You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
The second book in Riyria Chronicles continues Royce and Hadrian's story with a new adventure. This prequel book continues to re-introduce characters seen in the other Riyria series and how they made relationships with the main protagonists. I'm not a fan of prequel books and this one doesn't add anything new. While it is nice to see how the relationships were formed, there was nothing that felt surprising or exciting.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Great book. Read both Riyria novels in 4 days. Can't wait for the next.
adventurous
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
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So nearly 4 stars but I think that’s because I’ve left it a bit long since reading the crown tower. Still really enjoyed this book and will read anything set in this world !
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
When I read the afterward of the first Riyria Revelations that some of Michael J Sullivan’s inspiration for the story structure was Babylon 5 (the deeply under-appreciated scifi classic that introduced serialized story telling to television), I knew I had found a kindred spirit. With the story done, Sullivan began crafting a series of stand alone prequel novels starring Royce and Hadrian. Staying with the Babylon 5 inspiration, the first two Riyria Chronicles are much like the Babylon 5 tv movie The Beginning. See, way back at the end of the 20th century, the television network TNT purchased the rights for a 5th season of Babylon 5. They also wanted several event movies that could stand on their own. The Beginning revealed the hinted at backstory of several characters. So does the Crown Tower and Rose and the Thorn. Death of Dulgath and The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter are very much stand alone complete novels with just the barest of connection. So far, the books have the feel of classic television like the A-Team, the Fall Guy, or Knight Rider. You can pick out any episode to watch and you’ll understand it perfectly well.
For the last 10 days, I’ve been camping. Between hikes, waterfall chases, mountain train ride, and scenic drives in the mountains of West Virginia, I’ve been able to kick back in my hammock reading the available Riyria Chronicles. Here’s the one word review: FUN. Hadrian and Royce are the odd couple of fantasy adventure. Their banter is second to none. And while you can read the novels in Chronicles in any order, you can follow the progression of character development chronologically. Questions that Royce ponders in Winter’s Daughter builds on the relationship between the duo thus far. If you can, read them chronologically. I think it will be more rewarding.
All in all, Michael J Sullivan has my money for any Royce and Hadrian adventure he writes. I have his Legends and Rise and Fall series to dive in to at some point.
For the last 10 days, I’ve been camping. Between hikes, waterfall chases, mountain train ride, and scenic drives in the mountains of West Virginia, I’ve been able to kick back in my hammock reading the available Riyria Chronicles. Here’s the one word review: FUN. Hadrian and Royce are the odd couple of fantasy adventure. Their banter is second to none. And while you can read the novels in Chronicles in any order, you can follow the progression of character development chronologically. Questions that Royce ponders in Winter’s Daughter builds on the relationship between the duo thus far. If you can, read them chronologically. I think it will be more rewarding.
All in all, Michael J Sullivan has my money for any Royce and Hadrian adventure he writes. I have his Legends and Rise and Fall series to dive in to at some point.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
So I flew through this book in two days... While the storyline was interesting, the characters becoming more involved, I couldn't help but wonder if the author was playing either Oblivion or Skyrim at the same time. I was finding parallels between the video games and this book that were borderline plagiarism. While I am a huge fan of the video games, I felt hugely disappointed in the lack of originality here. I mean, if it were just one thing (like the thieves guild), I could understand... But there were so many parallels that it was creepy. Or is this supposed to be a "what if" side story of the video game? Or is the game a side story off the book? Ugh...
Michael J Sullivan has a winning formula for these novels. One part the Dual of Royce and Hadrian, the other part comprised of 'other players' that propel the story. In some cases, the two parts are intertwined early, and in others, it takes a portion of the book for the two sides to merge into one story. Frankly, most times, I'm more interested in the Royce and Hadrian section. It sometimes takes me some time to warm up to new characters. Other times, its a bit easier.
For the Rose and the Thorn, I was really captured by the 'other side'. The primary focus was with the young son of a Royal Guard. I had no idea how our Heroes and the story they were pursuing were going to merge with his, but soon enough I didn't care. I was just as interested as this side of the story as I was with the other.
Ultimately, the story did pull together very well. The penultimate night of the story has several critical events that are crafted well together and underline the plot and characters. I enjoyed it all very much except for 1 small detail. The outcome of character from the closet was jarring and disappointing. I had just begun to really enjoy this POV when something changed that I didn't approve of. Was this important to the plot? Important to the characters in the long term? I don't know. I *think* the same thing could have come around without that particular thread ending the way it did. Who knows.
But it did not detract from the novel at all. Mr. Sullivan has really captured these characters and the events swirling around them. I look forward to the further adventures of our Heroes.
For the Rose and the Thorn, I was really captured by the 'other side'. The primary focus was with the young son of a Royal Guard. I had no idea how our Heroes and the story they were pursuing were going to merge with his, but soon enough I didn't care. I was just as interested as this side of the story as I was with the other.
Ultimately, the story did pull together very well. The penultimate night of the story has several critical events that are crafted well together and underline the plot and characters. I enjoyed it all very much except for 1 small detail. The outcome of character from the closet was jarring and disappointing. I had just begun to really enjoy this POV when something changed that I didn't approve of. Was this important to the plot? Important to the characters in the long term? I don't know. I *think* the same thing could have come around without that particular thread ending the way it did. Who knows.
But it did not detract from the novel at all. Mr. Sullivan has really captured these characters and the events swirling around them. I look forward to the further adventures of our Heroes.