Theft of Swords

Riyria Revelations, Volume 1

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Slow start but worth the wait

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. there are lots of mysteries to unravel and just when you think you have it figured out...some other clue completely alters the direction of the book. the book talks of ancient times, Gods, elves, dwarfs, humans, etc. its an exciting, mysterious and fascinating world. im looking forward top reading Book 2.

Perfectly predictable!

Theft of Swords is the opposite of the song of ice and fire by Martin. It's cliche story is fantastically entertaining, and I say this with complete sincerity. Good vs evil and the like is a told story but Sullivan gives it a wonderful new polish that I found refreshing and fun.

Enjoyed every minute.

The characters make the book come alive.The web of intrigue behing the protagonist's uncanny ability to do the impossible and less then reputable jobs is a hook that draws the reader in, while avoiding some of the heroic fantasy cliche. Great storytelling and excelent performance make this book a pleasure to listen to.

Back to the Classics

This book is just what I was looking for. It's a nice refreshing adventure in a classic fantasy world with plenty of humor and a dash of lightheartedness. The story is on the predictable side, in fact I would say it's more predictable than not, but I didn't mind. I was just happy to have a break from all the gloom and darkness that seems to saturate so many fantasy series today. I narrator is also excellent I think with a nice range of voices. My sister characterizes him as "British but not snooty". Over all a great choice if you want an fun, easy going, epic fantasy.

Slow Start but Worth the Wait

What did you love best about Theft of Swords?

First, if you are going to listen to this book then it's pointless without listening to the trilogy. The character development was my favorite aspect of the trilogy and it only gets deeper the more you listen.

What starts out slowly turns out to be an outstanding book. As you grow more familiar with each character their adventures become more personal and you feel a part of the story. I'm not huge on the Fantasy genre and I wouldn't consider it to be true fantasy fiction. However you classify it, it's good.

Each book is divided into 2 stories with each one accounting for roughly half of your listening time. That keeps the story lines fresh and dynamic. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book because it re-engaged me when the story started to drag a bit.

Yes, yes, yes. Yes!!

This Trilogy is fantastic and in a world of “too many books, too little time,” I will definitely listen to these several more times. They are fun, adventurous, remarkably clever, and will make you laugh. This is the first book in the trilogy (there really are six books in all but grouped into twos and sold as three books, wise use of one credit). Just buy it. Just do.

It is not Game of Thrones and it doesn't try to be

What did you love best about Theft of Swords?

It is just fun. It is a good story. It doesn't try to be deep or philosophical. It doesn't even try to be dark like most modern fantasy books try to be in the vein of Game of Thrones. It just wants to be a fun adventure with a pair of leading characters who get into deep trouble by the virtue of being in the wrong place and time and it succeeds.

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

I'm not sure what I would compare it to. That's hard for me to say. It stands on its own and I think that's a good thing.

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

I like how his characters can sound a bit similar, but are diverse enough to be distinct. He also had a good delivery for describing actions.

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

Yes. If I had the time, I would spend all day listening.

Any additional comments?

If you want a fantasy book to listen to and enjoy, I recommend this.

One of the best reads

one of the best reads after Pern and the Lord of The Rings. now I'm like a junky with the series.

great book awesome series

loved it the pace story and characters combined gordils an excellent experience overall. I highly recommend.

Very enjoyable

Can't wait to get started on the next one in the series. Loved the interactions between the two main characters.