The Riyria Chronicles [WITTY BANTER | EPIC FANTASY | ASSASSINS | THIEVES | MERCENARIES]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Royce Melborn (a cynical ex-assassin) and Hadrian Blackwater (an idealistic ex-mercenary) couldn't be more different from one another, but desperate times makes for strange partnerships and sometimes the best friendships are bound by blood - both theirs and those who dare to oppose them.To date I've written 11 books featuring the duo, but unfortunately, seven of them are licensed to the big-five publisher Hachette Book Group (through their fantasy imprint Orbit).  So, I can only post volumes that I've self-published here on Royal Road.  The good news is that Books #3 - #5 of the Riyria Chronicles are pretty much "standalone" in that you don't need any prior knowledge of my other books to enjoy these.  That said, if you do fall in love with Royce and Hadrian and you want more of their adventures you can find through your favorite bookseller or in your local library.  The traditionally published titles include:

- Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations #1 & #2: contains The Crown Conspiracy & Avempartha)

- Rise of Empire (Riyria Revelations #3 & #4: contains Nyphron Rising & The Emerald Storm)

- Heir of Novron (Riyria Revelations #5 & #6: contains Wintertide & Percepliquis)

- The Crown Tower (Riyria Chronicles #1)

- The Rose and the Thorn (Riyria Chronicles #2)

The free books available here include:

Volume 1: THE DEATH OF DULGATH

Three times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary ex-mercenary and the cynical ex-assassin joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire. Things have gone well enough until they're asked to help prevent a murder. Now they must venture into an ancient corner of the world to save a mysterious woman who knows more about Royce than is safe and cares less about herself than is sane.

Volume 2: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WINTER'S DAUGHTER

A daughter vanishes. Two rogues are paid a fortune to find her. It isn't enough.When Gabriel Winter's daughter mysteriously disappears and is presumed dead, the wealthy whiskey baron seeks revenge. Having lived in Colnora during the infamous Year of Fear, he hires the one man he knows can deliver a bloody retribution - the notorious Duster. Ride with Royce and Hadrian as the cynical ex-assassin and idealistic ex-mercenary travel to a mysterious old-world city filled with nobles claiming descent from the imperial aristocracy. Riyria's job appears easy: discover what happened to the missing duchess and, if she lives, bring her home . . . if not, punish those responsible. But nothing is simple in the crowded, narrow, mist-filled streets of Rochelle, where more than one ancient legend lurks.

Volume 3: DRUMINDOR

He planned to obliterate an entire city. He thought no one could stand in his way. But he hadn’t heard of Riyria.When a master craftsman dwarf is fired and threatens retaliation, the rogues-for-hire enterprise known as Riyria is commissioned to stop him. Traveling to the paradise resort of  Tur Del Fur, the two are granted a lavish allowance that, along with an easy task, promises to turn a job into a vacation. Everything would have been perfect except that the disgruntled worker’s last name is Berling, and the targets of his wrath are the legendary towers of Drumindor.

Information

Status
Completed
Year
2023
Author
MichaelJSullivan

Tags

ACTIONFANTASYADVENTUREMAGICANTI-HERO LEADHISTORICALMALE LEADHIGH FANTASY

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.8/ 5.0
Followers
1,152
Views
379,549

Chapters(101 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

  • JillMareeRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I have been reading/listening to Royce and Hadrian's adventures since I stumbled across a free audible short story about the boys being trapped in the Jester's dungeon. I loved Tim Gerard Reynolds and had been searching for other books narrated by him, and boom - the perfect marriage. I immediately searched out the main series, which was still coming out one book at a time.
    The stories are engaging, endearing, exciting, and so beautifully depicted by Tim.
    The language, grammar, mechanics are if not flawless, true to the dictionary and style intended for each character, and again, Tim's voice and ability to stay true to the tone of each individual character's voice is consistent through the entire series.
    The modular style allows people to start at the chronological beginning or the beginning of the action that moves toward the denouement of the tale,
    The characters... The characters are exposed over time, but just from observing their interaction with each other and the world, we, the readers, feel like we know and understand who they are in a very short time. That doesn't mean there aren't surprises or deep character development over the course of the tales, it's a testament to the authenticity of the dialogue and depictions that open the world up to us so completely.
  • JumblesRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I've listened to the audio book and all his stuff is quality.  Not sure I would recommend starting here.  Publication order is probably best.  Great characters and dialog.  Well fleshed out world and history.  Basically every one of his books adds in different ways to the others.  So much good stuff in his several series.
  • LaufuRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    The Elan-based books have become one of my favorite fantasy series as they are such an enjoyable read.  The works are highly accessible and well-paced but contain cleverly contrivances, interesting metaphors for what is happening in the world today (without ever being preachy), layered in storytelling with incredible continuity, given the complexity.  I highly recommend reading the works twice, the second time after reading his other works.  Each series (and probably all the books) are enjoyable as standalone works, but watching the evolution of the lore's corruption due to centuries of retelling makes you appreciate the detail of Sullivan's writing even more.
  • Trucko0rRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Michael J. Sullivan revived my love of reading and for that I will be forever grateful. As an English Major I was trapped by a massive amount of required readings that ranged from “Kill Me Now”  to Booooring.”
    My wife recommended Riyria to me and while my reading load was already massive, I decided to give them a try. In a week I had finished his first series the Riyria Revelations. Royce and Hadrian are now my shoulder companions reminding me to act with intelligence and honor.  If I’m ever blessed to have another son, his name will be Hadrian.
  • [email protected]Royal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    The world Sullivan has built has grabbed my attention right from the very first moment I first read a book from the world of Elan and it hasn't let go since! The characters are always well developed, and he does a good job of bringing them all to life. The stories are always gripping, and it's hard to put them down!
  • kwagonRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Michael J. Sullivan has become one of my favorite authors. I have listened and read all the Elan books with Riyria Chronicles being my favorite. His character building is wonderful and the dialogue between them so enjoyable. The storylines and attention to detail lead me back to reading them over and over.
  • mehiggsRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    My new favorite author!
    Travel for my job, I have listened all of Michael's book's (Tim Gerard Reynolds, as narrator -- is fantastic also)
    Always sad when the stories end -- I never want them to stop, great characters that you root for and form a bond.
    Hopefully they keep coming!!! (hint hint  :)
  • nicklez2020Royal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Big Fan of all things Ryira Chrinicles and Michael J Sullivan.  These shorts do a great job extending the connection with the characters and building the backstory in the world of Elan!
    Worth the read as you get to know all of the robust characters in the world.  All hero’s face inner turmoil and these shorts really help to dig into that for our favorites.
  • sbsliderRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    My favorite fantasy series of all time! The adventures of Royce and Hadrian have everything a fantasy reader could ask for.  I began with Revelations and just completed the Rise and Fall series. After Drumimdor is released I plan to read them all again. I hope Michael Sullivan will keep writing these books. I will keep reading them as long as their available.
  • trifoldcubeRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    As the title states these are some of my favorite books. This is due to a list of things. Notably, however, are the characters. They, especially the main characters, are some of the most intriguing and lifelike characters I've read.
    Another thing of note is how interconnected the story is. Every plot points feels important as nothing is done for the sake of it, as it has effect on the remainder of the story.
    I cannot fathom why this story is on here. It feels out of place to have such quality available for free.
    Do note:
    I've read the published books, not on royal road.