Drumindor

Riyria Chronicles, Book 5

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

HE PLANNED TO OBLITERATE AN ENTIRE CITY. HE THOUGHT NO ONE COULD STAND IN HIS WAY. BUT HE HADN'T HEARD OF RIYRIA.

When a master-craftsmen dwarf is fired, he threatens retaliation. The rogues-for-hire known as Riyria are commissioned to find and stop him. Traveling to the paradise resort of Tur Del Fur, the two are granted a lavish allowance that, along with the easy job, promises to turn the trip into a vacation.

Everything would have been perfect except that the disgruntled employee’s last name is Berling and the target of his wrath is the legendary towers of Drumindor.

It's been more than five years since the last adventure with Royce Melborn (a cynical ex-assassin) and Hadrian Blackwater (an idealistic ex-mercenary), a pair whose bonds of friendship are bound with blood. This is the 20th novel based in the world of Elan and the fifth in the Riyria Chronicle series.

©2024 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2024 Recorded Books

WOW-But Not a Good WOW

I have been reading this author since his first book, even corresponded with him in 2011 about the release of Percepliquis. But this final book of Royce and Hadrian has so much inner dialogue , i.e. drivel - I feel bad for Timmy (TGR). Why make a thief and assassin sound like a 13 yr old obsessing over whether or not to ask a girl to the dance? I recognize Robin is now the driving force and influence of Michael's writing - or so it seems the last few years but really? Page after page of whining and 2nd guessing. This drivel did not give me more insight into these two characters or any of the characters. Nor is it, in my opinion worthy of Michael's writing style. Also I am not fond of authors having to explain themselves in lengthy intros to a book but okay, I'll listen. But having to listen to an author's spouse as well is just too much and frankly boring. And the movie references she refers to in the book(s), I thought were jarring and not appropriate. Well, having said all this, and sad to say, I can't even remember the ending, this final book is still worth reading, just be prepared to do some fast forwarding if the inner musings get to be too much.

Lots of fun

I will start my review with what I think is the most important thing to know about the world that the author has created.

I am not a huge fantasy fan, but the Ryira Chonicles have been my favorite series for years! The reason is that when reading or listening to a lot of fantasy novels, I find learning about the fantasy world can sometimes be boring. I get overwhelmed trying to keep all of the details of the cultures, religions and places in a fantasy novel straight in my mind. Michael Sullivan does a fantastic job at revealing details about the world through the story, and not through lenthy explanations.
I remember trying to listen to Wheel of Time a few years back. The first four hours felt like a boring history class in high-school just listening to the in-depth details about the religion. Mr. Sullivan reveals the world through stories within the story, through conversations between charactes, and unveiling of new and interesting characters. I feel like that is gifted writing.

Book specific review:
Like Michael Sullivan's wife Robin, am in love with Hadrian Blackwater. I love having a new adventure about Royce and Hadrian.

There were a few parts in the book where I was craving a bit more adventure, but it was still a great listen. I finsihed this 20 hour book in 3 days, and lost some sleep.

I really enjoy how Michael Sullivan stays in touch with his readers and let's us know what he has been up to with his writing.
If you are a big fan, you know we have all been clambering for more Ryira adventures.

This particular novel seemed to have some good life lessons in it, which I liked.

If you enjoy the fantasy genre, and this is your first time hearing about Michael Sullivan's multiple series set in the world of Elan, I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

Great Read!

I loved everything about this book. I could go on an infinite number of adventures with Royce and Hadrian. I loved all the references to other Riyria books. This one really brought all of it together. Seeing the growth in both characters as they each influence the other is great too. I can't wait to read more stories with them.

More nostalgic than innovational,more incredible as the finishing touches to an era than a stand-alone adventure.

I'm proud to say that I have finished listening to Drumindor,(I unfortunately missed the kickstarter)
My favorite part is the nostalgic climb and all the drama of THE love affair.Having read all the other books before this I fully appreciate the many nods to old friends,and I have also missed Mr Sullivan's distinctive humor in the story telling.

Having the heavy responsibility to make the series come full circle,the plotline inevitably feels a bit like juggling with too many balls in the air,but Mr Sullivan never disappoints, and he is certainly more than capable of tying up all the lose ends (and even some tucked ends) by the end.

I also want to say that I truly appreciate Mr Sullivan's books( and Mrs Sullivan's afterwords,the Farilane afterword was much appreciated as I cried through the ending)
I'm certain I'm not alone in feeling sad for the period of short goodbye,and hope to say the long hello to The Cycle, in the near future.

I knew I missed them, but I had no idea how much until I started listening!!!

I would give it 10 stars if I could! I had no idea how much I missed them until I started listening and I didn’t want it to end! I think I’m going to go back and listen to the whole series all over again. Masterful storytelling, great characters and a world that you feel immersed in once you start reading. Thank you Michael and Robin for bringing Royce and Hadrian back! And, to Tim Gerard Reynolds, none other could do these stories justice like you do!