Theft of Swords

Riyria Revelations, Volume 1

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Acclaimed author Michael J. Sullivan created instant best sellers with his spellbinding Riyria Revelations series. This first volume introduces Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two enterprising thieves who end up running for their lives when they’re framed for the death of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy bigger than they can imagine, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery - before it’s too late.

Theft of Swords contains The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha, books 1 and 2 of Riyria Revelations.

©2011 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

Not great writing, but a fun read

This is the beginning of a saga set in a fairly typical fantasy world - although there are a couple of surprises. Magic is shunned, and elves are both the enemy and a despised underclass. The two main characters are a pair of rogues who hire themselves out to nobles for odd jobs that nobody else can do. There's a real sense of camaraderie between them, as well as a constant but restrained sense of humor throughout the books.

This audiobook is really two books in one. The first book has a simple, predictable plot with overpowered main characters and two-dimensional villains...but it gets better. The second book picks up where the first left off, and now it really begins to shine. Details from the first book that seemed unimportant or incongruous come back and take on new meaning. The characters from the first book get more back story and personality. While I never quite lost the idea that I was listening to someone's RPG campaign, I ended up enjoying myself quite a lot. It's no grand literature, but what it is isn't bad - a bit like how fast food can hit the spot, but will never replace a fine meal.

Fun

What made the experience of listening to Theft of Swords the most enjoyable?

The story is amazing. It blends a fast paced story with action, humor and political intrigue. Tim Reynolds does a superb job of drawing you into the story.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I recommend highly! (Big fan of George RR Marin and History books)

Fun Adventure

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to a friend because it is a good story and the characters are ones that you can enjoy. There is enough comic relief that it doesn't become to dry and you can actually like the characters. It was a fun listen.

What other book might you compare Theft of Swords to and why?

Any classic thief become hero's book.

What does Tim Gerard Reynolds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does a good job fleshing out the characters and adding nuances that you wouldn't get from reading the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Swashbuckling adventure

Any additional comments?

As an avid listener of books, I enjoyed this one a lot more than I did other ones, it doesn't take long to get into it and you can guess the bad guys but the writer has done such a good job that it really doesn't matter. I look forward to audible getting the next book or books in the series.

Great Fantasy Read!

This omnibus version was terrific. The writing is fast-paced, the dialogue fun and witty, and the characters drew me into the story from the first page. There was more than enough pathos to balance the humor, and I can hardly wait to listen to Rise of Empire. Tim Gerard Reynolds did a great job with the narration, although a few of the character's voices were so close in tone I lost who was speaking for a moment or two. On the whole, a great fantasy read!

The Jester Daily Deal Sucked Me In to my delight!

The Jester and the Theft of Swords by Michael J Sullivan

Ah, a lovely romp through the mind of fantasy writer Michael J Sullivan is a new guilty pleasure. Again, Audible sucked me in with an inexpensive free short story. Once addicted, I moved on to book one of his Riyria Revelations. Michael hit the reading world through self-publishing. Someone figured out that his wonderful series was strong enough for the ‘real world’ *cough, cough*.

I can’t be more delighted. The Jester is a short story that proved to be an excellent hook. It is witty, clever, enjoyable, and the world emerges as a rich tapestry without the boring pages and pages of set up. Thank you for that Michael.

In the short story, The Jester, his male duo of thieves ends up in deep shit, which is a common enough problem for them. The interaction between the warrior with the kind heart and the rascal thief who is heartless (yeah, I didn’t buy that as he is too easily persuadable) is humorous and they are a perfect foil for each other. Faced with a Lady or the Tiger decision, they do manage to survive to steal another day.

Equally strong is his development of his female characters, which take a stronger role in the first Riyria Revelations series. Theft of Swords was a 100 best library recommended book in 2012 when his stories went main stream.

Funny and heartwarming and yes, warmed over LOTR tripe, but 100% enjoyable!

Do yourself a favor and listen to these books!

I just went back and listened to the entire series again (something I almost never do) after the Riyria Chronicles came out. I'm so glad I did! I had forgotten what a treat these characters were. I had also forgotten how sorry I was after it was over. You know something is good when you mourn the loss of the characters in your daily life.

Enough people have given a synopsis of the books, so I'll skip that part. I'll just say if you're on the fence about whether or not to buy these books, don't be. You'll drive further or sit longer at your desk (I listen to books while editing photos) because these stories are like visiting with wonderful old friends. You never want them to go home.

If you've had a bad experience with fantasy, don't worry, you'll be fine with these books. The story and the characters will carry you straight through any willing suspension of disbelief you need during the process. And Tim Gerard Reynolds is superb at rendering the different voices. I would recognize Royce and Hadrian anywhere, just by hearing them speak.

A note to Michael J. Sullivan: More please!

I'm hooked

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the characters- the humor- and storyline. It's creative, suspenseful and lots of mystery. The narrator makes the book come alive. Highly recommend!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like both Hadren and Royce!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

One week- I have a hour commute twice a day. This book makes traffic ok!

A good read - well narrated

This was a good book with a well thought out plot, interesting and like-able characters, and terrific narration.

Great Story

The opening few chapters kind of threw me a bit and I thought I would not like the story but I was wrong, just finished the third book and really enjoyed the whole thing, well worth the time.

I am so glad I gave this series a chance

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Highly I would not only recommend this series but I would pester them to read/listen to this series.

What did you like best about this story?

The friendship between Hadrian and Royce the two main characters. As the stories go on you really get involved with them and really start to care about them. Mr. Sullivan really knows how to write a good book. I laughed and I cried and you will become emotionally invested in these characters not just the main characters either. I loved the 1st book but it even gets better in book 2 (which is included).

Have you listened to any of Tim Gerard Reynolds’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this was my first and I do so he does a great narration. Every character has their own voice and he does remarkably well female characters. He really makes them come alive.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't know....just you have to see this movie? It would have to be a few movies as they could not fit it all in without ruining the story.

Any additional comments?

I have really added this my series to my all time favorites. One thing to note there are 6 books in this series audible releases them 2 books per purchase but they do have a ending to each book so if you read one out of order it would still have a conclusion that would not feel like you where missing something.