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

5.0

The Rose and the Thorn is the second book in the Riyria Chronicles and retells and expands the story of the boy who saved young Princess Arista’s life and the time Gwen was beaten by a powerful nobleman. Royce and Hadrian return to Medford to visit Gwen, the woman who took them in and saved their lives a year ago. But when she refuses to see them, Royce is determined to find out why and seeks vengeance on her behalf. Meanwhile, Reuben Hilfred is a young castle guard with a crush on the princess who stumbles upon a conspiracy to kill the royal family.

This is a very emotional entry into the series as it features some tragic figures in the Riyria story (whether it be here in this book or future events). I thought Reuben was the star of this book. We know him to be Arista’s lovestruck bodyguard in Riyria Revelations, but we learn here just how he came to his position, rising from being just bastard child of a royal guard. We see his struggles, his kindness, his dedication to the royal family, and his unrequited love of Princess Arista. It’s kind of devastating knowing how his story eventually ends.

Here, we finally see the dark and broken man Royce was before he was ultimately softened by his association with Hadrian and Gwen. He is given the chance to show just how despicable and cruel he can be when someone crosses him or those he cannot admit he cares for. And as for his interactions with Hadrian, the banter and humor shines through like always.

The Rose and the Thorn is my favorite entry in the Riyria Chronicles so far.