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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
This is a slow read, despite it being short it didn't get good until about 3/4 of the way in. Took too long for our boys to get into adventure, hopefully next one gets the adventure going sooner
I have re-read most Riyria books excess of five times. The crown tower I read once and revisited one more time, and that is it for me for now. It is a well written, a fantastic story, has interesting characters, a great female protagonist, and explore the backstory of Gwen DeLancy that rounds her out as a character more than we ever got in the Riyria Revelations. That being said, its just painful if you love Hadrian and Royce to see them before they are Riyria. I think every fan of the Riyria Revelations needs to read this story, as a valuable addition to the series that lets you see things in the revelations in a whole new light on a re-read. That being said, I am not sure when I will reread The Crown Tower, because it can be a bit of a painful read if you are already emotionally invested in these characters.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Is there anything more fun that revisiting old friends? In the case of Riyria, there is. Getting said friends’ origin stories, including the birth of their epic friendship, is incredibly gratifying. I fell in love with Hadrian and Royce in Theft of Swords, and getting to see how they came together in the first place was a blast. There’s something safe about reading an origin story. Since we’ve seen their future escapades, you go in knowing that everything is going to turn out okay. While a big chunk of the book centers around Hadrian and Royce, we also get Gwen’s origin story. She’s such an awesome character. I absolutely adore all three of them. Also, both this series and its predecessor are the epitome of classic-voiced fantasy in my mind, and they’re such a cozy setting to fall into. Yes, there are bad things happening, but there’s a positivity charging the narrative that I find comforting. My only complaint is that it felt like the story ended too soon. Thankfully, I have the next book sitting on my shelf, and I’ll definitely be getting to it soon.
Is there anything more fun that revisiting old friends? In the case of Riyria, there is. Getting said friends’ origin stories, including the birth of their epic friendship, is incredibly gratifying. I fell in love with Hadrian and Royce in Theft of Swords, and getting to see how they came together in the first place was a blast. There’s something safe about reading an origin story. Since we’ve seen their future escapades, you go in knowing that everything is going to turn out okay. While a big chunk of the book centers around Hadrian and Royce, we also get Gwen’s origin story. She’s such an awesome character. I absolutely adore all three of them. Also, both this series and its predecessor are the epitome of classic-voiced fantasy in my mind, and they’re such a cozy setting to fall into. Yes, there are bad things happening, but there’s a positivity charging the narrative that I find comforting. My only complaint is that it felt like the story ended too soon. Thankfully, I have the next book sitting on my shelf, and I’ll definitely be getting to it soon.
I received this book in a generous giveaway hosted by the publisher in August 2013. I was (and am still largely) ignorant of the series it prequels and of the later story lines. I did no research into Michael Sullivan and his literary adventures. His brief description of this book on Goodreads assured me I wouldn't need any of this to appreciate and follow the book. I enjoy testing such assurances.
I'll admit that the early stages of delving into The Crown Tower were slow. I'd read five pages, put it down. Another five pages, put it down. It was not that the story was slow-starting in that nothing happened; when we meet Hadrien, he's quickly met by a thieving gang, joined by the unusual but eager-to-please Pickles, and hurried onto a barge mere hours after making land.
What made engaging in this book slow and at first tedious was the apparent disconnect of multiple story lines. I had no idea why I was supposed to care about Hadrian (and although he seems like an okay guy, I still don't, in all honesty) or Gwen. I only knew about this prophecy, but that didn't come along till several mentions of Gwen later when I'd nearly forgotten I was supposed to be looking for it. I found myself much more immersed in Gwen's story, and find myself debating continuing the series if only to find out what she's supposed to be to the Good Cop/Bad Cop newly-friends.
Somewhere about midway I began to find myself getting more invested in these characters--my favorites being Gwen, Rose, and Royce (not necessarily in that order)--and that's about where the story picked up for me. The introduction of a professor (Was it only me who thought of Rowling's Dumbledore when meeting Professor Arcadius?) created a sense of intrigue; it's rare to actually meet the manipulator of the sequence of events to follow before the last book, and to have him be what appears to be an ally. The character plot twist at the end, which I won't discuss in detail, really cinched the series for me because it opened up an entirely new realm of questions and answers.
If only all books provided such a turn around of opinions from beginning to end, I'm sure I'd have a lot more books on my To Read shelf!
I'll admit that the early stages of delving into The Crown Tower were slow. I'd read five pages, put it down. Another five pages, put it down. It was not that the story was slow-starting in that nothing happened; when we meet Hadrien, he's quickly met by a thieving gang, joined by the unusual but eager-to-please Pickles, and hurried onto a barge mere hours after making land.
What made engaging in this book slow and at first tedious was the apparent disconnect of multiple story lines. I had no idea why I was supposed to care about Hadrian (and although he seems like an okay guy, I still don't, in all honesty) or Gwen. I only knew about this prophecy, but that didn't come along till several mentions of Gwen later when I'd nearly forgotten I was supposed to be looking for it. I found myself much more immersed in Gwen's story, and find myself debating continuing the series if only to find out what she's supposed to be to the Good Cop/Bad Cop newly-friends.
Somewhere about midway I began to find myself getting more invested in these characters--my favorites being Gwen, Rose, and Royce (not necessarily in that order)--and that's about where the story picked up for me. The introduction of a professor (Was it only me who thought of Rowling's Dumbledore when meeting Professor Arcadius?) created a sense of intrigue; it's rare to actually meet the manipulator of the sequence of events to follow before the last book, and to have him be what appears to be an ally. The character plot twist at the end, which I won't discuss in detail, really cinched the series for me because it opened up an entirely new realm of questions and answers.
If only all books provided such a turn around of opinions from beginning to end, I'm sure I'd have a lot more books on my To Read shelf!
Really torn on whether to give it three of four stars - because I really liked it - but I'm going with three.
As the previous books of the series (which actually take place later), this was a quick read to me. Mostly because of the clear, smooth, but still solid prose, but also because of the fast pacing of the story. The story which is solid as well. The author uses with a lot of fantasy clichés/tropes (two guys on a quest, polar opposites, can't stand eachother but they'll end up being bffs because they find they actually complement eachother perfectly, you know the drill), and still manages to turn them around a bit. So the story feels both familiar and exciting, which I like in my fantasy books.
Basically I really enjoyed reading this but the literature major in me keeps nagging that the book was nothing special, really. I'll tell her to kindly shut up while I move on to the next one immediately.
As the previous books of the series (which actually take place later), this was a quick read to me. Mostly because of the clear, smooth, but still solid prose, but also because of the fast pacing of the story. The story which is solid as well. The author uses with a lot of fantasy clichés/tropes (two guys on a quest, polar opposites, can't stand eachother but they'll end up being bffs because they find they actually complement eachother perfectly, you know the drill), and still manages to turn them around a bit. So the story feels both familiar and exciting, which I like in my fantasy books.
Basically I really enjoyed reading this but the literature major in me keeps nagging that the book was nothing special, really. I'll tell her to kindly shut up while I move on to the next one immediately.
Well, to my complete surprise I really enjoyed this. I thought it well written and funny, especially toward the end. I did find it hard to read the sections about Gwen while she was still under another's thumb. But all in all I can't wait to read the next one.
On a side note, I was annoyed at having to decide on reading the series in chronological or publication order. Once I decide to read something, I just want to get on with it, not make extra decisions. Luckily, my decision was made for me when the library had the first ones in and not the latter ones.
On to book two, The Rose and the Thorn.
On a side note, I was annoyed at having to decide on reading the series in chronological or publication order. Once I decide to read something, I just want to get on with it, not make extra decisions. Luckily, my decision was made for me when the library had the first ones in and not the latter ones.
On to book two, The Rose and the Thorn.
"Listen to him. Trust him. That's what he won't expect. It won't be easy. You'll have to be very patient. But if you are, you'll make a friend for life--the kind that will walk unarmed into the jaws of a dragon if you asked him to."
This is the beginning of the prequel series to the Riyria Revelations, which takes us to the very beginning of Royce and Hadrian's partnership, twelve years before the beginning of The Crown Conspiracy. I haven't read very many prequels in the past. The ones that I come across never seem like they are going to add a lot to the story, so I've never felt the need to delve into them. Particularly if it's a series that I like, because I don't want it ruined. Here though, I think a prequel series makes sense. It gives the characters even more depth than the main series did and gives us firsthand knowledge of what those first encounters were like.
I have to say it once again: Michael J Sullivan knows how to write compelling characters. If you've read the Riyria Revelations already, then the characters won't be new to you. They aren't the same, however. It amazes me how Sullivan is able to show, with just a few words and scenes, how these two have changed over time.
"I think everyone is after me until proven otherwise."
Royce doesn't have perspective chapters until over halfway into the book, just appearing as a shadowed stranger around Hadrian. This was an extremely clever way to introduce him, as you find out a lot about his background through Hadrian, which makes him more relatable than being thrown into his head from the beginning probably would have. He's dark, abrasive, violent, and unfriendly. But he's also very misunderstood. If you've followed my reading of the Riyria Revelations then you likely already know my love for this character, and that only grew here. There is just something about him that draws me in. I don't have his background (which I am very grateful for), but I find it easy to relate to paranoia and fear. I also love to see how much he grows. Because if Royce can grow, anyone can.
"Everyone was a stack of accumulated experiences, and seeing how that pile wobbled when it moved could reveal secrets."
It was interested seeing this younger Hadrian. With Royce it was always easy for me to imagine what he would have been like when they first met, but Hadrian was harder to picture. This colored in all of the missing pieces. He was young here, only about twenty, and already suffering from the mistakes he made. He's constantly underestimated because of his youth, which I found endearing. He's a trained killer and could probably singlehandedly take on a dozen other men, but his young face and kind demeanor give him an appearance of innocence that most cannot easily overlook.
"You're a hero and you can see the future."
I was really excited to see Gwen get perspective portions in this novel. She was always somewhat of a mystery in the Revelations and I always wondered about her. Here we finally find out more about her story; where she came from, what she can do, how she ended up where she did and why. Her story is really sad in a lot of ways. But it's also really great. She's strong and although she is forced to make decisions she would probably rather never have to make, she doesn't let that beat her. I'm really excited to see more of her through the other books.
"Ever notice how the word friend is only one letter away from fiend? Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe not."
This is the beginning of the Royce and Hadrian bromance that has made the Riyria books so popular. Two very different men, from completely different backgrounds, who become best friends and partners. What's not to love?
It was great to see the first meeting between these two, to feel the dislike they had for each other. And their back and forth is fantastic, even from the beginning. It's harsher, less teasing, than later in their relationship, but just as entertaining. This is definitely a slow build friendship, which really makes it even more powerful. Isn't it nice to know that not all first impressions have to be last impressions?
There are two main stories in this, set to converge. We follow Royce and Hadrian as they are forced to partner by an old professor, seemingly for no reason. And then there's Gwen, taking her own life in hand and waiting for the mysterious him.
I've heard different opinions on whether you should start with the Chronicles or the Revelations, but I don't think you can go wrong either way. Just read them all.
I don't know why the author thought I'd need an introduction telling me fancy things about his wife and reading orders and such, but it was quite boring.
First chapter was nice. It felt like Fahfrd and the Grey Mouser from The First Book of Lankhmar which I read back in the 80s and have very fond memories of. I don't know if this will hold in the next couple of chapters but this is surely a good start! Especially the first sentence and scene - stolen bag given back - sucked me in. There is enough action and reflective talk for several chapters, but Sullivan manages it to compress these and doesn't let it seem to be action only.
The main protagonist Hadrian Blackwater learns about a murder series and leaves to the north on a river barge. The mystery story just started.
A short chapter with a whore house follows - a client murders one of the whores out of lust. The POV Gwen - also a whore - tries to get the murderer hanged. But for the constabler it is enough that the murderer has to pay blood money to the whore's pimp. I don't yet understand the society leading to such a strange understanding of justice. But maybe the constabler has been bribed or there are other reasons.
Back to Hadrian's POV, he meets the passengers of the barge. One of them - a hooded man - is ridicously suspected as being the murderer. I didn't like the naive conversations, here.
More to follow.
The mysterious hooded man is revealed and a sociopath hatches.
The contrast between Royce and Hadrian is really nice - Hadrian was introduced as a kind of hero and great fighter. Now, he looks utterly dumb getting caught in trap after trap. I love this character development. And wonder how he will be built up again.
Royce on the other hand is such an asshole that I have to love the conversations.
My favourite sentence: (“Ever consider how the sword feels about it?”
Hadrian look puzzled. “The sword? No.”
Arcadius returned to feeding his animals.) “That’s why it’s easier to be a blacksmith.”
That is a nice bit of practical philosophy that I've missed until this chapter. It doesn't weigh up the whole lot of action but I'm fine with it.
Gwen's story is running well with the brothel's building. But we are already led to the peripeteia at the end of chapter 12 with the bribe. I'm just waiting for the going down and hope to see a retarding moment before the catastrophy will happen. But you never know if the author is a fan of Aristotle or not.
In summary, I enjoyed the story: Much action, humorous dialogues, interesting characters in a somewhat standard setting. The end came too soon, but this is better than if it felt double its size. I'll surely read the next part of the Riyeria Chronicles.
First chapter was nice. It felt like Fahfrd and the Grey Mouser from The First Book of Lankhmar which I read back in the 80s and have very fond memories of. I don't know if this will hold in the next couple of chapters but this is surely a good start! Especially the first sentence and scene - stolen bag given back - sucked me in. There is enough action and reflective talk for several chapters, but Sullivan manages it to compress these and doesn't let it seem to be action only.
The main protagonist Hadrian Blackwater learns about a murder series and leaves to the north on a river barge. The mystery story just started.
A short chapter with a whore house follows - a client murders one of the whores out of lust. The POV Gwen - also a whore - tries to get the murderer hanged. But for the constabler it is enough that the murderer has to pay blood money to the whore's pimp. I don't yet understand the society leading to such a strange understanding of justice. But maybe the constabler has been bribed or there are other reasons.
Back to Hadrian's POV, he meets the passengers of the barge. One of them - a hooded man - is ridicously suspected as being the murderer. I didn't like the naive conversations, here.
More to follow.
The mysterious hooded man is revealed and a sociopath hatches.
The contrast between Royce and Hadrian is really nice - Hadrian was introduced as a kind of hero and great fighter. Now, he looks utterly dumb getting caught in trap after trap. I love this character development. And wonder how he will be built up again.
Royce on the other hand is such an asshole that I have to love the conversations.
My favourite sentence: (“Ever consider how the sword feels about it?”
Hadrian look puzzled. “The sword? No.”
Arcadius returned to feeding his animals.) “That’s why it’s easier to be a blacksmith.”
That is a nice bit of practical philosophy that I've missed until this chapter. It doesn't weigh up the whole lot of action but I'm fine with it.
Gwen's story is running well with the brothel's building. But we are already led to the peripeteia at the end of chapter 12 with the bribe. I'm just waiting for the going down and hope to see a retarding moment before the catastrophy will happen. But you never know if the author is a fan of Aristotle or not.
In summary, I enjoyed the story: Much action, humorous dialogues, interesting characters in a somewhat standard setting. The end came too soon, but this is better than if it felt double its size. I'll surely read the next part of the Riyeria Chronicles.
Review Breakdown:
Characters- 5/5
World/Plot- 5/5
E.V.- 4/5 HILARIOUS
I.V.- 4/5
Timelessness- 5/5
My Bias- 5/5
Characters- 5/5
World/Plot- 5/5
E.V.- 4/5 HILARIOUS
I.V.- 4/5
Timelessness- 5/5
My Bias- 5/5
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes