Age of Myth

Book One of The Legends of the First Empire

Reviews prior to 1/2/25 relate to a previous recording with the same narrator.

One of fantasy’s finest next-generation storytellers continues to break new ground.

Michael J. Sullivan’s trailblazing career began with the breakout success of his Riyria series: full-bodied, spellbinding fantasy adventures whose imaginative scope and sympathetic characters won a devoted readership and comparisons to fantasy masters Brandon Sanderson, Scott Lynch, and J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Now Age of Myth inaugurates an original six-book series.

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.

Magic, fantasy, and mythology collide in Michael J. Sullivan’s Legends of the First Empire series:

• Age of Myth
• Age of Swords
• Age of War
• Age of Legend
• Age of Death
• Age of Empyre

©2016 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2024 Audible Inc.

Almost an Epic Fantasy

I really, really enjoyed Age of Myth. After reading some of the best fantasy has to offer (at least in my humble opinion) like George R. R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, and Brandon Sanderson it can be really difficult to get into new fantasy novels. And yet I've continued my long search for new series to jump into. For some reason (probably the cover art) I decided to try out Michael J. Sullivan's prequel novels set in the same world as his previous series the Riyria Revelation and Chronicles. It felt a little odd jumping into the world that's already had so many book entries, but that was put to ease.

At the start of the audiobook for Age of Myth, Sullivan himself gives a ten-minute rundown that basically tells you that you don't need to have read the other series to jump in here. This series is set in the same world but happens thousands of years before his other series. Age of Myth doesn't make the best first impression and was to be a bit tedious. Luckily both the world and the characters open up and the novel begins to take shape about 20% in. That starts with his character development as we start to get introduced to the very complex and multifaceted string of main characters that take us through this adventure.

What makes me want to invest in a fantasy series is learning about both the characters and the world dynamics combine. I love understanding the customs, politics, and religion. In this world there are basically two types of humans in this world, one who lives for a normal human lifetime (under a hundred years), and there are the Gods of this world that live for thousands. What's interesting is the two sects don't know each other very well and the dynamics between the two are tinkered with throughout the book. There is also a magic system in Age of Myth in which the Gods utilize to show dominance over the rest of the world. Unlike books from Brandon Sanderson, the magic is more implied to be a thing and isn't described or over complicated with rules.

I really loved the journey of Age of Myth and it only fell a little short towards the very end. For the majority of this book, I anticipated giving it a perfect 5/5 score. The characters are great, the world is interesting, and the mysteries of the world kept me wanting more. However, at the very end you realize that Sullivan showed his hand quite a bit during the book, and by the last couple of paragraphs, the obvious conclusion was the actual one. And although I know I will continue on with the series, the lackluster ending kept this back from being a top-tier fantasy novel.

A LEADER DOES NOT TELL PPL THEY ARE A LEADER

THE WORSE THING THAT CAN HAPPEN IS YOU'LL DIE
This is my favorite from Sullivan, and that is saying a lot. If you have never read him before this is the perfect place to start. This world is much different from our own, yet you as the reader will never feel lost. From the first page, you will be in the story and none of it will feel foreign to you. There is magic but not overwhelming magic, there are characters that you will care about and there is comic relief. I strongly urge you to listen to the talented Reynolds read this entertaining and fun book.

A great story from Michael J. Sullivan.

What did you love best about Age of Myth?

Michael J. Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. He is a great story teller and has an amazing knack for bring out the personalities of his characters. The story was engaging, fast paced, and at the same time showcased the triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. The exceptional writing skills of Michael J. Sullivan are wonderfully brought to life with the incredible voice of Tim Gerard Reynolds, who is one of the best narrators I have listened to. He brings such life to the story and represents the characters so uniquely, at times it is hard to believe it is the same voice. He is a master story teller.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Age of Myth?

I don't want to spoil the many memorable moments in this story but I will say the final confrontation in the Rune village is epic!

What about Tim Gerard Reynolds’s performance did you like?

He is simply one of the best narrators I have listened to. He does such a great job with character distinction, his accents and voice control make each character 3 dimensional. He is a master story teller.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, At times I would take the long way to work just to extend my listening time.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend anything written by Michal J. Sullivan or narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

Refreshing!!!!

Michael Sullivan and Tim Gerard Reynolds have done it again. After listening to numerous audiobooks while eagerly anticipating this one, it was refreshing to hear the talented Mr. Reynolds bring life to these very intriguing, well-written characters.

I thought listening to Age of Myth would be bitter sweet because of the absence of Royce (my favorite character) and Hadrian but I was just as taken with Persephone, Raithe and Nyphron. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I know I will not be disappointed.

Excellent!

loved it and I've already pre- ordered the next book in this series. just like the Ryira Chronicles, it's non stop action, well built characters, a little humour and some good surprises along the way.