Theft of Swords

Riyria Revelations, Volume 1

De: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrado por: Tim Gerard Reynolds

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

Not great writing, but a fun read

This is the beginning of a saga set in a fairly typical fantasy world - although there are a couple of surprises. Magic is shunned, and elves are both the enemy and a despised underclass. The two main characters are a pair of rogues who hire themselves out to nobles for odd jobs that nobody else can do. There's a real sense of camaraderie between them, as well as a constant but restrained sense of humor throughout the books.

This audiobook is really two books in one. The first book has a simple, predictable plot with overpowered main characters and two-dimensional villains...but it gets better. The second book picks up where the first left off, and now it really begins to shine. Details from the first book that seemed unimportant or incongruous come back and take on new meaning. The characters from the first book get more back story and personality. While I never quite lost the idea that I was listening to someone's RPG campaign, I ended up enjoying myself quite a lot. It's no grand literature, but what it is isn't bad - a bit like how fast food can hit the spot, but will never replace a fine meal.

Fun

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

The story is amazing. It blends a fast paced story with action, humor and political intrigue. Tim Reynolds does a superb job of drawing you into the story.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I recommend highly! (Big fan of George RR Marin and History books)

Fun Adventure

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

I would recommend this book to a friend because it is a good story and the characters are ones that you can enjoy. There is enough comic relief that it doesn't become to dry and you can actually like the characters. It was a fun listen.

What other book might you compare Theft of Swords to and why?

Any classic thief become hero's book.

What does Tim Gerard Reynolds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does a good job fleshing out the characters and adding nuances that you wouldn't get from reading the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Swashbuckling adventure

Any additional comments?

As an avid listener of books, I enjoyed this one a lot more than I did other ones, it doesn't take long to get into it and you can guess the bad guys but the writer has done such a good job that it really doesn't matter. I look forward to audible getting the next book or books in the series.

Great Fantasy Read!

This omnibus version was terrific. The writing is fast-paced, the dialogue fun and witty, and the characters drew me into the story from the first page. There was more than enough pathos to balance the humor, and I can hardly wait to listen to Rise of Empire. Tim Gerard Reynolds did a great job with the narration, although a few of the character's voices were so close in tone I lost who was speaking for a moment or two. On the whole, a great fantasy read!

Do yourself a favor and listen to these books!

I just went back and listened to the entire series again (something I almost never do) after the Riyria Chronicles came out. I'm so glad I did! I had forgotten what a treat these characters were. I had also forgotten how sorry I was after it was over. You know something is good when you mourn the loss of the characters in your daily life.

Enough people have given a synopsis of the books, so I'll skip that part. I'll just say if you're on the fence about whether or not to buy these books, don't be. You'll drive further or sit longer at your desk (I listen to books while editing photos) because these stories are like visiting with wonderful old friends. You never want them to go home.

If you've had a bad experience with fantasy, don't worry, you'll be fine with these books. The story and the characters will carry you straight through any willing suspension of disbelief you need during the process. And Tim Gerard Reynolds is superb at rendering the different voices. I would recognize Royce and Hadrian anywhere, just by hearing them speak.

A note to Michael J. Sullivan: More please!