bring along their own knowledge about the "why." New readers can start here and just listen in "chronological order" and learn the "why" over time. This is well done by Sullivan who continues to endear himself to me due to the way in which he approaches his craft.

I don't go to 5 stars for this one simply because the characters of Royce and Hadrian are not as interesting as they will eventually become after they exert influence on each other for a while. The basic premise of an "odd couple" pairing of the cold blooded killer with the honorable knight stereotype is nothing new, but Royce and Hadrian are unique enough to overcome this cliché and make it worth your time. Veterans and newbies alike should pick this one up with the expectation of continuing on.

I have already started book 2 of this series and I am enjoying it immensely as the melding of these two opposite individuals is taking shape and forming the pair of thieves that I have come to know and love. Did I say thieves? My bad, I should have said "creative problem solvers."

Way better than expected

Not that I didnt expect the book to be good but after absolutely loving the debut series I figured this would be okay but nowhere near as good as it was. i put off buying it because i just wasnt sure about the whole prequel thing. im usually not a big fan of prequels but after running out of current books i just couldnt decide what to read next. i finally settled on the crown tower and it blew me away. i remember why i loved riyria revelations to begin with. Sullivans books rank with, mistborn, the entire and the rose, sovereign of the seven isles, and a couple others ive enjoyed over the past couple years. ive read and listened to the entire series and its one of the few I regularly recommend to friends. Cant wait for the rose and the thorn. Im in the camp of reading the Riyria Revelations first for sure. i know that it is said that this book could be a stand alone novel but being a RR veteran i think that reading this book first would result in the book not being as enjoyable as it was. Knowing the people and places beforehand gives the book a more intimate feel that just wouldnt be there if you start your adventure here. This book and series is a 100% must read for fantasy fans and a 200% must, hafta, required read for Riyria fans. I am officially on the RR prequel bandwagon. KILLER READ!!!!!!!!!

Loved it, can't wait for more.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Tim Reynolds's and the team involved in producing the audio book did a great job. Coupled with Michael Sullivan's writing makes for a great experience.

What did you like best about this story?

Whether you've read/listened to the Riyria Revelations or not, Book 1 of the Riyria Chronicles is great. Can't wait for the next.

What about Tim Reynolds’s performance did you like?

Tim Reynolds's did a great job as he did with the Riyria Revelations audiobooks.

When Hadrian Met Royce

Return with us now to the thrilling days before the Riyria Revelations. Twelve years prior to the events in Riyria Revelations, a young, battle-weary Hadrian sets out to visit the wizard Arcadius, who wants him to partner with cynical Royce to steal a book from an impregnable tower.
They hate each otter at first sight. How can they possibly work together?
Great listen, good narration, well with your time.

Kept me interested // Very good reader

This is medieval fantasy, which I do enjoy. The first volume kept my interest because of the two main characters, Royce and Hadrian. The story is not complicated, but will hopefully become more so in the following books. The reader is very expressive and creates the characters' individual voices. Hopefully, all the books will use Reynolds as the narrator.
The book has hooked me enough to order the second volume.