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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
This is a 3.5⭐ rounded up to 4. It was good! I really liked reading about Royce and Hadrian's first adventure. However, since I already knew what was gonna happen, this dragged a bit. I'm gonna take a break and read something different and then come back to this series.
So much fun I didn't want it to end.
Classic adventure fantasy that hits all the right notes. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
Classic adventure fantasy that hits all the right notes. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
This is my first time reading a book in this series and I'm hooked! The characters and the world are richly described and I found myself fully invested in it. I am rarely caught by surprise, but I was several times during this story!
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am a complete newbie to this author. I’d seen the books from The Riyria Revelations series and thought about buying them. This book is the first in a pair of prequels to that series, and I am glad I read this first. I prefer to read a series in chronological order rather than it’s published one. If you’re like me and this is your first taste in this world it is extremely important to remember that this is a prequel and that there are four more books to read after this.
The story has a very slow start and at times it was hard for me to focus. While it was well written there really wasn’t very much going on action wise, but main characters were being established. The action does eventually pick up, but it occurs in little bursts. And although there was danger it wasn’t until the very end of the book that I felt a sense of urgency. If I had read this book thinking it was a stand alone novel with the potential for more books I would have thought the ending was lame. This book is 400 pages of set up, but from the style of writing and the lovable characters I can see how people fell in love with this series, and I will be sticking around to read the punch line.
The story has a very slow start and at times it was hard for me to focus. While it was well written there really wasn’t very much going on action wise, but main characters were being established. The action does eventually pick up, but it occurs in little bursts. And although there was danger it wasn’t until the very end of the book that I felt a sense of urgency. If I had read this book thinking it was a stand alone novel with the potential for more books I would have thought the ending was lame. This book is 400 pages of set up, but from the style of writing and the lovable characters I can see how people fell in love with this series, and I will be sticking around to read the punch line.
My favourite book in the whole series (and also the last one I read, by accident). I only wish there was more, because I loved reading about Royce and Hadrian slowly coming to appreciate each other's company.
UPDATE:
Seven years later, I've completed my first re-read of this book after finishing The Legends of the First Empire. I decided to go chronologically with the series this time, and was really surprised how well this book works as an introduction to the characters when they're not fresh in your mind from Riyria Revelations. Given that the first book in Revelations is intentionally a bit simpler and feels like YA, I think this will now be the book I recommend people try first.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Another great book in the Riyria series. I think the big two questions anyone considering this book will want answered are 1) Is it as good as the original series, and 2) does it stand well as an introductory book for those who have not read Riyria Revelations?
This is easily the best prequel I've read because Sullivan came through perfectly with a novel will work equally well for those reading in chronological order or publication order. There's nothing lost or gained by choosing one over the other, and in either case I think you're in for a really fun ride.
I was impressed at how believable the animosity between Royce and Hadrian is, how natural it is based on who they are in this book, and when they start working together against all odds, it makes sense. This is not a contrived plot development necessary to get things moving toward the later series and doesn't feel that way (except maybe that we all know they become friends in the end, but seeing how it plays out is a pleasure).
We also get about half the book dedicated to Gwen's backstory and I truly enjoyed this part of the book, maybe most of all. Again, the events play out in a believable way for the characters involved and we really come to care about them. I suspect actually that the Revelations series may take on some added weight if read after this one.
If I had one complaint it's only that, being a prequel to a series that already divulged a lot of details about the events in this book, there are few plot-based surprises. This doesn't make the book less enjoyable, but it also leaves just a little to be desired in the suspense category. But, like old Columbo episodes where you knew who the killer was from the beginning, the fun isn't in finding out what happens, but seeing how the resolution is reached.
Seven years later, I've completed my first re-read of this book after finishing The Legends of the First Empire. I decided to go chronologically with the series this time, and was really surprised how well this book works as an introduction to the characters when they're not fresh in your mind from Riyria Revelations. Given that the first book in Revelations is intentionally a bit simpler and feels like YA, I think this will now be the book I recommend people try first.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Another great book in the Riyria series. I think the big two questions anyone considering this book will want answered are 1) Is it as good as the original series, and 2) does it stand well as an introductory book for those who have not read Riyria Revelations?
This is easily the best prequel I've read because Sullivan came through perfectly with a novel will work equally well for those reading in chronological order or publication order. There's nothing lost or gained by choosing one over the other, and in either case I think you're in for a really fun ride.
I was impressed at how believable the animosity between Royce and Hadrian is, how natural it is based on who they are in this book, and when they start working together against all odds, it makes sense. This is not a contrived plot development necessary to get things moving toward the later series and doesn't feel that way (except maybe that we all know they become friends in the end, but seeing how it plays out is a pleasure).
We also get about half the book dedicated to Gwen's backstory and I truly enjoyed this part of the book, maybe most of all. Again, the events play out in a believable way for the characters involved and we really come to care about them. I suspect actually that the Revelations series may take on some added weight if read after this one.
If I had one complaint it's only that, being a prequel to a series that already divulged a lot of details about the events in this book, there are few plot-based surprises. This doesn't make the book less enjoyable, but it also leaves just a little to be desired in the suspense category. But, like old Columbo episodes where you knew who the killer was from the beginning, the fun isn't in finding out what happens, but seeing how the resolution is reached.
If you're already invested in the characters because you've read The Riyria Revelations, then this is a great book. I wouldn't recommend it, however, for anyone just getting into this world.
Prequels are hard to do right. They usually come after the original series has exhausted the author completely but the fans and the publishers still demand more.
I was susp8icous of Sullivan's decision to go prequel right after Riyria Revelations.
Revelations is built on two pillars the wonderful characters of Hadrian and Royce, and a grand epic back story. I didn't think that characters themselves without the back story would hold enough of an interest especially after the grand reveal at the end of Riyria Revelations.
I was planning to wait before plunging into chronicles but after a few months without Hadrian and Royce in my life I just had to spend some more time with this amazing pair.
Sullivan has managed to capture me again. I just can't put his books down. and even though I know how it will all end I'm eager to find out more about the back story of these wonderful characters.
I was susp8icous of Sullivan's decision to go prequel right after Riyria Revelations.
Revelations is built on two pillars the wonderful characters of Hadrian and Royce, and a grand epic back story. I didn't think that characters themselves without the back story would hold enough of an interest especially after the grand reveal at the end of Riyria Revelations.
I was planning to wait before plunging into chronicles but after a few months without Hadrian and Royce in my life I just had to spend some more time with this amazing pair.
Sullivan has managed to capture me again. I just can't put his books down. and even though I know how it will all end I'm eager to find out more about the back story of these wonderful characters.