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andrewls's review against another edition
4.0
Good, but not as good as ryiria
I loved the concept of this series. It was super fun to get the backstory of Elan. If you like the rest of Michael's work, you'll like this book. I didn't feel that he stuck the landing quite as well with this book as he did with ryiria.
I loved the concept of this series. It was super fun to get the backstory of Elan. If you like the rest of Michael's work, you'll like this book. I didn't feel that he stuck the landing quite as well with this book as he did with ryiria.
curiousquill's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
radhiazizi's review against another edition
4.0
Everything is clear now, what a ride. It's very sad that the true heros are never remembered.
The unlikely heroes, some who we never see or hear about, are as well. They are out among us right now, risking their lives and those of their loved ones.
consider remembering this Book of Brin quote: I had always worshiped heroes in stories. I had no idea I was surrounded by them.
I know reading Riyria after this, knowing the truths and lies won't be easy.
madro's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
smurf2416's review
5.0
A fantastic end to a wonderful series. Here are the reasons I loved this book and this series:
1. Characters- Characters take a front seat in Mr. Sullivan's series. The best books are the ones that make you feel like you are a part of the journey. That it is your best friends that are suffering, and you are right there with them. This book absolutely personifies that.
2. Theme- So much fantasy is dark, gritty, evil. And many have turned into stories where there is no clear good or evil. It begins to speak to the jaded, angry, and vengeful side we all have. Yet, the best stories (for me) are the ones where you leave feeling uplifted and hopeful. Forgiveness takes on a huge role in this novel and it is fantastically done. Forgiveness is not something that is easy and makes you walk away feeling warm and fuzzy. It's difficult, painful, and goes against all rationale inside us. The world says "Person A did this and they deserve to suffer", forgiveness says "Person A did do that, it was wrong, there should be justice, but I still forgive them". That is counter everything the world is telling us and I am incredibly surprised it took such a front seat in this novel. It was difficult for me, the reader, to even be able to forgive. Exceptionally well done.
3. Imagination- The biggest reason fantasy can be so amazing is that it pulls on your imagination. This book, and series, constantly pulls at your imagination. Looking for a witch in a swamp, sailing across the sea to visit dwarves, being trapped deep inside a cave, a river that drys up in a moment, a woman talking to a dragon on a hillside. This series transports you.
There will come a day when Mr. Sullivan stops writing books, and that will be a very sad day.
1. Characters- Characters take a front seat in Mr. Sullivan's series. The best books are the ones that make you feel like you are a part of the journey. That it is your best friends that are suffering, and you are right there with them. This book absolutely personifies that.
2. Theme- So much fantasy is dark, gritty, evil. And many have turned into stories where there is no clear good or evil. It begins to speak to the jaded, angry, and vengeful side we all have. Yet, the best stories (for me) are the ones where you leave feeling uplifted and hopeful. Forgiveness takes on a huge role in this novel and it is fantastically done. Forgiveness is not something that is easy and makes you walk away feeling warm and fuzzy. It's difficult, painful, and goes against all rationale inside us. The world says "Person A did this and they deserve to suffer", forgiveness says "Person A did do that, it was wrong, there should be justice, but I still forgive them". That is counter everything the world is telling us and I am incredibly surprised it took such a front seat in this novel. It was difficult for me, the reader, to even be able to forgive. Exceptionally well done.
3. Imagination- The biggest reason fantasy can be so amazing is that it pulls on your imagination. This book, and series, constantly pulls at your imagination. Looking for a witch in a swamp, sailing across the sea to visit dwarves, being trapped deep inside a cave, a river that drys up in a moment, a woman talking to a dragon on a hillside. This series transports you.
There will come a day when Mr. Sullivan stops writing books, and that will be a very sad day.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
Every once in a while, you read a book that is everything you need in a moment. Whether intentionally or not, its themes and messages resonate on a powerful scale. AGE OF EMPYRE became that book for me.
Not only did I feel the struggles these beloved misfits endure, I was swept away by Sullivan’s powerful voice and fitting finale to a series filled with adventure, personal trials, and overcoming barriers we place on ourselves. It’s a challenging read, and a worthy one. While I still have questions regarding some character fates, it’s left open to the imagination, and I like the paths left behind.
These characters are nothing like what you expect in a fantasy book, and I truly would not be able to pick one journey or arc I favoured over the other. If I really got down to it, I would be tied between Brin, Roan, and Gifford. They have wonderful stories and I already miss them dearly.
The world, even its darkest elements, is stunningly built and expertly crafted. Every word has meaning. I really could not put it down.
I’m so happy Sullivan expanded his universe and has plans to continue doing so. He’s a game changer in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to see what he creates next.
Not only did I feel the struggles these beloved misfits endure, I was swept away by Sullivan’s powerful voice and fitting finale to a series filled with adventure, personal trials, and overcoming barriers we place on ourselves. It’s a challenging read, and a worthy one. While I still have questions regarding some character fates, it’s left open to the imagination, and I like the paths left behind.
These characters are nothing like what you expect in a fantasy book, and I truly would not be able to pick one journey or arc I favoured over the other. If I really got down to it, I would be tied between Brin, Roan, and Gifford. They have wonderful stories and I already miss them dearly.
The world, even its darkest elements, is stunningly built and expertly crafted. Every word has meaning. I really could not put it down.
I’m so happy Sullivan expanded his universe and has plans to continue doing so. He’s a game changer in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to see what he creates next.
soph_marie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mneiger's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0