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A review by robinbridgefour
Esrahaddon by Michael J. Sullivan
5.0
If you have read Riyria Revelations, which I hope you have if you are reading this book, then we know where Esrahaddon was found and the legend behind him. But like most things after a thousand years the real story has been so lost and changed it was fascinating to read the real history of one of the most powerful human Artists in history.
This is a fascinating tale and an epic journey. The book was too long and too short all at the same time. As a child Esra was the sole survivor of a lion attach and then again when jackals came at his village. He was thrown out into the wilderness to die. But Turin had other plans for him and instead he was found by Goblins (Ba Rhen) and raised to serve one huge purpose.
Mawyndule has been busy moving people into position for years and it is all about to come to a head. He has spent time sowing distrust between the Teshlor and the Artists, so much that each thinks the other holds the emperor’s favor and is a danger to the empire. The time is ripe to pull the strings taught and find the horn, blow it, to be able to be crowned Fane. It a goal he has worked at for 2000 years since he lost the last battle.
Esra in Turin’s cloak is the strongest human Artist since Suri. He has been selected to tutor the prince Nevrik along with Jerish. I totally loved this part of the story. Nevrik is a handful for such a young boy and enjoyed how maneuvered these two into his life. Going to the Avenpartha again was also interesting to see it before the Riyria tales. The reluctant friendship between Esra and Jerish reminded me a lot of another duo I loved.
I always feel a little bad for Turin in these stories as he is so alone in trying to set right previous wrongs. His journey is to counter some events and facilitate others and sometimes the events needed are horrible indeed. Complete series readers know what happened to the city of Percepliquis and now we know why.
Parts of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. Elinya and Esra, in a different time could have had a different life together and I was so sad for their very short time together after realizing the feelings they had for each other. Esra is a hero and a villain, it just depends on which side of the battle you are standing on.
I was sad with where the story ended though. I had anticipated Yolrik and Turin’s conversation and I really would have liked to have that story told. Maybe in the time after Revelations we will see the fruition of that conversation. One can only hope.
I’ve loved all of these stories set in the between years from the Age of Legends to the time of Riyria. Each added a new layer of depth to the overall story. I think one of these days I will do a huge re-read of the entire series again and can’t wait to see all the new things I tease out on my 2nd and 3rd reads of some of the books.
Narration
Al always Time Gerard Reynolds is beyond fantastic in this tale and brings it all to life. I always enjoy his performances in all of Michael J. Sullivan's stories. He always brings the story to life in ways I might not be able to do in my own head and I love it.
This is a fascinating tale and an epic journey. The book was too long and too short all at the same time. As a child Esra was the sole survivor of a lion attach and then again when jackals came at his village. He was thrown out into the wilderness to die. But Turin had other plans for him and instead he was found by Goblins (Ba Rhen) and raised to serve one huge purpose.
”What is this crime I’m expected to commit? The one you must kill me to prevent. Maybe I can just promise not to. What is it I’m supposedly going to do?”
“Destroy the world.”
“And you’re okay with me destroying the world.”
“I exaggerated. He didn’t actually say that.”
“What did he say?”
“He said you world destroy the empire.”
Mawyndule has been busy moving people into position for years and it is all about to come to a head. He has spent time sowing distrust between the Teshlor and the Artists, so much that each thinks the other holds the emperor’s favor and is a danger to the empire. The time is ripe to pull the strings taught and find the horn, blow it, to be able to be crowned Fane. It a goal he has worked at for 2000 years since he lost the last battle.
”A man cannot stand with two broken legs. I fought, but it’s like trying to reason with water and convince it not to run downhill; that’s the direction it has always wanted to go. Mawyndule has only provided the opportunity.
Esra in Turin’s cloak is the strongest human Artist since Suri. He has been selected to tutor the prince Nevrik along with Jerish. I totally loved this part of the story. Nevrik is a handful for such a young boy and enjoyed how maneuvered these two into his life. Going to the Avenpartha again was also interesting to see it before the Riyria tales. The reluctant friendship between Esra and Jerish reminded me a lot of another duo I loved.
“You have something on your face.“
“Really?“ The knight wiped a hand over his mouth. “Is it gone?“
Esrahaddon shook his head. “Nope.“
“What is it?“
“I think it’s a smile.“
Jerish frowned.
“Ah, there it goes. You got it that time.“
I always feel a little bad for Turin in these stories as he is so alone in trying to set right previous wrongs. His journey is to counter some events and facilitate others and sometimes the events needed are horrible indeed. Complete series readers know what happened to the city of Percepliquis and now we know why.
Parts of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. Elinya and Esra, in a different time could have had a different life together and I was so sad for their very short time together after realizing the feelings they had for each other. Esra is a hero and a villain, it just depends on which side of the battle you are standing on.
I was sad with where the story ended though. I had anticipated Yolrik and Turin’s conversation and I really would have liked to have that story told. Maybe in the time after Revelations we will see the fruition of that conversation. One can only hope.
I’ve loved all of these stories set in the between years from the Age of Legends to the time of Riyria. Each added a new layer of depth to the overall story. I think one of these days I will do a huge re-read of the entire series again and can’t wait to see all the new things I tease out on my 2nd and 3rd reads of some of the books.
Narration
Al always Time Gerard Reynolds is beyond fantastic in this tale and brings it all to life. I always enjoy his performances in all of Michael J. Sullivan's stories. He always brings the story to life in ways I might not be able to do in my own head and I love it.