The Crown Tower

The Riyria Chronicles, Book 1

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Michael J. Sullivan garnered critical raves and a massive readership for his Riyria Revelations series. The first book in his highly anticipated Riyria Chronicles series of prequels, The Crown Tower brings together warrior Hadrian Blackwater with thieving assassin Royce Melborn. The two form a less-than-friendly pairing, but the quest before them has a rare prize indeed, and if they can breach the supposedly impregnable walls of the Crown Tower, their names will be legend.

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

another great book

I've loved all of these books. I have high expectations for each new book, and have never been let down.

love this series

it is fantastic to get the back story on the main characters. It gives a great foundation to the rest of the series.

More great storytelling

Another great Riyria story by Mr. Sullivan. An entertaining origin story of two of my favorite characters.

THE best books I've ever listened too!

I've just completed all of the books in these multiple series (Legends of the 1st Empire, The Rise and Fall and The Riyria Chronicles and Revelations) and have to say out of my 100+ book library of mostly fiction works, Michael Sullivan's vision and story telling is exceptional to say the least. How he put these stories and series together is beyond me, but he did it. The narrator, Tim Reynolds was AMAZING as well (Love Magnus) . At some point in my life I will listen to all of these books again! I will admit the first book starts off a little slow and took awhile to grab me, but by the end of the last series with my favorite characters, Royce and Hadrian and how everything played back to even the very first book, Age of Myth....I became Sullivan's biggest fan. I don't know how his mind creates these adventures, but am very happy for it, they're simply stunning.

So rich and wonderful

Two of the best characters ever written. Royce and Hadrian are unique and absorbing. I love this whole series. Never a dull moment. Story is fresh. Writing is excellent. Narration is exceedingly well done.

I wish these books could last forever

I listened to the first of the series a couple of years ago, along with this set. But I'm miss being part of the adventure if I don't listen to them all over again here and there.

It felt like coming home again.

With Tim Gerard returning to narrate and Michael Sullivan still at the top of his game, this felt a lot like coming home after a long time away.
Highly recommend.

Extremely Satisfying Prequel!

After being completely immersed in the world of Hadrian, Royce and all the multitude of characters in Riyria Revelations, I was beyond pleased to take a journey in this prequel. I often think I won’t be satisfied with a prequel. I feel so satisfied with the characters as they are; do I really want to go back in time to a place where they are different than what I know? Less evolved, immature, and younger? But wow! This prequel made me feel so special that I know what’s coming for Hadrian & Royce. Definitely made me love them more, and appreciate why they do an act as they do. Do yourself a favor and follow the order of publication and not chronology. The author knew what he was doing. In addition, I listened to the first series with the graphic audio version, and so I found myself quite nervous to move forward with one narrator, despite having listened to hundreds of books with one narrator. Wrong again! Tim Gerard Reynolds had the notoriety he’s garnered for good reason. Enough said. This book is a credit well-spent.

awesome

starting from legends to esrahaddon this jump was a little funky for me but i too now love royce and hadrian good cop bad cop brothers in arms type deal.

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."