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bookingonsunshine 's review for:
The Rose and the Thorn
by Michael J. Sullivan
4.25/5. Yesterday I finished 'The Rose and the Thorn' and I have a bittersweet feeling. I am happy because I loved the book; but sad because now I only have 2 books left from the Riyria universe. And after 8 books and until Drumindor gets published it already feels like saying goodbye to an old friend.
The Rose and the Thorn is the second book of The Riyria Chronicles, prequel series to The Riyria Revelations. The story follows Hadrian and Royce as they try to find out what happened to their friend Gwen. In doing so, they will find themselves in the middle of a conspirancy that may be more dangerous than they first anticipated.
I think this book is darker than the others and different in terms of pace - most of the action takes place in just a couple of days. The first half is a bit slower, building the characters and setting their inner conflicts, whereas the second has more action. I loved the balance between both parts and, as in all Sullivan's novels, everything wrapped up so nicely.
There was a lot of foreshadowing in the novel and I really enjoyed how some characters that interacted a lot in the Riyria Revelations were so close to meet each other in this story, which takes place around 10 years prior. It is as if destiny was already setting things in motion. We could also see how some key events that are mentioned in the Revelations actually unfolded and get to see how Riyria is born - it is so epic!
Although I would have liked to see more Hadrian and Royce's interactions, I felt the story was incredible and had very interesting themes, such as love, ambition or revenge. The characters were amazing, with a well defined arc. We get to see Hadrian's self doubts, Royce's violence and first hints of a willingness to change, Gwen's kindness and Hilfred's unyielding loyalty.
All in all, this book was amazing to know in depth some key events of the Riyria series and have a better understanding of the characters. I can't wait to read the next one!
The Rose and the Thorn is the second book of The Riyria Chronicles, prequel series to The Riyria Revelations. The story follows Hadrian and Royce as they try to find out what happened to their friend Gwen. In doing so, they will find themselves in the middle of a conspirancy that may be more dangerous than they first anticipated.
I think this book is darker than the others and different in terms of pace - most of the action takes place in just a couple of days. The first half is a bit slower, building the characters and setting their inner conflicts, whereas the second has more action. I loved the balance between both parts and, as in all Sullivan's novels, everything wrapped up so nicely.
There was a lot of foreshadowing in the novel and I really enjoyed how some characters that interacted a lot in the Riyria Revelations were so close to meet each other in this story, which takes place around 10 years prior. It is as if destiny was already setting things in motion. We could also see how some key events that are mentioned in the Revelations actually unfolded and get to see how Riyria is born - it is so epic!
Although I would have liked to see more Hadrian and Royce's interactions, I felt the story was incredible and had very interesting themes, such as love, ambition or revenge. The characters were amazing, with a well defined arc. We get to see Hadrian's self doubts, Royce's violence and first hints of a willingness to change, Gwen's kindness and Hilfred's unyielding loyalty.
All in all, this book was amazing to know in depth some key events of the Riyria series and have a better understanding of the characters. I can't wait to read the next one!