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A review by mknopp1701
The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan
4.0
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.