A to Z Challenge: R

R = Riyria

Most of you, I'm sure, are wondering what the heck Riyria is. Well, it's a realm. It's also part of a title of a series that I am in LOVE with: The Riyria Revelations. The author is Michael J. Sullivan, one of my favorite contemporary authors.

I discovered his books on a whim, when his wife approached me about getting the first book in the series, The Crown Conspiracy, at a discounted price. I decided to go for it, and have never ever even considered regretting it! I have since read the following five books, with the sixth coming my way in the next few weeks. And I cannot wait. How many teen (and not-so-teen) girls around the country couldn't wait for the release of Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn. That's how excited I am. I am not exaggerating.

You see, The Crown Conspiracy is the book that reacquainted me with my love of reading. It's the book that reminded me why I love to read, and why fantasy is one of my favorite genres. It got me back in touch with my inner book nerd. And I haven't looked back since.

The series gets better and better as it progresses through the books. And that's why I just cannot wait to read the end. (Although, it will be bittersweet, as is often the case at the end of any type of series.) Best of all, this series was picked up by Orbit Books (an imprint of Hachette), making its awesomeness official.

Book Review: The Emerald Storm

The Emerald Storm by Michael J.  Sullivan

Summary: Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing his friend is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his old partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review: This is another excellent installment in The Riyria Revelations series! There is lots of fast-paced action that makes the book hard to put down. I found I liked it even better the second time reading through it, but I don't think it's as good as its predecessors. I'm not sure why - I can't put a finger on what it is. But, it is still VERY good.

I must say that there are things from Royce and Hadrian's past - former jobs they had - that are discussed a lot. I'd LOVE to see Michael give us the WHOLE story in these - perhaps sometime after the current series is done!

Speaking of the current series, this is the first one I find myself wondering if someone who read this first could follow it very well. There is a lot of referencing to previous episodes in this series, and without having read them it might frustrate readers. One example is when Hadrian calls Royce "Esrahaddon" because of something somewhat cryptic he says. But, the first two books in the series are really where we get to know Esrahaddon, and I think that little tidbit (which, I must admit, I LOVED - it cracked me up) could confuse someone who hasn't read them.

But, all of that said, I still enjoyed this book very much! Sullivan is an EXCELLENT author who expertly brings his stories - and characters - to life! I can't wait to see what's coming next!

Source: I had the privilege of editing this book, so I got my hands on it for free. But, that in NO way influences my review, and I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Get your own copy: Purchase a copy of The Emerald Storm through Amazon.

View all my reviews >>