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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
The Review: http://thefoundingfields.com/2013/08/the-riyria-chronicles-the-rose-and-the-thorn-by-michael-j-sullivan-advance-review-bane-of-kings/.
“An excellent second act in the Riyria Chronicles. Michael J. Sullivan’s The Rose and the Thorn manages to be even better than The Crown Tower, making this book, and the duology – one of my favourite reads of 2013.” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
As soon as I finished The Crown Tower I knew I had to get into the second instalment sooner or later, and thanks to NetGalley, I didn’t have to wait, even if I did end up taking a break in the middle to read a different novel, after all – I didn’t want this series to be over too soon. Fans of the first book, or readers of The Riyria Revelations waiting to see if both novels are strong before delving in will be pleased to know that The Rose and the Thorn is just as excellent as The Crown Tower, and I don’t think Michael J. Sullivan has written a bad book yet with this spectacular second outing (story-wise, not publication wise – this is now their seventh novel) for Royce and Hadrian, allowing for a stunning conclusion that not only wraps things up very well, but leaves readers eagerly wanting to read The Riyria Revelations, whether they have or haven’t already read it. Even though I’ve read all of them, that ending really wanted me to embark on a re-read, especially as it wraps things up nicely, really setting the stage for Theft of Swords.
"TWO THIEVES WANT ANSWERS. RIYRIA IS BORN.
For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception — Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn’t realize is what the two are capable of — but she’s about to find out.
The Riyria Revelations and The Riyria Chronicles are two separate, but related series, and you can start reading with either Theft of Swords(publication order) or The Crown Tower (chronological order)."
The characters have always been one of the high-points of this series for me and the main focus of Royce, Hadrian and to a certain extent Gwen DeLancy works wonders for the book, with some great character development that takes the characters from their early days in The Crown Tower to Theft of Swords, and actually proves that this is one of the rare cases where prequels written after the main series actually work. Whilst the first book may have focused on the origin of Royce and Hadrian’s partnership, this fleshes it out a bit more, really developing the key figures that continue to grow as characters over the course of the main Riyria Revelations series.
The Rose and the ThornThe Rose and the Thorn deals with a lot of characters introduced in this sequel that weren’t given as much page time in the first that might prove a bit daunting to readers who have not read the main series, but Sullivan allows for an interesting split on the focus between all of them, to the point where you never feel like there’s too much or too little of one character. The fleshing out of the characters and seeing their origins before the main series really is pulled of superbly, and I think that all people who want to write prequels for their main series could learn something from The Riyria Chronicles, as both novels in this duology are executed with very minimal flaws and easily provide the reader with some of the best fantasy works to hit shelves this year. The Rose and the Thorn will be in the upper half of my Top 25 novels of 2013 for certain, as not only is it a great tale on its own, but it also manages to beat The Crown Tower.
I was slightly surprised at just how different The Rose and the Thorn was from The Crown Tower. More world-building is on display here, but the book still manages to move along at a very fast pace after an initial slow start, where we find ourselves introduced to a completely new character, Reuben Hilfred – whose story seemingly follows a separate thread from the main events until later on in the book when you start to see things coming together, and his tale is an interesting break from the main event of Royce and Hadrian. The plot is strong and consistent throughout, and despite the fact that this may be a prequel, there are several twists and turns that you won’t be able to see coming even if you’re familiar with the Riyria Revelations.
The richness of the setting is great, as is the content of the overall storyline and The Rose and the Thorn proves to be a stunningly executed sequel that as I’ve already stated, resides among the best work that I’ve read all year so far. People who have read book one but not the Riyria Revelations should enjoy it as equally as those who are reading this in chronological order. Let me know if you’re reading this novel without knowledge of what happens in the main series – I’d love to hear if you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have – as so far, I’ve only heard perspectives from readers who have read the Ryria Revelations and your reaction to this as a newcomer would be pretty interesting.
VERDICT: 5/5
THE RIYRIA CHRONICLES: The Crown Tower, The Rose and the Thorn
“An excellent second act in the Riyria Chronicles. Michael J. Sullivan’s The Rose and the Thorn manages to be even better than The Crown Tower, making this book, and the duology – one of my favourite reads of 2013.” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
As soon as I finished The Crown Tower I knew I had to get into the second instalment sooner or later, and thanks to NetGalley, I didn’t have to wait, even if I did end up taking a break in the middle to read a different novel, after all – I didn’t want this series to be over too soon. Fans of the first book, or readers of The Riyria Revelations waiting to see if both novels are strong before delving in will be pleased to know that The Rose and the Thorn is just as excellent as The Crown Tower, and I don’t think Michael J. Sullivan has written a bad book yet with this spectacular second outing (story-wise, not publication wise – this is now their seventh novel) for Royce and Hadrian, allowing for a stunning conclusion that not only wraps things up very well, but leaves readers eagerly wanting to read The Riyria Revelations, whether they have or haven’t already read it. Even though I’ve read all of them, that ending really wanted me to embark on a re-read, especially as it wraps things up nicely, really setting the stage for Theft of Swords.
"TWO THIEVES WANT ANSWERS. RIYRIA IS BORN.
For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception — Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn’t realize is what the two are capable of — but she’s about to find out.
The Riyria Revelations and The Riyria Chronicles are two separate, but related series, and you can start reading with either Theft of Swords(publication order) or The Crown Tower (chronological order)."
The characters have always been one of the high-points of this series for me and the main focus of Royce, Hadrian and to a certain extent Gwen DeLancy works wonders for the book, with some great character development that takes the characters from their early days in The Crown Tower to Theft of Swords, and actually proves that this is one of the rare cases where prequels written after the main series actually work. Whilst the first book may have focused on the origin of Royce and Hadrian’s partnership, this fleshes it out a bit more, really developing the key figures that continue to grow as characters over the course of the main Riyria Revelations series.
The Rose and the ThornThe Rose and the Thorn deals with a lot of characters introduced in this sequel that weren’t given as much page time in the first that might prove a bit daunting to readers who have not read the main series, but Sullivan allows for an interesting split on the focus between all of them, to the point where you never feel like there’s too much or too little of one character. The fleshing out of the characters and seeing their origins before the main series really is pulled of superbly, and I think that all people who want to write prequels for their main series could learn something from The Riyria Chronicles, as both novels in this duology are executed with very minimal flaws and easily provide the reader with some of the best fantasy works to hit shelves this year. The Rose and the Thorn will be in the upper half of my Top 25 novels of 2013 for certain, as not only is it a great tale on its own, but it also manages to beat The Crown Tower.
I was slightly surprised at just how different The Rose and the Thorn was from The Crown Tower. More world-building is on display here, but the book still manages to move along at a very fast pace after an initial slow start, where we find ourselves introduced to a completely new character, Reuben Hilfred – whose story seemingly follows a separate thread from the main events until later on in the book when you start to see things coming together, and his tale is an interesting break from the main event of Royce and Hadrian. The plot is strong and consistent throughout, and despite the fact that this may be a prequel, there are several twists and turns that you won’t be able to see coming even if you’re familiar with the Riyria Revelations.
The richness of the setting is great, as is the content of the overall storyline and The Rose and the Thorn proves to be a stunningly executed sequel that as I’ve already stated, resides among the best work that I’ve read all year so far. People who have read book one but not the Riyria Revelations should enjoy it as equally as those who are reading this in chronological order. Let me know if you’re reading this novel without knowledge of what happens in the main series – I’d love to hear if you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have – as so far, I’ve only heard perspectives from readers who have read the Ryria Revelations and your reaction to this as a newcomer would be pretty interesting.
VERDICT: 5/5
THE RIYRIA CHRONICLES: The Crown Tower, The Rose and the Thorn
Well it's officially 1:08am here and I just finished reading this. I am super tired, but I couldn't put this down and I utterly adore the characters from this series so I had to know what would happen.
This is book #2 in the Riyria Chronicles which I would advise you read after the whole Riyria Revelations series, even though the Chronicles are a prequel series. Basically in this series we get to see the backstory and various crazy adventures of the two main characters from Riyria Revelations, Royce and Hadrian. This book doesn't pick up straight after the ending of book #1 which was a slight disappointment to me to begin with, due to the craziness of the ending of book #1 and me wanting to know what would happen next, but I will admit I was hooked into the story very fast (pg. 3ish) and I fell in love with it straight away.
This book follows Hadrian and Royce as they journey towards Medford. Along the way they meet a man who is very much down on his luck, and they strike up a deal which could become very beneficial for both of them - if they can play it right.
We also have the other story which centres around Reuben and his coming of age story within the Castle of Medford. Every day that he sees the Princess he wishes she'd notice him, and when he's being bullied and picked on he really doesn't know how to turn things around - until events start to go his way and he becomes involved in a lot more than he bargained on.
On the whole this book was fabulous. Although it took me a little by surprise with the beginning not quite picking up from the ending of the first book, I loved the stories once I was into them and I found the characterisation of this book so natural and easy to adapt to. (Also, fear not, because the events after the ending of book #1 are indeed retold at a later point in this book so we do get to see exactly what went on there too!)
I absolutely adored seeing the backstory for Arista and Alric and also getting to know their father a bit more. The Pickerings too were fabulous as young boys and seeing the way that they lived and grew up was just magnetic (They just kept pulling me in!) The young versions of so many of the characters from Riyria Revealtions were just heartwarming and so amusing, knowing what we do about them by the ending of RIyria Revelations. They are all so fun and all individual which I really appreciated.
As for the foreshadowing and weaving of this book, let's just say everything works so well when Sullivan writes a book because he manages to weave in hints and suggestions that you don't even realise are there until they come back and you kick yourself for not realising. Seeing as this is a prequel series we get a lot hinted at which is to come, and there were a fair amount of very touching moments hinted at that gave me chills!
I read through this super fast and found it so easy to race though once I was fully into it. The pacing is fab and the two stories bounce so well off of one another.
Another excellent book of the same quality I have come to know, expect and enjoy from all of Sullivan's books. A solid 5* read and I fully anticipate book #3 (coming out later this year) to continue to be awesome!!
This is book #2 in the Riyria Chronicles which I would advise you read after the whole Riyria Revelations series, even though the Chronicles are a prequel series. Basically in this series we get to see the backstory and various crazy adventures of the two main characters from Riyria Revelations, Royce and Hadrian. This book doesn't pick up straight after the ending of book #1 which was a slight disappointment to me to begin with, due to the craziness of the ending of book #1 and me wanting to know what would happen next, but I will admit I was hooked into the story very fast (pg. 3ish) and I fell in love with it straight away.
This book follows Hadrian and Royce as they journey towards Medford. Along the way they meet a man who is very much down on his luck, and they strike up a deal which could become very beneficial for both of them - if they can play it right.
We also have the other story which centres around Reuben and his coming of age story within the Castle of Medford. Every day that he sees the Princess he wishes she'd notice him, and when he's being bullied and picked on he really doesn't know how to turn things around - until events start to go his way and he becomes involved in a lot more than he bargained on.
On the whole this book was fabulous. Although it took me a little by surprise with the beginning not quite picking up from the ending of the first book, I loved the stories once I was into them and I found the characterisation of this book so natural and easy to adapt to. (Also, fear not, because the events after the ending of book #1 are indeed retold at a later point in this book so we do get to see exactly what went on there too!)
I absolutely adored seeing the backstory for Arista and Alric and also getting to know their father a bit more. The Pickerings too were fabulous as young boys and seeing the way that they lived and grew up was just magnetic (They just kept pulling me in!) The young versions of so many of the characters from Riyria Revealtions were just heartwarming and so amusing, knowing what we do about them by the ending of RIyria Revelations. They are all so fun and all individual which I really appreciated.
As for the foreshadowing and weaving of this book, let's just say everything works so well when Sullivan writes a book because he manages to weave in hints and suggestions that you don't even realise are there until they come back and you kick yourself for not realising. Seeing as this is a prequel series we get a lot hinted at which is to come, and there were a fair amount of very touching moments hinted at that gave me chills!
I read through this super fast and found it so easy to race though once I was fully into it. The pacing is fab and the two stories bounce so well off of one another.
Another excellent book of the same quality I have come to know, expect and enjoy from all of Sullivan's books. A solid 5* read and I fully anticipate book #3 (coming out later this year) to continue to be awesome!!
I think these books are wonderful! I can't wait to read more from Michael Sullivan.
4.5 stars!
It’s always good to be back with my favorite duo. I will never get enough of their entertaining dynamic and the witty & sarcastic dialogues!!
The overall story in The Crown Tower felt a bit more satisfying, but I really enjoyed getting more pieces to the Riyria puzzle, and it was fun to meet the younger versions of Arista, Alric, and Hilfred. The Rose and the Thorn also had its darker parts that I didn't expect, and showed how ruthless Royce can be - confirming & solidifying his obviously well-earned reputation. But I’m not gonna lie: I loved seeing Royce’s protective side, him & Gwen together are just too precious.
What can I say: Another great read, and I’m already excited for the next one!
It’s always good to be back with my favorite duo. I will never get enough of their entertaining dynamic and the witty & sarcastic dialogues!!
The overall story in The Crown Tower felt a bit more satisfying, but I really enjoyed getting more pieces to the Riyria puzzle, and it was fun to meet the younger versions of Arista, Alric, and Hilfred. The Rose and the Thorn also had its darker parts that I didn't expect, and showed how ruthless Royce can be - confirming & solidifying his obviously well-earned reputation. But I’m not gonna lie: I loved seeing Royce’s protective side, him & Gwen together are just too precious.
What can I say: Another great read, and I’m already excited for the next one!
I've been looking forward to spending more time with Riyria. Royce and Hadrian did not disappoint my craving for adventure though I will confess that Royce was a little frightening with his intense approach to problem solving. But oh what a chivalrous heart he hides behind his silence and brooding! Hadrian's heart has a few more dents because he wants so much to believe in the goodness of people, which makes him so endearing. All in all I had a great time following these two through the streets of Medford. I recommend this jaunt to fans of classic fantasy and anyone who loves a good story.
3.75 stars
I am completely invested in these characters and this world, but this story was a tiny bit boring for me. I felt like we got a lot less of Royce and Hadrian than in previous installments and I just missed them a little tbh.
Still was a great read, I will always enjoy being back in this world.
I am completely invested in these characters and this world, but this story was a tiny bit boring for me. I felt like we got a lot less of Royce and Hadrian than in previous installments and I just missed them a little tbh.
Still was a great read, I will always enjoy being back in this world.
adventurous
medium-paced
Another fantastic prequel of one of my favorite bromantic couples with Buddies Books and Baubles
Prequels, I’m usually not really interested in them. I mean once you know where the story goes do you really care about the origins of it? For most of the books I’ve read I’d say that it a big fat NO. But for Riyria and Michael J Sullivan the is a huge and resounding YES!!!!
Not only do we get to see how Royce and Hadrian finally solidified into a team and found their front man, we also get to see the beginnings of Royce and Gwen as a possible couple and a young Hilfred in the castle before the fire.
Since I read the Riyria Revelations first I know what a great team Hadrian and Royce are. But it is good to see some of the moments in the beginning. I thought that Royce was maybe a little tame for the dangerous killing assassin he was supposed to be. But after reading through this I can see where he got the reputation AND I can see how far Hadrian pushed him into being kinder later that is.
There are some great scenes in this book with just how cruel and bloodthirsty Royce can be when he realizes the people he cares for are in trouble.
Hadrian on the other had is pretty naïve when it comes to people and he is always looking for the best in them. I love watching how each man tries to convince the other that people are generally all good or all bad. Neither is quite right but together they probably make a semi well-adjusted person….almost. We all know that Gwen has always only had eyes for Royce and why but it was cute to see that maybe Hadrian would have liked to have met her under different conditions, but there is no way that he will betray his bro.
This is so true and against Hadrian’s character anyway. I’m glad that he is happy for the small comfort Royce feels when around Gwen.
Other than that I was really excited to see Hilfred’s origins. They were so different than I expected them to be and a blend of sad and heroic all the same time. A young Hilfred just becoming a guard and stumbling on a secret he wasn’t supposed to find. A plot in the castle to kill the Royal family and seeing Arista, Oreck and the Pickering Boys as children was a lot of fun.
Even the plots in the palace turned out different than expected and bravo to MJS for taking a story that has been told in the Riyria Revelations and make it just as intriguing as if you didn’t know already what the end result was going to be. There were still enough surprises that I was entertained and engaged the entire story.
Prequels, I’m usually not really interested in them. I mean once you know where the story goes do you really care about the origins of it? For most of the books I’ve read I’d say that it a big fat NO. But for Riyria and Michael J Sullivan the is a huge and resounding YES!!!!
Not only do we get to see how Royce and Hadrian finally solidified into a team and found their front man, we also get to see the beginnings of Royce and Gwen as a possible couple and a young Hilfred in the castle before the fire.
Since I read the Riyria Revelations first I know what a great team Hadrian and Royce are. But it is good to see some of the moments in the beginning. I thought that Royce was maybe a little tame for the dangerous killing assassin he was supposed to be. But after reading through this I can see where he got the reputation AND I can see how far Hadrian pushed him into being kinder later that is.
“So why are you helping her?”
“Because that’s what people do. They help each other. If you saw a man lying in the road with an arrow in him, you’d stop, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course,” Royce replied, “anyone would. A wounded man is easy pickings, unless you could see from your saddle that someone else has already taken his purse.”
“What? No! No one would rob a wounded man and leave him to die.”
Royce nodded. “Well, no. You’re right. If he has a purse and you take it, it’s best to slit his throat afterward. Too many people live through arrow wounds. You taught me that. No sense risking that he might come after you.”
There are some great scenes in this book with just how cruel and bloodthirsty Royce can be when he realizes the people he cares for are in trouble.
Hadrian on the other had is pretty naïve when it comes to people and he is always looking for the best in them. I love watching how each man tries to convince the other that people are generally all good or all bad. Neither is quite right but together they probably make a semi well-adjusted person….almost. We all know that Gwen has always only had eyes for Royce and why but it was cute to see that maybe Hadrian would have liked to have met her under different conditions, but there is no way that he will betray his bro.
“Anything you want to tell me?”
For one awful, selfish instant he imagined her saying something like, Hadrian, I’ve wanted to confess this to you ever since we first met, but it isn’t Royce I’m in love with… And what would he say? He knew what he’d like to say. He was just as smitten with her as Royce was, but he also knew that betraying Royce wouldn’t just be wrong or cruel—it would be fatal
This is so true and against Hadrian’s character anyway. I’m glad that he is happy for the small comfort Royce feels when around Gwen.
Other than that I was really excited to see Hilfred’s origins. They were so different than I expected them to be and a blend of sad and heroic all the same time. A young Hilfred just becoming a guard and stumbling on a secret he wasn’t supposed to find. A plot in the castle to kill the Royal family and seeing Arista, Oreck and the Pickering Boys as children was a lot of fun.
Even the plots in the palace turned out different than expected and bravo to MJS for taking a story that has been told in the Riyria Revelations and make it just as intriguing as if you didn’t know already what the end result was going to be. There were still enough surprises that I was entertained and engaged the entire story.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
If "The Crown Tower" endeared me to Hadrian "The Crown Tower" has endeared me to Royce.
Royce shows off his personality a lot in this book. We get a glimpse into the how and why of this little psycho and watch as he tried to figure out how to function as a normal human being (and fail at it). Its like watching a feral cat be pet for the first time in his life and I love it.
Hadrian, while not the star of this book, also had some great moments that made me love him even more.
I'm pretty neutral on Rueben but I liked watching as he became just another cog in the huge mess/twist in the last half of the book. Hoping that we get to see him be changed by these events.
Missed Gwen a lot this book. Always wanna see more of here.
Honestly the only problem with this book is that its a little slow. But I really think this book is better than "The Crown Tower." I think for this if this is the spot in the story that you decide to start you really gotta give it 2 books to get its hooks in you.
Royce shows off his personality a lot in this book. We get a glimpse into the how and why of this little psycho and watch as he tried to figure out how to function as a normal human being (and fail at it). Its like watching a feral cat be pet for the first time in his life and I love it.
Hadrian, while not the star of this book, also had some great moments that made me love him even more.
I'm pretty neutral on Rueben but I liked watching as he became just another cog in the huge mess/twist in the last half of the book. Hoping that we get to see him be changed by these events.
Missed Gwen a lot this book. Always wanna see more of here.
Honestly the only problem with this book is that its a little slow. But I really think this book is better than "The Crown Tower." I think for this if this is the spot in the story that you decide to start you really gotta give it 2 books to get its hooks in you.